'Community News'
GAUCHALLAND EAST COMMUNITY GARDENS OPEN
Provost Stephanie Young recently opened the Gauchalland East Community Gardens in Galston, a project…
East Ayrshire Council has joined the Support Our Soldiers (SOS) campaign by providing collection poi…
LEARNING DISABILITY AWARENESS WEEK A GREAT SUCCESS
The organising committee of Learning Disability Awareness Week 2008 has vowed to build on the succes…
East Ayrshire Council is joining the Support Our Soldiers (SOS) campaign by providing collection poi…
OFFICIAL OPENING OF YOUTH STRATEGY ALTONHILL BASE
Councillor Iain Linton, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, was delighted to open the new Youth Stra…
Council opposes Post Office Proposal
East Ayrshire Council was very concerned to hear that the recently published Post Office Ltd's Area …
Spaces are still available for walkers and runners to participate in the River Ayr Way Challenge on …
Lucky children in four East Ayrshire schools had the opportunity to work with an internationally-rec…
WOODROAD PARK FUNDAY ? SATURDAY 19TH JULY
The Woodroad Park Regeneration Group are holding a fantastic funday on Saturday 19th July at Woodroa…
Strathclyde Joint Police Board is looking for responsible members of the community willing to carry
At the recent meeting of East Ayrshire Council a decision was taken to introduce a Corporate Enforce…
PARK SCHOOL CELEBRATES ITS LIFE
Provost Stephanie Young was delighted to attend a celebration of Park School's 85-year life recently…
South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan hosted a special ’Tea at 3’ tea party, within the County Buildings in Ayr, in aid of the Ayrshire Hospice.
EAST AYRSHIRE REGENERATION UPDATES
A wide range of exciting projects are currently being progressed by the Council and the Community Pl...
The programme for Scotland's Year of Homecoming 2009 has recently been announced and there are plent...
BID FOR CUMNOCK TO BECOME PART OF CONSERVATION AREA REGENERATION SCHEME
East Ayrshire Council is set to submit a bid to Historic Scotland for grant assistance to establish ...
The November 2007 Concordat agreed between COSLA and the Scottish Government set out a new relations...
ANOTHER YEAR FOR THE YOUTH MUSIC INITIATIVE
The Youth Music Initiative in East Ayrshire is set to continue for another year following the succes...
An innovative maths initiative based on the day to day running of the Burns Mall in Kilmarnock was l...
FIFTH TENANTS' CONFERENCE A GREAT SUCCESS
East Ayrshire Council held its fifth Annual Tenants' Conference earlier this month in the Park Hotel...
The National Fraud Initiative (NFI), which was introduced in Scotland in 2004, is part of the statut...
The New Farm Loch Parenting Support Group, supported by East Ayrshire Council's Community Learning a...
CUMNOCK AND DOON VALLEY ACCESS PANEL
Provost Stephanie Young was delighted to attend the Cumnock and Doon Valley Access Panel, which was ...
EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL REDUCES CHARGES FOR PEST CONTROL
In response to customer feedback, East Ayrshire Council has taken the unprecedented step of reducing...
FAIRER SCOTLAND FUND: ADDITIONAL POLICE RESOURCES
As part of its Fairer Scotland Fund Programme, East Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership Board ag...
Housewarming at Berryknowe Care Home Auchinleck
Provost Stephanie Young was joined by Councillors Kathy Morrice and John MacKay, Spokespersons for C...
OPENING OF CUMNOCK TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION PROJECT OFFICE
The first of a series of significant visible advancements in the development of the Cumnock Town Cen...
Provost enjoys Moscow Community BBQ
Provost Stephanie Young recently attended the Moscow Community Hall Committee's annual BBQ at Berryh...
PROVOST RECOGNISES TAPESTRY VETERANS
Provost Stephanie Young accompanied by the Chief Executive, Fiona Lees recently visited the Dean Cas...
East Ayrshire Council has made a firm commitment to address the problem of seagulls within the town ...
