'Community News'
BARONY A FRAME RESTORATION PROJECT
The community launch of the Barony A Frame Restoration project takes place on Saturday 14 June at 12...
LOCAL CRAFTERS AT DEAN CASTLE COUNTRY PARK
Local crafters will be taking part in a medieval and craft fair at Dean Castle Country Park on Sunda...
PROVOST VISITS CLASSIC CAR SHOW
Provost Stephanie Young attended the Dean Park Classic Car show recently - the second year that the ...
Join East Ayrshire's Countryside Ranger Service on Saturday 17 May as they explore the undergrowth a...
WALK THE RIVER AYR WAY FOR AYRSHIRE CANCER SUPPORT
Walk the River Ayr Way on Sunday 8 June, as part of the River Ayr Way Walking Festival and raise mon...
East Ayrshire Youngsters have been the recipients of a number of awards for their community and volu...
CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC FINANCE AND ACCOUNTANCY AWARD FOR EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL
East Ayrshire Council was recognised at the CIPFA Annual Audit conference recently, receiving the ru...
Mrs Elizabeth Baird, t/a Hillbank Kennels, Hurlford, near Kilmarnock has been dealt a triple judicia...
GREENMILL PRIMARY BADMINTON CHAMPIONS!
Over 200 pupils from across East Ayrshire took part in the Primary Badminton Sportshall Challenge, b...
Housing Help and Advice Day for Newmilns
An anti-poverty and housing help and advice day was held in Morton Hall in Newmilns recently, in the...
LOCAL TRANSPORT STRATEGY 2008 ? 2013DRAFT FOR CONSULTATION
East Ayrshire Council has officially launched the consultation for the Draft Local Transport Strateg...
PROVOST GREETS SPECIAL VISITORS FROM MALAWI
Provost Stephanie Young was delighted to welcome four special visitors to Council HQ last week.
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StreetSport Cage Project Team is through to the finals of the Council Worker of the Year Awards
East Ayrshire Council is delighted to announce that the StreetSport Cage Project Team has been sho...
YOUTH PARLIAMENT BY-ELECTION IN CUMNOCK AND DOON VALLEY
Over 800 young people in the Cumnock & Doon Valley area voted in the recent Scottish Youth Parliamen...
A LIFETIME'S SUPPLY OF COMPOST, FROM £6
The 2008 national Composting Campaign was launched on 25th March by the Cabinet Secretary...
BRAND NEW COMMUNITY FACILITY FOR NETHERTHIRD
Work has started on a brand new community facility for Netherthird.
The new Community Camp...
EAST AYRSHIRE YOUTH CONFERENCE SUCCESS
This year's Annual East Ayrshire Youth Conference has been a great success with over 80 young people...
As concern about possible fuel shortages remains an issue, East Ayrshire Council's Trading Standards...
Today, 28 April 2008 marks Workers' Memorial Day. Every year on this day events, vigils and demonstr...
PARK SCHOOL WIN NATIONAL SHINTY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Park School have beaten schools from across the country to win the Camanach National Shinty Indoor 5...
BOOST TO LINKS BETWEEN EAST AYRSHIRE AND MALAWI
Links between schools in East Ayrshire and schools in Malawi have been given a boost, following a vi...
EAST AYRSHIRE ANNOUNCED AS PATHFINDER AUTHORITY
East Ayrshire Council is very pleased to be recognised by the Scottish Government as a 'pathfinder a...
EAST AYRSHIRE IS A EUROPEAN CHAMPION
East Ayrshire Council's approach to risk management has received international recognition with the ...
Auchinleck Academy's elective dance group performed at the very highest level recently when they wer...
PLAYPARK APPROVED FOR WOODROAD
At the Cabinet meeting of 23 April, a decision was taken to approve the installation of new children...
Presentation of 'Good night' Bags
Provost Stephanie Young recently joined the Fenwick Pre 5's Nursery for the presentation of 'Goodnig...
PROVOST OPENS HOWARD PARK BOWLING GREEN
Provost Stephanie Young was delighted to officially open the green at Howard Park Bowling Club last ...
RANGER ROADSHOW! Dean Castle rangers
In an exciting new initiative East Ayrshire's Countryside Ranger Service is going mobile!
