Paul Behan

RAF veterans Mary and John Quick of Prestwick received support from the RAF Benevolent Fund after health and mobility problems, limited finances and serious damp in their home created significant difficulties. The Fund arranged an occupational therapy assessment, paid for essential repairs and provided mobility scooters, a stairlift, a riser recliner chair and help accessing disability benefits. The assistance has improved the couple's independence and quality of life, while the Fund will promote its services as charity partner at the International Ayr Show in September.

John Barrowman will perform My Life in Musicals at Ayr's Gaiety Theatre on October 3 during his autumn UK tour. The concert will celebrate his more than three decades in musical theatre and revisit stories from 23 leading West End and Broadway roles. The tour includes rescheduled dates postponed after the death of his mother, Marion.

Pass rates for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher exams in Scotland have risen, with National 5 and vocational and technical qualifications reaching record levels. The poverty-related attainment gap has narrowed compared with the previous year and 2019. Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown praised students, families and teachers, highlighted the Scottish Government's £1.75 billion investment in the Scottish Attainment Challenge, and promoted free Skills Development Scotland advice on university, college, apprenticeships, work and training options.

East Ayrshire is marking the 240th anniversary of Robert Burns’s 1786 Kilmarnock Edition with exhibitions, events and educational activities across Kilmarnock and Mauchline. The programme at the Dick Institute includes rare Burns artefacts, the Kirk Session Book bearing the signatures of Burns and Jean Armour, and a replica of the printing press used for the collection. Other exhibitions examine printing’s role in the Scottish Enlightenment and Burns’s planned emigration to Jamaica, while schools and young people are being encouraged to engage with poetry, storytelling and printmaking.

An unannounced Care Inspectorate inspection of Glebe House Care Home in Dalmellington found good performance in the setting and staff team, but only adequate performance in leadership, wellbeing support, and planned care. Inspectors praised kind staff and residents who appeared content, while identifying inaccurate care records, insufficient monitoring of nutrition and skin integrity, incomplete wound-care documentation, and continuing medication-administration errors that could place residents at risk. The home, operated by Priory CC151 Limited and registered for up to 44 people, must improve safe, responsive care and the effectiveness of its quality-assurance processes by October 2026.

Kilmarnock-based social care worker Alexander McIlroy was convicted of a sexual offence and threatening or abusive behaviour after restraining, kissing and repeatedly making unwanted sexual remarks and advances toward a colleague during a shift in March 2025. The Scottish Social Services Council determined that the persistent misconduct was fundamentally incompatible with social care work and removed McIlroy from its professional register. He did not engage with the regulator’s investigation.

The Prestwick Town Twinning Association will host delegations from Lichtenfels, Bavaria, and Vandalia, Ohio, from August 3 to 8, 2026, celebrating 50 years of ties with Lichtenfels and 30 years of friendship with Vandalia. The programme includes civic receptions, local tours, cultural performances, a plaque unveiling, visits to heritage sites and sightseeing across Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway. The association says such exchanges strengthen educational and business links and promote friendship between nations.

David Cooper of Barratt Homes and Mark Harris of David Wilson Homes have received NHBC Pride in the Job awards for their work overseeing new-build developments at Lairds Gait in Kilmarnock. The awards recognise high standards in site management, leadership, safety and build quality. Their success contributed to Barratt Redrow winning 122 awards, the most of any UK housebuilder and its 22nd consecutive year leading the national table. The company also received a five-star customer satisfaction rating from the HBF survey.

Troon RNLI held its annual Open Day on Harbour Road on July 18, welcoming locals and visitors to tour the lifeboat station, board the lifeboats and meet volunteer crew, fundraisers and retail volunteers. The event also featured engagement with RNLI water-safety and lifeguard teams and emergency services. Organisers thanked attendees, donors and volunteers, noting that public generosity supports the charity’s lifesaving work and that preparations for next year’s Open Day will begin after a short break.