The art gallery paid a visit to local schools recently in the form of 'Art in a Bus', a travelling
AUCHINLECK ACADEMY WIN READERS' CUP
The fourth annual inter-schools final of the Readers' Cup Quiz was held at Cumnock Academy recently
DUNLOP PRIMARY CROWNED CHAMPIONS
For the first time, Dunlop Primary School were crowned champions of this year's Primary School Sport
EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL MARKS TA100
East Ayrshire Council was very pleased to mark TA100, which was launched earlier this year by Her
GALSTON NURSERY'S FAREWELL OPEN DAY
To celebrate decades of Galston Nursery School and to bid a final farewell to the original building
GRANGE BIDS FAREWELL WITH OPEN MORNING
A special open morning will be held at Grange Academy on Saturday 21 June before the school is
South by South West ? The Story of Art in South West Scotland opened its doors for the first tim
THE WAY AHEAD FOR TOURISM IN EAST AYRSHIRE
East Ayrshire Council has produced an Action Plan for tourism which outlines the Council's
KILMARNOCK VIADUCT FLOODLIGHTING PROJECT
With contractors now on site it won't be long until the viaduct arches are spectacularly lit up in a
PICK A PARK COMES TO WOODROAD PARK
East Ayrshire Council invites local groups, businesses and individuals to join in a litter clean up
CUMNOCK TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION PROJECT
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council is pleased to announce that substantial progress has ...
Darvel Music Festival'Weekender' ? September 2008
The Darvel 'Weekender' will run from 26 to 28 September at Darvel Town Hall.
The first conc...
HandsOnScotland WEBSITE IS ONE YEAR OLD
The HandsOnScotland website was one year old on 6 June 2008. Over the past year there have been over...
LEARNING DISABILITY AWARENESS WEEK
Learning Disability Awareness Week will run from 16 to 22 June this year with the theme of 'celebrat...
Newmilns Children are Winners of National Competition
Children from Newmilns had their imaginations running wild when they recently took part in a nationa...
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council and Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Environ...
THE WAY AHEAD FOR TOURISM IN EAST AYRSHIRE
East Ayrshire Council has produced an Action Plan for tourism which outlines the Council's ambition ...
TRAVELLING IN EAST AYRSHIRE TO BE IMPROVED
The Council's Cabinet recently discussed the current status of transport issues in East Ayrshire and...
KILMARNOCK'S UNSUNG HERO OF WATERLOO
A young boy's research into his own local hero has made him a bit of a hero in someone else's eyes.<...
PROVOST FORMALLY RE-OPENS BALMORAL KNITWEAR MILL CAR PARK
East Ayrshire Provost Stephanie Young visited Balmoral Knitwear recently to formally re-open the Bal...
River Ayr Walking Festival and Wheel Music Festival
The River Ayr Way Walking Festival will take place on the 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th June. There are a ...
EXCELLENCE AWARDS CEREMONY ? RECOGNISING SUCCESS 2008
East Ayrshire Council will be hosting the annual Excellence Awards Ceremony on Thursday 30 October 2...
East Ayrshire Council's Leisure Development's Play & Activity Motivator (Early Years) has been encou...
RUBY'S AYRSHIRE HOSPICE 5K AND FAMILY FUN DAY
SUNDAY 8 JUNE 2008
DEAN CASTLE COUNTRY PARK, KILMARNOCK
Ruby's Ayrshire Hospice Run sta...
Football And Golf Helping To Reduce Youth Disorder
Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown Community Council has supported a South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership initiative to reduce youth disorder in Rozelle and surrounding areas.
New Prestwick Academy Nearing Completion
The new Prestwick Academy will cost £25.6 million pounds and is a key element of South Ayrshire Council’s ambitious £76 m illion Public Private Partnership School building initiative.
Young Golfers Get In The Swing On Belleisle Golf Course
Five young people have successfully completed an eight week golf coaching initiative, designed to encourage them to use their leisure time constructively and to learn the rules and regulations of golf.
Provost Welcomes Tom Watson To South Ayrshire
South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan welcomed Tom Watson to South Ayrshire at the 2008 Senior Open Championship that is taking place at the world famous Royal Troon links golf course.
Strathclyde Senior Volunteer Award Winner
Callum Stewart, who is a member of Troon Youth Centre, was named as Strathclyde Senior Volunteer Award winner by Strathclyde Youth at a special awards ceremony held within the City Chambers, Glasgow.
Residents of South Ayrshire Council’s Sheltered Housing Unit at Arcon Court in Mossblown, along with their invited guests, enjoyed a summer garden party to celebrate being awarded funding by ’Awards for All’.
Justice Secretary Visits The Oval At Prestwick
Kenny MacAskill, Cabinet Secretary for Justice, visited the Oval in Prestwick to see how a youth initiative is working to help curb youth disorder.