STATE-OF-THE-ART YOUTH FACILITY FOR DRONGAN
A multi-purpose, state-of-the-art youth wing has been opened by Councillor Jim Sutherland in Drongan...
COMMUNITIES SCOTLAND INSPECTION REPORT
East Ayrshire Council has received praise from Communities Scotland, now known as the Scottish Housi...
LEADER CONGRATULATES LOCAL TEAMS
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council offered his congratulations to Cumnock Juniors toda...
An exciting development of 20 flats on a prominent town centre site has been proposed by Imagine Pro...
ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND AYRSHIRE DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE FINALS
After a very competitive season of school rugby Loudoun Academy went head to head with Belmont A...
YOUNG PEOPLE DEDICATE GARDEN TO MINERS
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council and Chief Executive Fiona Lees visited the Auchinle...
A Council proactive approach to tackling dereliction in the town centre is paying off....
RUSSELL CALLS ON PEOPLE OF EAST AYSHIRE TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE FUTURE OF FLOOD MANAGEMENT
How to better protect vulnerable communities from the increasing threat of flooding is the theme o...
East Ayrshire Council would like to offer condolences to the family of Mary Kelly, Personal Carer, w...
ROAD SAFETY LAUNCH AT HURLFORD & CROOKEDHOLM PLAYGROUP
In light of the Governments target to reduce the number of children killed and seriously injured i...
Spring Events at Dean Castle Country Park
Countryside Services annual events programme kicks off this week with a range of events for the holi...
16 year-old Ross McBride was named Cumnock's Young Citizen of the Year at a special awards ceremony held earlier this week.
In 2007, the Cumnock Academy pupil saved his friend who had fallen off a bridge into the river at Woodroad Park. Ross ran down to the banking, jumped in and hauled his friend, who was unconscious at the time, out of the river and kept him warm at the banking while calling an ambulance and trying to bring his friend round. Thankfully, his friend was fine after the incident, thanks to Ross's quick reaction.
Ross is also involved with Ayr United's Under 17s where he plays in goal.
Provost Stephanie Young presented Ross with his award and said: "It was an honour to present Ross with a quaiche, the first time this has been awarded for bravery. I was extremely impressed by this articulate and personable young man. He is an inspiration for youngsters throughout East Ayrshire."
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£8m plans for Cumnock Regeneration get underway
The regeneration of Cumnock town centre moved a giant step forward this week as the planning application for a new £8m office development was lodged with East Ayrshire Council.
The new office development is the first phase of the Cumnock Town Centre Regeneration Project which aims to revitalise the town centre and re-establish Cumnock as the principal town in the southern part of East Ayrshire. The Project aims to provide more jobs in the town centre, expand and enhance the available retail provision, enhance public realm and town centre environment, and implement an improved traffic management and parking strategy.
The development on Greenholm Road will provide quality, modern accommodation for East Ayrshire Council and partner agencies, to provide a range of services on a co-location basis. The Council have confirmed that approximately 150 employees will relocate to the new offices as part of a review of its existing office accommodation provision.
Services moving to the Greenholm Road development include planning and building standards, community planning, libraries, roads, registrars, housing, social work and Community Learning & Development. They will be vacating a number of substandard buildings at Lugar and elsewhere in Cumnock.
Proposals contained within the office building application, which extends to 2990 square metres (32,185 sq ft), include:
? 3 storey "L" shaped building;
? Shared reception for all services;
? Civic square forming the principal entrance to the building;
? Registrars office with integrated marriage suite;
? New local library;
? Additional car parking for the office development.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council said: "I am delighted to announce receipt of this planning application as it marks the start of an exciting period of regeneration and renewal for Cumnock Town Centre.
"When completed, the whole project will provide opportunities for shopping, education, leisure and recreation for the people of Cumnock and the surrounding communities. East Ayrshire Council is fully committed to the regeneration of Cumnock and the new office development is a key element of that."
Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Environment & Regeneration added: "This new office development will improve access to a number of local services, offering local people a one door approach in the heart of the local community. Following planning approval, construction could begin as early as summer 2009.
"We estimate that some 70 jobs will be created on the site throughout the construction period, giving the local economy a much needed boost. Approximately 30% will be local jobs employed by local sub-contractors or direct labour."
