Local archive
Business & Openings
Ayr electrician Neil Claxton has secured one of 10 finalist places in the Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2026 competition and will compete for a £20,000 package of tools, technology and training.
Traffic & Construction Fort
The first phase of South Ayrshire Council’s Accessible Ayr project could cost £19.9 million and extend the timetable by up to two years, with cabinet members set to consider further design work and consultation.
Business & Openings
Young people aged 18 to 24 in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock who are not in employment, education or training could access paid-support work placements with major retailers through the new Opening Shift programme.
Business & Openings
Tempura Ayr 2 Go on Beresford Terrace has received unanimous approval to sell alcohol for collection only, with the trial licence running until November 11.
Sport Whitletts
Whitletts Victoria returned to winning ways with a 3-0 Scottish Communities Cup victory over Colony Park at New Voluntary Park. Ben Bradshaw, Kyle Good and Michael Moffat scored, while new signing Cammy Ross was taken to hospital after suffering an injury. Whitletts will visit South Ayrshire rivals Maybole next.
Crime & Public Safety Fort
Scott Alexander Brown has pleaded not guilty at Ayr Sheriff Court to allegations that he broke into a Bourtree Park house, stole a purse and later tried to use the bank card inside it.
Culture
The Gaiety in Ayr will host two ghost tours on October 4, featuring reported stories about a spectral audience member called Albert and a shadowy figure known as the Grey Man.
Crime & Public Safety Fort
Charles Lee, also known as Edward Taylor, has been jailed for six months at Ayr Sheriff Court after admitting he breached sex-offender notification requirements by failing to declare an online username and a new bank card.
Business & Openings
Dobbies has opened applications for seasonal Santa and elf roles at its Ayr store ahead of a Christmas events programme beginning on November 22.
Education Fort
Cheryl Mitchell, an additional support for learning teacher at Dalmilling Primary School, has been highly commended in The Herald Saroj Lal Award 2026 for her work challenging discrimination and promoting anti-racism.
Business & Openings
3idiots Ayr Tapas on George Street has been included in a TripAdvisor-based list of Ayrshire’s five best Indian restaurants, alongside venues in Prestwick, Kilmarnock, Girvan and Saltcoats.
Community
Scott Curdie, from Symington, ran from Ayr Pier to Glenbuck and back on Saturday, September 5, completing what is described as the first known double route of the River Ayr Way.
Community Craigie
Ayr Racecourse has submitted plans to extend and alter its weighing room and jockeys’ facilities, with the proposals intended to meet current British Horseracing Authority requirements and recommendations.
Culture
Ayr Pavilion will welcome the Ayr Beach Northern Soul and 70s Soul All-Dayer on Saturday, October 17, with eight hours of music and dancing from 3pm until 11pm.
Culture
Ayr’s Gaiety Theatre is preparing to mark its 125th anniversary next year, with future plans and the challenges of operating in a listed building discussed during a visit by Siobhian Brown MSP.
Crime & Public Safety Fort
Ayr Sheriff Court featured a series of cases covered by Ayrshire Weekly Press titles, including a fare dodger ordered to pay £3,000 compensation, a man jailed after assaulting his partner and a Dalrymple man found not guilty of showing a sexual video to a schoolboy.
Community
Janet Dunbar celebrated her 100th birthday at Atlantic View Care Home in Ayr, where she was visited by South Ayrshire’s Depute Provost and Deputy Lieutenant.
Sport
Musashi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu members completed a day-and-night challenge at Tam’s Brig Dojo, sharing the proceeds between Ayrshire Hospice and Endometriosis UK.
Community
Homelife Ayr on Viewfield Road has been rated “very good” after an unannounced Care Inspectorate inspection found people receiving safe, person-centred support that helped them live more independently.
Community
The Ayr Advertiser has revisited its September 2001 coverage, recalling a South Ayrshire mother’s account of her daughter’s escape from the World Trade Centre attack, a new Biggart Hospital therapy unit, a charity golf competition and community events across the area.
Crime & Public Safety Fort
Gillian and Lucy Montgomerie were acquitted at Ayr Sheriff Court after prosecutors stopped seeking convictions over allegations involving two teenage girls in Lochside, Ayr.
Sport
Four members of Digby Brown’s Ayr office completed a 17km Ben Nevis round trip and raised £2,310 for Megan’s Space, after the firm matched their £1,155 fundraising total.
Crime & Public Safety
A liquidator has been appointed to Ayr-based building contractor Auberne Homes Limited following a winding-up petition by HMRC at Glasgow Sheriff Court.
Culture
Dominik Diamond will perform his video game comedy show at The Smoking Goat Bar & Grill in Ayr on October 4, with tickets available through Skiddle.
Sport Craigie
Ayr United manager Gary Naysmith says his team will take an attacking approach as they seek their first win since the opening day of the season against Queen’s Park.
Culture
Ayr Pavilion will host a 90s Eurodance rave on New Year’s Eve, with performances from Shades of Rhythm, K-Klass, Altern 8, Oceanic, Dream Frequency and Ultrasonic among the acts announced so far.
Crime & Public Safety Fort
Jordan Dewar admitted assaulting a woman at Whiteleys Retreat on March 3, 2026, including grabbing her by the neck and pinning her to the floor. The case has been continued for background reports and is expected to be referred to the High Court because of a previous conviction.
Community
Harbour Ayrshire will hold its annual Legends Sleep Out at Dam Park in Ayr on Saturday, September 19, raising money to support people and families affected by addiction, trauma and related challenges.
Traffic & Construction Fort
GP practices across Ayrshire will close on Friday, September 18 and Monday, September 21. Residents are being advised to order repeat prescriptions early and check pharmacy opening times, with selected Ayr pharmacies open over the holiday weekend.
Business & Openings
Mole Valley Farmers has agreed a new partnership with ABP-owned Port of Ayr to improve the sourcing, storage and distribution of animal feed materials, including supplies for the company’s Coylton Mill.