South Ayrshire Council’s Trading Standards and Environmental Health Services have received a Gold Award from the International Federation of Spirit Producers (IFSP)
Councillor Margaret Toner, Depute Leader of South Ayrshire Council and Portfolio Holder for Community Services joined a very special couple, Audrey Vallance aged 53 and John Vallance aged 55, to mark the couples 25 years of fostering children.
New Taxi And Private Hire Standards
Following an extensive consultation process with the local Taxi Forum and operators the Policy, Guidelines and Code of practice for the Licensing, Operation and Testing of taxis and private hire vehicles in South Ayrshire has been updated.
South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership is once again working to make the Esplanade in Ayr a safe place which can be enjoyed by both visitors and residents.
New Panel South Ayrshire Children’s Panel Members
New members of the South Ayrshire Children’s Panel have successfully completed their pre service training programme.
Tackling Antisocial Behaviour At The Oval In Prestwick
Five weeks of varied activities at the Oval in Prestwick, all designed to tackle antisocial behaviour in and around the area, were brought to a close with a 7-a-side football tournament.
The British Army’s Scotland wide Pipers’ Trail will be in Ayr on Thursday 17 July 2008 when they will be delighting the town with the sound of their bagpipes.
Sheltered Housing Residents Of Troon And Dundonald Unite
Over 100 residents from South Ayrshire Council sheltered housing units in Dundonald and Troon gathered at the South Beach Hotel in Troon for lunch and a lot more.
Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs Coming To The Gaiety Theatre
It may be summertime but already arrangements are being put in place for a spectacular pantomime, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs, that will be staged at the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr later this year.
The launch of the South Ayrshire Youth Strategy Investing in Young People was launched at Ayr Town Hall. Master of Ceremonies for the event was Erin Norris the Chair of South Ayrshire’s Youth Forum.
Provost’s Medal Presented To Dr James A Begg MBE
South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan hosted a Civic Reception to mark the opening of the Ayrshire Coastal Paths, but an unsuspecting guest got the surprise of his life when the Provost presented him with something very special.
Age Is Insignificant At Morrison Gardens
Residents from Morrison Gardens in Ayr have been breaking down generation barriers and working with people of all ages across the community as part of the South Ayrshire Help Unit Generations (HUG) network.
Members of South Ayrshire Council’s Leadership Panel have approved the establishment of a Limited Liability Partnership to progress the Ayr Renaissance project and turn the vision into a reality.
At 31 May 2008 South Ayrshire Council had a Council Tax collection rate of 10.95% which was above the previously set target of 10.77%.
Heritage Lottery Funding Boost For Burns Museum
The new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, that will be located in Alloway in South Ayrshire, is one step closer, thanks to £5.8 million pounds of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF).
Improving Services Improving The Environment
South Ayrshire Council has an enviable record in recycling and composting and is already meeting the 2010 recycling target set by the Scottish Government, two years ahead of schedule.
South Ayrshire Council is applying to the Scottish Arts Council for funding to assist in the creation of a post of Senior Cultural Co-ordinator for an initial period of one year.
Members of South Ayrshire Council’s Leadership Panel have been focusing on the progress being made on the Fundamental Review of the School Estate and in particular on the future of Whitletts Primary School.
School Holiday Arrangements 2009/10
South Ayrshire Council has now approved the school holiday for the academic year 2009/10.
Spotlight On South Ayrshire Homecoming 20009
South Ayrshire Council is committed to Homecoming Scotland 2009. It has already been successful in securing the first Signature Event, that will be hosted by the First Minister Alex Salmond, in Alloway over the weekend of 24 and 25 January 2009.
New And Upgraded Straiton Paths Network Opened
A special community celebration took place in Straiton to mark the completion of the upgrading of the Straiton Paths network and the addition of some new paths and wooden sculptures.
Belmont Academy Join In National Bike Week
In celebration of National Bike Week, a bike clinic was held for the students and employees at Belmont Academy.
Celebrating Achievements Of The Friends Of The Gaiety
South Ayrshire Council’s County Hall was the venue for a very special audience when Provost Winifred Sloan hosted a Civic Reception for the Friends of the Gaiety Theatre, Johnny Beattie, The Alexander Brothers and Anne Fields.
Celebrating National Bike Week
Some South Ayrshire Council pupils who will soon be moving from their primary schools to Belmont Academy have celebrated National Bike Week by cycling from their current schools to their new one.