The development is being delivered and managed as part of a joint venture partnership, with East Ayrshire Council having entered into a joint venture contract with Deanway Muir Ltd. Deanway Muir itself is the result of a partnership between Deanway Development and the Muir Group.
Alex Galbraith, a director of Deanway Muir Ltd said: "I am delighted that Deanway Muir is fulfilling the role of private sector partner to East Ayrshire Council in bringing forward the regeneration of Cumnock town centre. The planning application lodged this week is the first tangible step in that process and is a major milestone in bringing the project vision into reality."
The joint venture company has appointed a full team of technical consultants, including architects, engineers and surveyors to develop the project. Davis Langdon is the appointed Project Manager.
Marion Gilliland, Chair of the Cumnock Town Centre Liaison Forum commented: "This is a very exciting time for Cumnock and the local business community. The new office development will bring much needed investment to the town and is a sign of a more positive future facing Cumnock."
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The gardens of Caprington Castle and Dumfries House will be 'open for charity' in the next two weeks as part of Scotland's Gardens Scheme.
On Sunday 8 February, you can visit Caprington Castle gardens in Kilmarnock between 12.30pm and 4pm. Caprington stands in an ancient landscape bordered by the River Irvine. The mixed woodland policies are covered in snowdrops and there is also a walled garden with fruit trees, vegetables and flowers in season. In addition to being able to see the gardens, there will be a plant stall and homemade teas. Admission is £3.50 for adults and children under 12 go free. All proceeds go to charity.
On Sunday 15 February, the gardens of Dumfries House will be open to the public from 10am to 4pm. Visitors will be able to view many wonderful trees, some dating back to 1700, others planted a century later. Species include sycamore, horse chestnut, beech and oak. The sequoia avenue leading to the avenue bridge was planted in the late 19th century. An extensive partly walled garden survives and other features include the dovecot, dated 1671, the laundry, stables, coach house and an early 19th century water powered sawmill. Admission is free and any donations for charity are welcome.
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JUSTICE SECRETARY SEES STREETSPORT CAGES IN ACTION
Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill visited Galston recently to see the benefit that the 'CashBack for Communities' fund is having in East Ayrshire.
Mr MacAskill went to see a StreetSport Cage that has been proving very popular with young people in Galston over the last 18 months. The CashBack fund which Mr MacAskill launched in January 2008 will help to ensure that local youth organisations can continue to provide a comprehensive programme of local free diversionary activities, like the Sport Cages, throughout the year. The fund comes from assets seized through the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
New Sporting Futures, a youth sport initiative developed by East Ayrshire Council's Leisure Development Services, launched the 'StreetSport Cages' scheme across the whole of East Ayrshire in 2007. The Cages or 'Outdoor multi-use Games Areas' provide sports activities which are built in residential areas that have been identified as hotspots by East Ayrshire's Anti-Social Behaviour team and local police. These state of the art games areas provide free night time sporting activities for 10 ? 18 year olds, allowing young people to get involved in activities including football and basketball.
Mr MacAskill was interested to learn about how the cages play a key role in combating anti-social behaviour and how young people becoming actively involved in positive activities can lead to a reduction in the fear of crime within local communities. He got the chance to see young people taking part in the football Neighbourhood Sports League fixtures that are currently being run at the Cage.
The StreetSport Cages also operate in Shortlees, Onthank, Bellsbank, Auchinleck, Dalmellington, Hurlford, Netherthird, Patna, Kilmaurs, Stewarton, New Farm, Dalrymple, Crosshouse, Newmilns, New Cumnock, Darvel, Catrine, Logan, Barshare, Rankinston and Ochiltree.
During the summer the CashBack fund will be used to launch a new high profile initiative called 'StreetSport Icon' which will provide three young winners with the opportunity to gain professional contracts with Kilmarnock Football Club.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: "StreetSport Cages provide an excellent opportunity for young people to participate in sport virtually on their own doorsteps. These facilities are supported by our local Police and Community Wardens who recognise the benefits of the positive activities being provided to young people. We were glad to be able to show Mr MacAskill how successful the Cages have been in Galston and, indeed, all over East Ayrshire."