Ayr SNP MSP Siobhian Brown visited GE Aerospace’s Prestwick maintenance, repair and overhaul facility, which employs more than 800 people. She praised the company’s apprenticeship programmes and partnership with Ayrshire College for helping local people gain engineering and technical skills, practical experience and qualifications. GE Aerospace representatives Andrew Prow and Douglas Hill discussed how apprentices are supported throughout their training.

Lesley Moore, a home haemodialysis nurse with NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s John Lynch Renal Unit at University Hospital Crosshouse, has received the Isabella Kimmett Compassionate Care Award. Patients and families praised her empathy, reassurance and commitment to supporting people managing dialysis at home. The award was presented by Jacqueline Thomson, with Nurse Director Jennifer Wilson commending Moore’s exceptional patient-centred care.

Craigie Care Home in Kilmarnock received ‘good’ ratings in three quality indicators and ‘adequate’ ratings in two following an unannounced June inspection by the Care Inspectorate. Inspectors praised warm staff interactions, person-centred care, effective medication management, health support and improved staff morale, while noting that leadership, the environment and quality-assurance systems still required development. The home provides care for up to 21 older people.

A care assistant in Prestwick, Natalie Rae, was removed from the Scottish Social Services Council register after being convicted of embezzling £790.50 from a vulnerable person she supported. The SSSC ruled her conduct showed dishonesty, abuse of trust, and a pattern of premeditated behaviour without remorse. A Removal Order was deemed necessary to protect public confidence in the profession and uphold regulatory standards.

ScottishPower Renewables plans a £1.5 billion repowering of Whitelee Windfarm, aiming to nearly double its capacity to 1 gigawatt through fewer but taller turbines. The project is expected to boost UK energy security, create hundreds of jobs, and deliver substantial supply‑chain opportunities. Local communities across three council areas are set to receive around £5 million annually in benefit funding, with potential shared ownership involvement. Political and company leaders highlighted long‑term economic, environmental, and educational advantages. A planning application is expected in 2027, with full operation anticipated by 2035.

South Ayrshire Council has submitted plans to build a 68,000‑square‑foot aerospace maintenance and repair facility beside Glasgow Prestwick Airport as part of ongoing investment in the region’s aerospace cluster and the Ayrshire Growth Deal. The proposal includes new access roads, parking facilities and a secured perimeter, positioned within an area surrounded by key aviation infrastructure. The development follows recent announcements of major investment in Ryanair’s expanded maintenance operations and additional growth by Woodward Aircraft Engine Systems. A decision on the application is expected in September.

Brodie Engineering plans to expand its workforce by adding apprentices and student placements as part of its ongoing growth in Kilmarnock. The family-run rail engineering firm will take on up to five apprentices in partnership with Ayrshire College and offer placements to undergraduates interested in the industry. The company highlights past successes, including staff who advanced through its training programme, and emphasizes the importance of developing young talent. Growth has accelerated following expansion of facilities and a significant investment by Porterbrook, enabling the firm to double its workforce in two years.

A teenager was airlifted after falling on rocks at Culzean Beach, prompting a response from coastguard teams and a rescue helicopter before being handed to the Scottish Ambulance Service. The report also details a series of recent RNLI callouts in the Ayrshire area involving paddleboarders and a small inflatable boat, highlighting increased coastal activity during good weather. RNLI operations manager Jim Redmond noted the busy start to summer and urged the public to prepare adequately and follow safety guidance when engaging in coastal activities.

Monkton has been reclassified from a village to a town after its population surpassed 1,000, based on new data from Scotland’s Towns Partnership and the Understanding Scottish Places platform. The decision drew criticism from resident Harry Middleditch, who argues the area lacks basic town-level amenities and infrastructure. STP leaders and University of Stirling researchers highlighted the broader value of USP data for understanding community development. Lamlash on the Isle of Arran was also reclassified, contributing to a nationwide increase in recognised towns. South Ayrshire Council has been asked to respond.

Ayrshire Vintage Tractor & Machinery Club will hold its 41st annual rally on July 19 at Whitefordhill Agri-Centre near Ayr, featuring vintage tractors, classic vehicles, machinery displays, trade stands and family activities. Highlights include anniversaries for the Ferguson TE20, FE35 and the Q-Cab, along with ring events such as dancing tractors, a trailer challenge and a tractor parade. Admission is £5 for adults and free for children, with free parking.