Mancini’s Royal Cafe in Ayr has won several awards at a prestigious national ice cream competition, to mark their achievement South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan presented the company with a Quaich.
South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan looked cooler than usual when she showed her support for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Shades Day on 20 June 2008 by wearing her favourite sunglasses.
Queen Margaret Academy Dancers
Dancing is a very popular pastime with people of all ages and the thriving dance club in Queen Margaret Academy shows that many of their students are keen to learn how to dance, or to improve their existing skills.
Seaside Award Flown With Pride
Once again South Ayrshire Council has been given a Seaside Award by Keep Scotland Beautiful for the standard of South Ayr beach.
First Minister Alex Salmond unveiled the nationwide programme of celebration for Homecoming Scotland 2009 that has been inspired by the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s national Bard, Robert Burns.
Monkton Primary School Officially Opened
The new Monkton Primary School, that cost £4.97 million pounds and was built as part of South Ayrshire Council’s ambitious £76 million Public Private Partnership (PPP) project, has been officially opened.
Marr Pupils ’Bin It To Win It’
Marr College pupils want to keep their school looking good so they are taking part in a ‘Bin It To Win It’ initiative to rid the school of litter. They decided to start as they mean to go on by taking part in a litter pick in the school grounds.
Prestwick Oval Environmental Clean Up
The Oval in Prestwick is looking better than ever thanks to a group of local volunteers that have been working hard to improve the area.
With the cost of fuel causing so much concern, South Ayrshire Trading Standards is reassuring motorists that they are getting fair measure when they fill up locally.
Retailers told to do better on Proof of Age
South Ayrshire Trading Standards this week described their latest test purchasing results as ‘appalling’ and have told local retailers they need to do much better.
Save Energy in the Home - Calendar Competition
South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan presented the winners of the Energy Agency 2009 Calendar Competition Awards with prizes and the runners up with certificates at a ceremony within the County Buildings in Ayr.
South Ayrshire History Fair 2008
The annual South Ayrshire History Fair, that took place in the Walker Halls in Troon, once again attracted local people and many visitors to the town who were keen to find out more about a range of historical matters
Pupils get on their Dancing Shoes
South Ayrshire Council has launched Phase 2 of the Active Schools Network in South Ayrshire
Auditors optimistic over Council renewed sense of purpose
South Ayrshire Council has received a welcome boost from Audit Scotland, who have commented that Council’s performance and management is showing a new sense of optimism and purpose which is driving business forwards.
South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership has funded the purchase of four bicycles, one for each of the Campus Police Officers who work in Ayr Academy, Belmont Academy, Kyle Academy and Marr College.
Council Tax Collection Rate Continues to Rise
At 30 April 2008 South Ayrshire Council has a Council Tax collection rate of 1.47% that is above the set target of 1.34%.
Fostering, Adoption and Shared Care Services Allowances
The allowances paid to people who provide vital fostering, adoption and shared care for young people within communities in South Ayrshire have been increased as from April 2008.
Sailwest Project will attract Sailors to South Ayrshire
Members of South Ayrshire Council’s Leadership Panel have agreed to the submission of a funding application to the Sailwest Project, which could lead to the economy of South Ayrshire being boosted by three exciting maritime projects.
Update on Housing and Council Tax Benefit
Members of South Ayrshire Council’s Leadership Panel have received an update from Officers on the service improvements being undertaken to help the Council meet national standards for housing and Council Tax benefits.
New cervical cancer immunisation programme.
New proposals to reform and streamline Scotland's children's hearings system.
Top priority for fighting killer diseases
Consultation begins on how best to tackle heart disease and stroke.
Licensing scheme for knife dealers
Proposals to make dealers record details of weapons sold and who bought them.
Minister criticises fuel price rises
Communities Minister describes price rises in gas and electricity as 'shameful'.
Population to be classified by a new way of recording data in official statistics.
NHS Quality Improvement Scotland Board
Non-executive member appointment.
Public Transport Users’ Committee for Scotland
New member appointment.
Innovative projects receive investment.
Funding for frontline policing
Justice Secretary joins the frontline with police in Falkirk.
£95 million emergency care centre to be built in Aberdeen.
Plans to strengthen island health boards
Funding for health boards in the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland.
Scotland and New Zealand exchange ideas on tackling alcohol problems.
Clinical research centre opened
New state of the art cancer and heart disease research centre on Tayside.
Renal patients benefit from technology
Kidney dialysis patients are getting more involved in their care.