Provost Stephanie Young added: "This is an excellent project that helps to curb anti-social behaviour and underage drinking and allows the young people of East Ayrshire to become involved in activities which are both positive and healthy."
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RISK MANAGEMENT CENTRE OFFICIAL OPENING
Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill has officially opened East Ayrshire Council's Risk Management Centre on Wednesday 28 January.
This state of the art facility provides a range of services for the people of East Ayrshire, including CCTV surveillance and emergency response unit, all aimed at reducing crime levels, vandalism to property and improving community safety.
The centre monitors 49 public realm cameras which cover all the major towns and villages within East Ayrshire. CCTV cameras cover a large number of Council properties, including schools, and a further 26 properties are scheduled to come on line in the near future.
The centre manages the community alarms system which provides assistance to vulnerable people. Receiving an average of 7000 calls a month, the community alarms system currently has 3448 subscribers. Clients signed up to the system can place requests for home help visits or request assistance if, for example, they suffer a fall in their own home. Smoke detection within a property can also be reported to the centre for action. Operators in the centre also monitor the telecare equipment linked to community alarms.
The Risk Management Centre works very closely with the Council's Emergency Planning Unit to provide additional support during emergency situations. In addition, the Council's Helpline for out of hours enquiries, including housing repairs, and the Antisocial Behaviour Helpline are both managed by the centre.
All of the services provided by the Risk Management Centre are interlinked. Footage from the CCTV cameras can assist the Community Alarms team and can also provide valuable evidence for prosecution purposes. As a result the Centre has established close partnership links with Strathclyde Police, which has led to a decline in the level of crime within local towns.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: "I was very pleased to welcome Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill to Kilmarnock to open the Risk Management Centre. The Centre provides much needed support to vulnerable members of our community through the Community Alarms team whilst our public realm cameras provide support to Community Alarms and our partners in Strathclyde Police. The Centre promotes partnership working while helping to protect our properties from vandalism. Our residents feel safe walking the streets and our shops protected from shop lifters. The Risk Management Centre will continue to grow and expand the service it provides to local residents making our communities 'Safer and Stronger'."
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Great Scott! Mary Celebrates 100th Birthday Milestone
Ayr resident Mary Scott has celebrated her 100th birthday this year with a visit from South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan and Deputy Lord Lieutenant Peter Kennedy.
Follow The Ayr-Ways And The Pocket Map
Carnegie Library in Ayr and the town centre echoed with the sound of a Town Crier at the dual launch of Ayr’s new distinctive black and gold Ayr-Ways signage system of mapping and information points in Ayr town centre and FREE pocket sized map.
Cycling Is A Breeze in South Ayrshire
In 2007 South Ayrshire Council won the Scottish Transport Award 2007 Walking and Cycling Award.
More Employees Turn To Pedal Power
Many South Ayrshire Council employees are choosing to use pedal power to get to and from work, with some even using their bikes for business journeys.
Alerations To Links Road Car Park In Prestwick
South Ayrshire Council has listened to the concerns raised by members of the public about the car park in Links Road in Prestwick being used for overnight parking.
Ayr North Resident Wins Recycling Prize
Susan McQuiston, who lives in north Ayr, won a £100 prize voucher to spend in Tesco after taking part in a South Ayrshire Council pilot project to encourage people to recycle more.
Bright Future For Colmonell And Pinwherry Primary Schools
South Ayrshire Council’s Fundamental Review of Colmonell and Pinwherry Primary Schools.
Committed To Carbon Management
Members of the Council’s Leadership Panel are driving forward the Council’s commitment to carbon management and have approved a Carbon Management and Implementation Plan.
Key Strengths Of Queen Margaret Academy
The Head Teacher of Queen Margaret Academy gave a presentation to members of South Ayrshire Council’s Leadership Panel about the HM Inspectors of Education inspection that was carried out in the school in November 2007.
Racecourse Development Plans Romp Home
Ambitious plans to turn Ayr Racecourse into not only one of the top racecourses in Europe but also one of the most prestigious leisure destinations in the country have been approved by South Ayrshire Council.
South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership Conference
The South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership will be holding a conference on Thursday 19 June 2008 in the County Hall within the County Buildings in Ayr.