Ayrshire and Arran will launch a one-year pilot project to boost international tourism, led by the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce with backing from the region’s three local authorities and VisitScotland. The initiative aims to increase the region’s global visibility through targeted trade events, dedicated travel trade engagement, and a focus on golf-led travel packages for the North American market. If successful, the project may expand into a three‑year programme to strengthen the visitor economy and support local businesses in adapting their offerings for international audiences. Leaders from VisitScotland, the Chamber of Commerce, and local government emphasise the region’s untapped potential and the value of coordinated efforts to drive growth.

Aldi is encouraging Ayrshire charities and community groups to join its surplus food redistribution scheme, which has already donated more than 8.8 million meals this year. Working with the community platform Neighbourly, the supermarket aims to provide over one million additional meals during the school holidays, when food support demand increases. Charity groups can collect near–use-by items from local stores, helping reduce waste and assist families in need. Neighbourly’s CEO urged more groups to sign up, while Aldi continues additional waste‑reduction efforts through its partnership with Company Shop.

A group of volunteers from University Hospital Crosshouse donated £300,000 to NHS Ayrshire & Arran, bringing their total contributions since 2001 to over £5.575 million. Lesley Bowie, Chair of the Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board, praised the volunteers for their longstanding commitment, highlighting their role in supporting patients and enhancing hospital services. Funds raised have supported a range of initiatives, including dementia therapy, surgical equipment, and recovery resources within the stroke unit. The organisation encourages new volunteers to join and continue strengthening community support for hospital care.

Updated national guidance from the Scottish Government encourages schools to impose stronger restrictions on mobile phone use to create calmer classrooms and support improved learning. Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown supports the move, highlighting reduced distraction and better wellbeing for pupils. The guidance recommends developing policies with input from pupils, parents and staff, with exemptions for specific needs. The government plans to consult on legislation to create consistent phone-use rules across Scotland, citing research on the negative impact of excessive mobile use on attention and behaviour.

An unannounced Care Inspectorate review found Bellevue Nursing Home to be operating legally with appropriate policies, strong leadership and a caring environment. Inspectors reported that residents experienced positive wellbeing supported by staff who showed kindness and respect, while relatives expressed confidence in the quality of care. The home was described as clean and welcoming, with minor recommendations made to update laundry practices to align with current guidance.

Residents at Greenan Manor Care Home in Ayrshire took part in a Bee Day featuring beekeeping expert Phil McAnespie, who brought more than 12,000 bees for safe observation. The event included educational activities, themed decorations, and participation from staff across the home. Residents praised the experience, and the care home manager commended the team for creating an enjoyable and informative day. The article also notes Meallmore’s wider care home operations across Scotland.

Approval has been granted for a change of use at an industrial unit in Glencairn, Kilmarnock, allowing Twenty Fore Golf Studio Limited to open a 24/7 golf training centre. The facility, operated by a PGA professional, will include two indoor golf simulators and offer coaching, player development and year‑round practice options. Membership will be capped at 50, with members receiving full 24‑hour access. Council documents highlight the reuse of the existing building as a positive step supporting local sport participation and public health goals.

Plans have been submitted by the Galston Community Development Trust to build two outdoor padel tennis courts on a former MUGA pitch beside the Scottish Paintball Centre. The proposal includes floodlighting, access paths, fencing, storage and automated booking. Supported by Advantage Sports Consultancy, the project aims to address a gap in local sports provision and promote physical and social wellbeing. A decision is expected in August.

Author Alasdair Wham is launching his fifth novel, Life is a Lie, at Waterstones in Ayr and will donate £1 from each book sold to Ayrshire Cancer Support, an organisation that supported him during his prostate cancer treatment. The novel follows protagonist Billy Baxter as he becomes entangled in crime, cooperates with police, and triggers an investigation by retired detective Henry Smith that reveals corruption. Wham, known for writing about Scotland’s disused railways, says writing helps him stay positive during his cancer journey, and Waterstones will also support the event with a fundraising raffle.

