Kulsum Shabbir

Two Ayrshire communities, Monkton and Lamlash, have surpassed 1,000 residents and are now classified as towns, according to updated data from the Understanding Scottish Places platform. The research highlights population, housing and economic trends across Scotland, where the number of towns has grown from 479 to 508 over the past decade. Scotland’s Towns Partnership and the University of Stirling, supported by the Scottish Government, expanded the dataset to help local authorities, businesses and community groups understand development patterns and support planning decisions.

A vintage and vinyl market will return to Ayr’s Cutty Sark Centre on August 22, offering records, vintage clothing, homeware, jewellery and collectibles from ten vendors. The free event welcomes families, music fans and vintage enthusiasts.

Bearing Gifts in Troon was named Best Independent Retailer of Greeting Cards – Scotland at the Retas 2026 Awards in London. Owner Gayle Henderson described the recognition as a major honour, while organiser Jakki Brown praised the winners’ role in sustaining the UK’s strong greeting card sector. The shop was selected through industry and self-nominations amid a market where UK consumers spent over £1.5 billion on greeting cards last year.

A comedy night featuring stand-up by Victoria Rose and live tarot readings by psychic Gemma Collins is scheduled at Glasgow’s Britannia Panopticon Music Hall on July 29. The event blends risqué comedy with spontaneous, unscripted readings. Tickets cost £23.77, and doors open at 6:45 p.m.

Redevelopment plans for Ayr’s Burns Statue Square include new greenery, seating and a refreshed layout reflecting Robert Burns’ connection to nature. The project, developed by Ayrshire Roads Alliance for South Ayrshire Council, would also involve local primary schools designing sculptures inspired by animals from Burns’ poetry. Supporters, including councillor Alec Clark and Ayr Burns Club president Lorimer Headley, highlight the initiative’s cultural and educational value. Results of public engagement on the proposed redesigns will be released later in the year.

Tom Campbell helped the Great Britain over-70s basketball team retain their European title in Athens, contributing key points in the semifinal despite an early injury and supporting the final win through rebounds and assists. A former teacher and successful coach with Troon Tornadoes and Scotland’s national teams, he is set for induction into the BasketballScotland Hall of Fame.