Special Schools in South Ayrshire
A Fundamental Review of the School Estate in South Ayrshire has now focused on Special Schools.
A wide range of services are provided by South Ayrshire Council to support vulnerable people in our communities and this service is to be further enhanced.
Temporary Closure Of Gaiety Theatre Delayed
The temporary closure of the Gaiety in Ayr is to be delayed until 2009. This means that the theatre will remain open and fully operational until 31 January 2009.
Educational Achievement and Quality Development
Margo Williamson will take up the post of Head of Educational Achievement and Quality Development within South Ayrshire Council in May 2008.
New Director Appointed To South Ayrshire Council
Members of South Ayrshire Council’s Chief Officers’ Appointment Panel have completed the recruitment of a new Director of Social Work, Housing and Health.
The Launch of Inclusion Squad Network
The Citadel in Ayr was the venue for the launch of the Inclusion Squad Network.
Compost Awareness Week Gains Extra Support
Scots are being urged to help reduce waste during Compost Awareness Week by composting more of their garden and kitchen waste at home.
Fergus Ewing MSP Visits South Ayrshire
Fergus Ewing MSP, Minister for Community Safety paid a visit to South Ayrshire Council Headquarters in Ayr to hear first hand about the outstanding achievements of the South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership.
Launch of Inclusion Squad Network
The Citadel in Ayr was the venue for the launch of the Inclusion Squad Network.
Waste Management Professionals in Ayr
South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan welcomed members of the Scottish Branch of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) members to the County Buildings in Ayr, where they held their Spring meeting.
South Ayrshire Council has launched a Sustainable Travel Campaign, ‘upandgo choose your move’ to encourage employees to think about leaving their cars at home.
This week South Ayrshire Council’s Trading Standards Service are reissuing the warning to local householders to be on their guard against bogus workmen.
International Make a Wish Day at Morrison Gardens
Students from Ayr College, who are studying Social Care, are working with the residents of the Sheltered Housing Unit in Morrison Gardens in Ayr on a number of fundraising events.
First Minister Opens Alloway Auld Kirk and Graveyard
The Rt Hon Alex Salmond, MSP, Scotland’s First Minister, officially opened the Alloway Auld Kirk and graveyard in Alloway.
From Corserine Road To Corserine Hill
Councillor Tom Slider, Chair of South Ayrshire Council’s Housing Panel has been out and about getting into training for the Conquer a Corbett 2008 Challenge.
From Corserine Road To Corserine Hill
Councillor Tom Slider, Chair of South Ayrshire Council’s Housing Panel has been out and about getting into training for the Conquer a Corbett 2008 Challenge.
Some members of the Chinese and Polish communities in South Ayrshire met at Carnegie Library to celebrate completing an ‘English as a Second Language’ (ESOL) course.
The annual South Ayrshire History Fair will take place in the Walker Halls, Troon on Saturday 7 June 2008. Councillor Margaret Toner, Depute Leader of the Council and Portfolio Carrier for Community Services will open the Fair.
Targeting Success From The Great Outdoors
Twenty-two young people from Carrick have been awarded certificates of recognition for their hard work and efforts in a recent outdoor activity project.
Colmonell Primary School pupils will be moved out of their present school building after the summer holidays into two modern Portacabins.
Colmonell Primary School pupils will be moved out of their present school building after the summer holidays into two modern Portacabins.
Council Tax Collection Rate Rising
At 29 February 2008 South Ayrshire Council has a Council Tax collection rate of 93.94% that exceeds their previously set target of 93.74%.
Council Tax Collection Rate Rising
At 29 February 2008 South Ayrshire Council has a Council Tax collection rate of 93.94% that exceeds their previously set target of 93.74%.
Dundonald Primary School Showcase
Pupils from Dundonald Primary shared what they learned during the schools ‘Enterprising Health Week’
Dundonald Primary School Showcase
Pupils from Dundonald Primary shared what they learned during the schools ‘Enterprising Health Week’
Triumph For Gardenrose Primary School
Pupils from Gardenrose Primary School have won the South Ayrshire heat of the Scottish Educational Trust Scottish Euroquiz competition.