Colleagues of the late air traffic control engineer Kieran Clark are cycling 1,000 miles from Land’s End to Sumburgh Airport to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer after Clark died at 38. Riders Rob Thick and Hadley Gibson aim to raise £20,000 for Prostate Cancer UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK. The effort follows teammate Paul Graham’s prostate cancer diagnosis detected through testing prompted by Clark’s illness.

Ayrshire artists are being invited to help complete the final stage of the Alloway Railway Tunnel mural, a community project led by muralist Chris Rutterford. Nearly 3,000 contributors have participated over three years, and organisers now seek painters to create magical creatures and animals for the tunnel’s ceiling and walls. Workshops will be held from August 2 to August 8 at the Burns Cottage Education Pavilion, with participants encouraged to design artwork in advance and attend at any time during scheduled hours.

The King’s Baton Relay for the 2026 Commonwealth Games visited Dumfries House, bringing together students, alumni and the local community for celebrations across the estate. Events included visits to the education garden, performances by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and a community photo on the historic Adam Bridge. Baton bearer Siobhan Mackenzie, designer of the official Games tartan, highlighted the significance of her role. Representatives from The King’s Foundation noted the importance of hosting the baton at an estate restored and shaped under the guidance of King Charles III.

An emaciated five‑year‑old female bulldog cross was found wandering near an Ayrshire farm and taken to a Kilmarnock vet before being transferred to the Scottish SPCA’s Glasgow rescue centre for treatment. With her microchip details out of date, the Scottish SPCA has launched an appeal for information to identify her owner and determine how she came to be in such poor condition.

Ayrshire sheep farmer Cora Cooper received the Sustainability Champion award at the National Women In Agriculture ceremony in London, recognised for her contributions to biodiversity, climate action and nature‑friendly farming. She manages a hill farm using adaptive grazing and peatland restoration while serving as vice chair of NFFN Scotland, which advocates for sustainable agriculture. Supporters praised her leadership and the organisation reiterated its call for stronger policies to help farmers transition to low‑input, environmentally sustainable systems.

An inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education rated The Owl and the Pussycat Nursery in Irvine as very good in wellbeing, inclusion, equality, learning, teaching and assessment, and good in curriculum quality. Inspectors highlighted strong relationships, a high‑quality learning environment and highly engaged children. The report advised further development of digital learning, and the inspector confirmed confidence in the nursery’s ongoing improvement, with North Ayrshire Council to update parents on progress.

Ayr’s Wellington Square unveiled the Field of Heroes installation featuring 130 life‑size silhouettes commemorating Ayrshire individuals who died in the Battle of the Somme, along with eight new figures representing war horses. Opening ceremonies on July 1 brought together civic, national and international representatives, with remembrance services led by local clergy. Visitors can scan QR codes to access personal histories of the fallen, and daily tours by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission will run until July 13. The project aims to honour the sacrifices of First World War soldiers while offering a reflective community space.

Ayrshire Roadrun will showcase vintage commercial vehicles with a static display in Cumnock before a two‑day convoy through Ayrshire, Castle Douglas and Portpatrick, followed by a coastal route toward Ayr. Timings and stops are detailed for spectators, and the event is organised by the Ayrshire Commercial Vintage Vehicle Club.

The 28th Ayrshire (Troon) Scout Group has purchased the Troon Scout Centre and surrounding grounds from South Ayrshire Council, securing long-term stability and enabling future improvements. The acquisition follows a fundraising campaign that generated more than £45,000 with support from residents, businesses, and former Scouts. Ownership will allow the group to access grants for upgrades including accessible facilities and improved accommodation. Leaders expressed gratitude to supporters and outlined plans for repair work and long-term development to enhance the centre for community use.

