Stuart Wilson

Jackie Ferguson, celebrated for scoring Ayr United’s historic winning goal against Rangers in 1969 and the club’s first top‑flight goal after promotion, has died following a battle with dementia. Signed by Ally MacLeod, he became a key figure in one of the club’s greatest eras and was fondly remembered alongside teammate Cutty Young. Ferguson was also recognised for his contributions to Airdrie, earning a place on their greatest‑ever shortlist in 2020. Ayr United also recently mourned the death of former striker Mike Larnach, known for prolific spells with Clydebank and a later move to Newcastle United.

Ayrshire Cancer Support and Ayrshire Hospice received more than £3,000 raised through charity brochures for the upcoming Miss GB Ayrshire grand final in Troon. Pageant director Kay Morgan presented the donation alongside finalists, citing personal ties to the charities and praising local business support. Preparations continue for the June 27 event, which will crown three Ayrshire queens and highlight community engagement.

Ayrshire Business Week 2026 will run from 28 September to 2 October, offering keynote talks, learning sessions, networking events and the region’s largest B2B exhibition. The programme includes contributions from leading entrepreneurs, economic updates from the Bank of England and trade insights from the British Chambers of Commerce. Events span venues across Ayrshire, concluding with the Ayrshire Business Awards at Ayr Racecourse, celebrating innovation and excellence across the regional business community.

Strike action at Prestwick Airport was averted after Unite secured an enhanced pay deal for more than 400 workers, raising wages by up to eight percent, adding an extra day of annual leave, and improving shift payments and pension contributions. The agreement, backdated to April 1, guarantees the real living wage for all permanent staff. Unite leaders praised the deal as a significant improvement in pay and conditions, while noting continued efforts to strengthen recognition for shift work and worker flexibility.

Harry Stone has returned to Ayr United on loan from Hearts, saying the decision was straightforward after discussions with manager Gary Naysmith about the club’s renewed culture and ambitions. Despite a difficult first loan spell marked by inconsistency and pressure, Stone believes he is returning as a more experienced and resilient goalkeeper, noting over 100 senior appearances and improved confidence. He aims to build on past positives, reunite with goalkeeper coach Timmo, and contribute to the club’s progress in the upcoming season.

SCRAN, a takeaway business rebuilt after the 2021 Troon Station fire, has thrived through a partnership with Troon Football Club that provided space and support during its recovery. Led by Kyle Smith and Pam Main, the business grew through community backing and social media engagement, becoming a local food destination at Portland Park. Club officials credit the partnership with strengthening community involvement, while SCRAN continues expanding its offerings, including its new Scottish spice bag promoted ahead of the World Cup.

Stagecoach temporarily renamed its fully electric number 11 bus route as “Steve Clarke’s 11” to honour the Scotland manager during the nation’s World Cup campaign. The route connects key locations from Clarke’s career, including Kilmarnock and his hometown of Saltcoats. The gesture recognises his role in leading Scotland to its first World Cup in 28 years. Stagecoach’s Fraser Smith expressed pride in celebrating Clarke’s achievements as supporters prepare for the tournament.

John Swinney condemned protests in Ayr, Glasgow and Edinburgh that followed the Belfast knife attack, calling the gatherings unacceptable and urging a stand against racism and intimidation. The protests were sparked by graphic footage of the Belfast incident, which led to Sudanese national Hadi Alodid being charged with attempted murder and related offences. The victim remains in hospital with severe injuries, and Alodid has been remanded into custody.

Gary Naysmith has reunited with winger Ross Taylor at Ayr United after securing his transfer from Stenhousemuir, following Taylor’s standout 18-goal season and rapid development. Naysmith expressed confidence in Taylor’s attacking qualities and potential to excel at Championship level, while Taylor highlighted his ambition, belief in his ability and enthusiasm for joining a club he views as progressing with strong new signings and clear intent.

Plans have been submitted for an urban wellness club beside Ayr United’s Somerset Park, led by recovery brand Wild Ritual. The project aims to combine elite sports recovery with accessible wellbeing services and includes outdoor saunas, ice baths, movement spaces, a café and community events. Founder Matt Innes positions the development as a first-of-its-kind facility in Scotland, while Ayr United chairman David Smith welcomes its potential year‑round benefits for the club and wider community.

A defibrillator used by Ayr United Football Academy was stolen from a car outside Somerset Park, prompting an appeal for its return. Academy coordinator Andy McInnes stressed its importance for various community health and football groups and urged the thief to reconsider. The device, stored in a rucksack with other items, has never been used but remains vital to the academy’s activities.

Ayr United will rename their North Stand as the Alex Smith Stand in honour of chairman David Smith’s late father, with work finishing ahead of the new season. Club leadership highlighted the importance of family ties and supporter connections in the decision, noting the stand’s recent construction and its role in modernising facilities at Somerset Park.