Triumph For Gardenrose Primary School
Pupils from Gardenrose Primary School have won the South Ayrshire heat of the Scottish Educational Trust Scottish Euroquiz competition.
South Ayrshire Council’s Leadership Panel has approved a South Ayrshire Partnership in Practice Agreement that will now be submitted to the Scottish Government.
South Ayrshire Council’s Leadership Panel has approved a South Ayrshire Partnership in Practice Agreement that will now be submitted to the Scottish Government.
Report calls for more awareness of climate change by agricultural sector.
Funding support for basketball
£275,000 to increase participation and retain talented young players.
Cabinet Secretary meets with retailers to discuss how to tackle over-use of bags.
Advisory Committee on Sites of Special Scientific Interest
Convenor re-appointed.
Crime cash to fund culture scheme
Money seized from criminals to help provide arts activities for young people.
Inspection report on Grampian area of Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
Talks between the hospitality, retail and wholesale sectors with Scotland's pig industry.
Right to Buy for some tenants suspended due to pressure on affordable housing.
Pilot scheme to increase proactive publication of Scottish Government information.
Bright future for fishing communities
Fisheries Secretary says focus next year will be on putting fishing communities in charge of their own future.
Fuel help for fishing industry
Action plan to help Scottish fishing sector counter the effects of rising fuel costs.
Report outlining future vision for crofting in 21st century Scotland published.
Transport Minister meets A9 traffic police to hear their views on road safety.
Four additional Grey Squirrel Control Officers to be employed in woodlands in the south of Scotland.
Better access to learning resources
System to provide access to state-of-the-art education material for visually impaired young people.
Schools to offer two hours PE per week under new education guidelines.
Scottish Government backs Disasters Emergency Committee and urges Scots to do the same.
Minister highlights importance of 'strengthening Scotland's voice in Europe'.
Funding to encourage business innovation
Five projects to benefit from grants to encourage cooperation in research and development.
Supporting rural communities a 'priority for the Scottish Government' - Minister.
Appointment to Public Transport Users’ Committee for Scotland
New convenor appointed to PTUC.
First dedicated fund for Scottish servicemen and women.
Initiative to tackle animal disease
Major new project to tackle infectious animal diseases.
NHS 60th anniversary celebrations
National and local events to mark 60 years of the National Health Service.
Reducing the use of plastic bags
Environment Secretary praises Marks and Spencer's approach.
Alcohol misuse is costing Scotland £2.25 billion per year.
Scottish Government to repeal the law which exempts spouses from giving evidence against their partner.
Rural Affairs Secretary thanks contributors to the national discussion on food.
New £1.5 million fund to back development of international lifelong learning strategy.
Parliament Minister says Church of Scotland is 'one of main voices of Scottish society'.
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
Funding to take freight off roads
Grant of £250,000 to help move heavy freight from road to rail between Rannoch and Irvine.
Grants to aid sustainable development
Whisky distillery one of 24 businesses to benefit from Regional Selective Assistance grants in the last quarter.
Reception at Edinburgh Castle to support campaign to provide accommodation for disabled veterans.
Rise in landlord approval figures
Figures show 500 per cent increase in landlord application approvals.
Pharmaceutical companies to pay £2,837,500 in compensation in relation to alleged price fixing for a number of drugs.
Affordable Housing Securing Consent Survey, 2005 - 2007
An official statistics publication for Scotland.
Law will be strengthed on disclosure of evidence.
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
Production begins to return to normal at plant as two day strike ends.
Grangemouth dispute - First Minister details additional supplies
Border Thistle due to arrive in Aberdeen. Filling stations across Scotland are well-stocked and receiving more supplies. Filling stations across Scotland are well-stocked and receiving more supplies.
New scheme to give victims chance to tell court about impact a crime has had on them.
'Think carefully' about weekend activities
Tourism Minister encourages people to act responsibly in planning their weekend.
Funding for fitness activities
Record £12 million funding for physical activity initiatives across Scotland.
Grangemouth industrial dispute
First Minister urges both sides to resume negotiations to settle their differences.
First batch of additional police officers complete their training.
Focus on literacy and numeracy
Education Secretary proposes changes to Scotland's system of National Qualifications.
Scottish Government ready to deal with effects of strike action.