Better food on the menu in hospitals
Nutrition champions appointed to help ensure the dietary needs of all patients are met.
Health Secretary tells medical conference NHS must stay 'true to founding principles'.
Edinburgh is host to triennial meeting of more than 50 Law Ministers.
Greater protection for rare birds
Two new Special Protection Areas designated to protect the hen harrier.
Deputy Chair Appointed.
New Member appointed.
Government approves Expo funding of almost £50,000 for jazz festival.
European Commission must take account of Scottish views - Environment Secretary.
Funding for part-time students
New sources of support for students studying part time.
Government responds to prisons report
Justice Secretary welcomes report into purpose and impact of imprisonment in Scotland.
EC urged to hear Scotland's views before reaching decisions on agricultural support.
Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission
Ninth Annual Report published.
Final report makes 23 recommendations and encourages 'different thinking' about the nature of punishment.
Scottish war heroes remembered
Tribute paid to thousands of Scots who died during the Battle of the Somme.
Twelve million doses of bluetongue vaccine for Scottish livestock have been secured.
Improving protection for vulnerable people
New vetting and barring scheme to strengthen protection for children and protected adults.
Scottish Government repeats pledge to improve visible police presence.
New appointment to the office of part-time sheriff.
Sustainable Communities Initiative
Councils and their partners encouraged to promote sustainability in future housing plans.
Recommendations to improve system of care for arrested or detained children.
Compendium of Labour Market Statistics
A National Statistics for Scotland publication.
Kitchen on wheels to give children and parents lessons on simple healthy cooking.
Action by Scottish Government during 2007 outbreak was 'quick and decisive'.
Official commissioning of new fisheries protection vessel.
Appointment of part-time sheriffs
Three new appointments announced.
Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland 2006-07
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
One-stop-shop for farmers launched
New service to reduce bureaucracy for farmers.
Convener appointed to the Risk Management Authority (RMA).
Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB)
Wages Board under review.
Ministerial welcome for ‘Flying barn door’ chicks from Norway.
Statistics show Scotland in surplus
Finance Secretary says with independence Scotland can increase its wealth even further.
First Minister to host 'Supermarket Summit'
Autumn summit with leading retailers to help Scotland's economic growth.
Next steps towards country's first national food and drink policy.
Improving statistical services
Response to statistics reform consultation.
New website charting history of the NHS in Scotland to mark anniversary.
First Minister welcomes moves to protect 800 jobs at Goldfish site in Cumbernauld.
Minister comments on poverty statistics
Figure showing 210,000 children living in low income families 'morally unacceptable'.
Conference puts spotlight on how to create a better future for young people in Scotland.
Scottish Households Below Average Income 2006-07
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
Justice Secretary suggests Scotland pilot new gun control measures.
Regulations laid in Parliament to allow students to pay deferred fees by loan.
New one-stop-shop to help those living and working in rural areas to access funding.
Start of national week to recognise the contribution carers make to society.
Kenneth Richard Robb, solicitor, appointed sheriff.
Parents encoraged to play greater role in children's education.
Proposed increases to civil court and Public Guardian fees.
Glasgow's housing stock transfer
Assessment of stock transfer valuation report.
Go ahead given for conclusion of agreement on future development of land and property.
Public to get access to historic building for first time in 250 years.
Recognising the value of Scotland's colleges
First Minister says colleges can deliver greater public value.
Work of the Scottish Women's Hospital for Foreign Service (SWHFS) marked in Paris.
Tightening of controls over the movement of animals from restricted zone into Scotland.
Mountain biking gets its share
Investment of almost £800,000 to upgrade and improve sports facilities across Scotland.
New Baccalaureates for Scotland
New qualifications in science and languages to be introduced for S5 and S6 pupils.
New £18.8 million fund to help local communities tackle global challenge.
Criminal Proceedings in Scottish Courts
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
Drug Seizures by Scottish Police Forces
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
More court prosecutions recorded
Number of custodial sentences imposed the highest for 10 years.
Police seize more Class A drugs
Rise in seizures shows strong enforcement action - Justice Secretary.
New £1 million pilot testing model gets underway in the Lothians and Borders.
Pilot project checks non-emergency patients in pre-admission procedures.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
New member appointed to Board of Trustees.
Rural Development Council up and running
A new group is established to help shape properous future for rural Scotland.
New website allows the Scottish Government's progress to be tracked against a range of indicators.