Ayr United’s Football Academy will run six weeks of themed summer camps across Ayrshire, each named after Scottish football figures or linked to the Tartan Army. Sessions will take place in Prestwick, Ayr, Maybole, Troon and Girvan, with varying prices and one free girls-only camp. Booking is available online.

Ayr United supporters are being encouraged to join the newly launched Ayr United Supporters' Association, which offers low‑cost memberships aimed at improving communication with the club and boosting match attendance. The group plans initiatives including relaunching Panda Pals and hosting a pre‑season Q&A with the new management team. Organisers stress the need for fan involvement to implement ideas generated from a recent survey and highlight strong backing from the club’s ownership and board.

Tony Bryson has been appointed Norwich City’s Academy Scout for Scotland, continuing his current analysis role with Raith Rovers. With extensive coaching experience at youth levels and past work with Ayr United and Morton, he will focus on identifying Scottish talent aged 15 to 19. Bryson highlights Norwich’s strong academy structure and pathway to first‑team football as key strengths of the club.

A Miss GB Ayrshire finalist is hosting a 2000s‑themed fundraising event in Prestwick to support South Ayrshire Women’s Aid and Megan’s Space, two charities that played key roles in her recovery from trauma. She has already raised over £1,000 and uses her online platform to document her healing journey and promote empowerment. Both charities will attend the event to explain how donations support their work as the pageant moves toward its final in June.

Gary Naysmith has taken charge as Ayr United’s new manager, citing the club’s ambition and infrastructure as key reasons for leaving Stenhousemuir after winning promotion with the Warriors. He aims to excite supporters, strengthen the squad quickly and work toward a future push for the Scottish Premiership while acknowledging the need for gradual progress and community support.

Finalists in the Miss Great Britain Ayrshire pageant used a pre-final gathering to donate essential items to Women's Aid branches across the region, reflecting the contest’s focus on community impact. Director Kay Morgan highlighted contestants’ efforts to use their platform for good causes, while sponsor support, led by Haus of Dentistry, emphasized confidence-building and charitable engagement ahead of the June 27 grand final.

Beauty pageant finalist Michelle Howie leads a community initiative, collecting bras for Smalls 4 All and South Ayrshire Women's Aid and gathering prom dresses for local girls through Auchenharvie’s Prom Hub. She coordinates with Stevenston Baby Bundles and North Ayrshire Foodbank to redirect essential baby supplies to families in need. Her efforts support local women and strengthen charitable networks ahead of the Miss GB Ayrshire final.

Ayrshire Cancer Support and Ayrshire Hospice will receive funds from the Miss GB Ayrshire pageant final, where organisers aim to raise more than £3,000 through a commemorative brochure and an online donation link. The event, celebrating contestants across three age categories, has seen strong community support and is promoted as transformative for participants. Local businesses are encouraged to purchase advertising packages, with all proceeds directed to the two charities. The final will take place at Troon Concert Hall with backing from multiple local sponsors.

Ayrshire Cancer Support will host a coffee morning on May 20 to mark the first anniversary of its Ayr Drop-In Centre, which has supported 1,392 visitors over the past year. The centre has provided drop-in assistance, specialist appointments, therapeutic services and group activities for adults, children and young people. Located at the former St Andrews Hotel and renovated by Ashleigh, it features counselling rooms, therapy spaces and dedicated facilities for younger visitors, complementing the charity’s existing Kilmarnock operations.

A 71-year-old social media personality, Ann Marie Harper, is competing in the Classic category of Miss GB Ayrshire after building a large online following through makeup tutorials and videos. Her journey into beauty and social media began later in life after overcoming negative experiences at school, and she has since launched her own eyeshadow palette. As part of the pageant, she is raising funds for the charity CLASP, with the final set to take place in Troon in June and winners progressing to the national Miss Great Britain finals.

VPZ plans to open a new store on Prestwick Main Street as part of its strategy to help adult smokers quit. The retailer highlights rising vaping rates across Great Britain and promotes its £1 starter offer to encourage switching from cigarettes. VPZ emphasises public health benefits, staff training by the National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training, and alignment with the UK Government’s smoke‑free 2030 target while pointing to local smoking levels in South Ayrshire as an opportunity for community engagement.

A Miss Great Britain Ayrshire finalist, Deni Kennedy, has launched Calm Boxes in local schools to support children's mental health and manage anxiety. She aims to use her pageant platform to promote wellbeing and is also participating in Glasgow’s Pretty Muddy Run to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. The Miss GB Ayrshire grand final will take place on June 27 in Troon, with winners progressing to the national competition.