Inspection report says it is regularly most overcrowded in Scotland.
Cabinet Secretary comments on GDP figures
John Swinney stresses importance of increasing sustainable economic growth.
First Minister re-opens Alloway Auld Kirk and Graveyard ahead of year of Homecoming in 2009.
Legacy funding for Scotland's games
Aberdeen and Edinburgh will be the first recipients of 2014 Commonwealth Games Legacy funding.
Government considers setting up 31 special protection areas.
Seized crime cash to fund rugby coaching
£1.4 million taken from proceeds of crime to provide free sports training for young people.
Small firms advised of fire safety duties
Survey shows national roadshow of workshops for small businesses and voluntary groups was a success.
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse
New guidance to help health professionals support survivors of abuse.
Transmission of renewable energy
First Minister says development of renewables at risk because of 'intolerable' charging regime.
Tribute paid to ex-service veterans
First Minister gives his support to Poppyscotland.
Expo Fund to provide £215,000 towards Edinburgh's Hogmanay Feet First event.
Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route
Reporters appointed to conduct public local inquiry and date set for pre-inquiry meeting.
Skye set to promote Gaelic culture
Fas Centre at Gaelic College to be base for creative and cultural industries.
CashBack for Communities scheme attracts hundreds of young people across Scotland.
Appointment of John Beckett QC as an all-Scotland floating sheriff based in Glasgow.
£15.4 million funding for 45 projects across the Highlands and Islands.
Approval granted for wind farm
Wind farm on Sutherland capable of powering 37,000 homes gets go ahead.
Funding to prevent bluetongue spread
Up to £3 million to secure 12 million doses of bluetongue vaccine to keep the disease out of Scotland.
Improving private sector housing
Consultation to help local authorities exercise new powers and carry out duties to improve quality of private housing.
Meeting with Ofgem to discuss electricity charging system.
First ever report on the state of Scotland's waters published.
Scots firms in China R&D link-up
Scottish pharmaceutical companies sign research deals with Chinese counterparts.
Text of letter from Cabinet Secretary John Swinney regarding funding situation for Aberdeen.
Business rates cut will 'aid economic growth'
Small Business Bonus Scheme set to save businesses up to £165 million a year.
Cost of child poverty in Scotland
Report putting cost of child poverty at £1.7 billion underlines need for action - Nicola Sturgeon.
New measures to help minimise discards of cod and other fish stocks and promote sustainability.
Rest of Scotland urged to follow Selkirk's lead and 'do its bit' to end plastic bag culture.
Forging stronger golf links between Scotland and the US
First Minister puts golf links to the fore on Capitol Hill.
Health ministers in Scotland, Wales and NI issue agreement on healthcare principles.
Learning and Teaching Scotland
New Board member appointment.
Scottish Government seeks to rule the seas.
First Minister presents platinum disc to the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
Justice Secretary reiterates need to tackle Scotland's drink problem after Euro summit.
Cabinet Secretary responds to manufacturing figures
Mixed export figures show need for Scotland to be more competitive - John Swinney.
Economic appraisal of future ferry priorities for island of Lismore.
Funding support for Edinburgh International Festival
£277,000 from Expo fund to support Scottish Opera production.
Housing discussion report published
Summary of responses to proposals to improve supply, quality and choice in Scotland's housing.
New guidance published to help enhance community facilities for people with autism.
New beginning for homelessness services
Glasgow's three all-male homeless hostels close to be replaced by new facilities.
First Minister comments on resignation of Irish Prime Minister.
A National Statistics publication for Scotland.
Justice Secretary attends Barcelona conference to discuss approaches to tackling problem of alcohol misuse.
World to compete for Saltire Prize
First Minister announces world's largest ever single prize for innovation in marine renewable energy.
FM gives backing to the 'Revolution'
First Minister meets New England Revolution soccer coach Steve Nicol as part of Scotland Week.
Lessons from the land of Jefferson
First Minister evokes spirit of US Founding Father in support of referendum.
Prescription charges cut to £5
Cost of NHS prescriptions reduced from £6.85 to £5, in first move towards making them free.
Retail market for non-domestic water
Businesses and public bodies to have choice over supplier of water and sewerage services.