More than £6.5 million in funding has supported 22 regeneration projects across Cumnock and the Doon Valley, revitalizing former opencast mining communities through environmental improvements, heritage preservation, community hubs, green spaces, and inclusive travel initiatives. East Ayrshire Council leaders toured completed sites that now offer cultural programmes, health and wellbeing facilities, enhanced paths, biodiversity projects, and expanded heritage tourism, with officials highlighting strengthened community bonds and long‑term benefits for local residents.

The Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine is relaunching its Summer Glass Workshops, offering beginner and experienced participants hands-on flameworking sessions led by glassblowing expert Robert McLeod. Running twice weekly from July 1 to August 29 in the Linthouse building, the workshops provide instruction, insight into the endangered craft of scientific glassblowing, and the opportunity to create glass pieces. Priced at £60 and limited to two participants per session, advance booking is encouraged due to high demand.

Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Gregor Smith, visited East Ayrshire Community Hospital to review how Realistic Medicine principles are applied across NHS Ayrshire & Arran. Teams presented projects aimed at reducing harm and waste, improving patient experience and strengthening shared decision-making. Initiatives included cardiology pathway changes, safer medicine returns from care homes, psychological support earlier in treatment and enhanced urgent care models. The visit emphasised collaborative working and the importance of compassionate, person‑centred environments such as the dementia ward’s Forget Me Not Memorial Garden. The hospital’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to delivering high‑value, person‑centred care embedded across services.

An Ayrshire woman, Jill Clancy, lost 8st 6lbs after a knee injury forced her to rethink her lifestyle. Joining a Slimming World group in 2020, she committed fully to the programme, overhauled her diet, eliminated trigger foods, and embraced regular exercise. Her weight loss transformed her health, confidence, and daily habits, leading her to run 10Ks and prepare for a half marathon. She praises Slimming World and her consultant for their support, crediting them with helping her achieve lasting change.

After a knee injury revealed a meniscus tear requiring surgery, Jill Clancy committed to a long-term lifestyle change through Slimming World, ultimately losing 8st 6lbs and transforming her diet, fitness level and confidence. Support from her local group and consultant Emma Allan played a major role as she replaced trigger foods with balanced meals, embraced regular exercise and began training for running events. Her weight loss has restored her mobility, improved her wellbeing and reshaped her outlook on life.

Woodward Aircraft Engine Systems has submitted plans for a 1,900‑square‑metre extension to its facility in Prestwick. The proposal includes additional manufacturing and testing areas, new offices, a redesigned entrance, and associated parking and access works. Planning documents describe the project as a significant investment that supports continued growth within the Prestwick Aerospace Cluster. A decision on the application is pending.

Ayr United manager Gary Naysmith expresses confidence that new signing Kieran Shanks will make a strong impact in the Championship after scoring in a pre-season match. Shanks joins as the club’s fourth summer addition, with midfielder Luke McBeth also arriving from Partick Thistle. Naysmith highlights Shanks’ goal-scoring ability, physicality and improved link-up play, while Peterhead FC offers its support for his move to a higher level.

Communities across Ayrshire gathered at Townhead Park for the inaugural pan‑Ayrshire White Ribbon Cup, a five‑a‑side football tournament designed to promote respect, equality and the prevention of violence against women and girls. The event, delivered through a partnership involving Police Scotland, White Ribbon Scotland and regional Violence Against Women and Girls Partnerships, brought together pupils from every local secondary school and encouraged participants to make the White Ribbon Promise. Organisers highlighted the tournament as an expansion of previous South Ayrshire initiatives and a step toward strengthening collective action against abuse.

A new Pilates studio called ember has opened on Portland Street in Troon, offering reformer, mat Pilates and yoga classes in a calm, contemporary setting. Founded by Lauren Agnew, the studio emphasises personalised instruction and a supportive environment. Ember is also launching corporate wellness programmes aimed at improving employee wellbeing and productivity. An open studio event is scheduled for July 11, inviting the community to explore the space and meet instructors.

Large crowds gathered in Ayr as TK Maxx opened its new store in Ayr Central Shopping Centre, featuring promotional gift card giveaways and an expanded retail space. The store offers major brands at discounted prices, with both TK Maxx and the shopping centre highlighting the opening as a boost to the local retail mix.