Latest news with #AlecClark
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
US Air Force to bring Super Hercules to International Ayr Show
The United States Air Force will return to the International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight with their C130J Super Hercules, South Ayrshire Council has confirmed that the United States Air Force (USAF) is set to return to the International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight with their C130J Super Hercules this year. The Super Hercules is the latest addition to the line up for this year's air show which takes place in the skies above Ayr on Friday and Saturday, September 5 and 6. Crowds were treated to a flypast from the mammoth turboprop aircraft at the 2024 air show but plans are in place for a full display to demonstrate the aircraft's versatility. The Super Hercules from the Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Airlift wing will take to the skies above Ayr shorefront on the Saturday. Cllr Brian Connolly, leader of South Ayrshire Council,said: 'It's fantastic that we've been able to secure this impressive aircraft for our festival once again – this time for a full flying display. 'The crowds were thoroughly impressed by last year's flypasts so I have no doubt that the crew will put on a show that's not to be missed.' Cllr Alec Clark, depute leader of South Ayrshire Council and portfolio holder for tourism, culture and rural affairs, said: 'I'm looking forward to seeing the return of the majestic Super Hercules to the skies over Ayr shorefront and I'm excited to find out what new thrills are in store for its full display. 'We've already got a phenomenal display line up planned, with even more to be announced soon, so keep your eyes peeled.' CEO of theSKYLAB, Dr Geoff Coxon, said: 'We have been working closely with Prestwick Airport on inviting this C130J, and crew, to the air show for almost a year following its superb appearance in 2024. 'It is always a privilege and so very special to have this aircraft tasked by the United States Air Force and they were taken aback by the amazing and warm welcome that received from everyone on the Low Green. 'So, this year, we wanted to make sure that the crew were able to do a full display and demonstrate the aircraft fully.'
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Daily Record
Ayrshire museum added to Bloomberg app so global visitors can view exhibitions
Girvan's McKechnie Institute has been added to the Bloomberg Connects app so more people can view its collections. An Ayrshire museum has been added to a global app to allow more people to view some of the area's rich heritage and history. Girvan 's McKechnie Institute is the latest of South Ayrshire Council 's museums and galleries to be added to the Bloomberg Connects app and website. Bloomberg Connects is a free, digital guide that allows users to explore content from a variety of cultural organisations across the world. Whether exploring in person or enjoying from the comfort of your home, Bloomberg Connects offers users an engaging way to experience Girvan's unique history and evolving exhibitions on display at the McKechnie Institute. The McKechnie Institute guide provides an in-depth insight into Girvan's fascinating past and highlights key exhibitions within the museum and gallery including the permanent displays in its 'Pillar Room'. App users will be able to explore the history of key focal points of the town including the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Ailsa Craig and its renowned granite, a Victorian apartment with lounge and bedroom and local geology, fossils and wildlife. South Ayrshire Council depute leader and portfolio holder for tourism, culture and rural affairs, Cllr Alec Clark, said: 'Girvan is incredibly rich in culture and history and the addition of the McKechnie Institute to the Bloomberg app and website will ensure users across the globe can enjoy learning about the town's fantastic heritage whether in person or online. 'The introduction of this is a prime example of how our museums and galleries can reap the benefits of technology to showcase and provide an in-depth insight into the fascinating collections, artworks and past displays all from the convenience of a smartphone or tablet.'
Daily Record
16-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Treating South Ayrshire Council services like a business is key say leadership duo
New Independent Leader, Brian Connolly, and depute, Alec Clark, say a business approach is the only way forward amid cash crisis. South Ayrshire Council's new leadership pairing have insisted that taking a business-like approach to some services is the only way forward against a backdrop of ever-increasing financial pressures. Independent Council Leader Brian Connolly and Depute Alec Clark insist that investment in non-statutory services must be sustainable, if not completely self sufficient. Cllr Connolly, who became the council's first independent leader in May, said that this shift in South Ayrshire Council's approach has been the biggest difference he has seen since he joined the council almost 20 years ago. Up until his election as leader, Cllr Connolly held the sports and leisure portfolio in both the Labour/SNP administration and the Conservative-run cabinet from 2022. During that time, there had been massive investment in South Ayrshire's sporting facilities, he said. But he insisted it was not simply a case of throwing money at projects, with investment essential to bring money back in to sustain those facilities. He said this was one of the reasons why members of the administration wanted to maintain stability in the face of the ongoing crisis around procurement that saw both the previous leader Martin Dowey and Chief Executive Mike Newall quit. He said: "It is part of the reason why we wanted to continue. "Our sports facilities are just fantastic. The money that we have invested in these facilities is absolutely fantastic. "But the aim, and this probably took us three-quarters of our time in the council, we've finally got to looking at it like a business. "Let us get people in and let's generate revenue. Revenue is the issue, the capital is much easier. "We can invest the capital, but only if we are looking at it as a business. "We are looking at Troon [pool] and we think that, once the extension is in place, the figures will be through the roof. "Prestwick is just about to reopen. When we do the Quayzone I am sure it will be the same. "The football pitches and the golf courses, they are all generating revenue. Depute Leader Clark, who represents Girvan and South Carrick, added: "We both come from a business background. "You have to look at something and say, what can we do to make that investment pay? "If it doesn't pay, it isn't going to work. "Anything we can to generate revenue we will do. It means, with sustainability, it will be there for the general public to enjoy." The financial strain faced by councils has made the need to find more sustainable approaches is key, they said. However, they acknowledge that the introduction of charging or increasing fees is often viewed negatively. Cllr Clark cited to the investment of more than £250,000 on public toilets at Ainslie Park in Girvan. He said: "First thing we saw was someone saying 'I'm not paying 50p to go to the toilet. "But these toilets are going to be cleaned every day, there has been investment to improve the facilities. "I would ask whether they would want the facility or just have it left as a dump?" Cllr Connolly insisted that this shift in emphasis is the most significant he has seen. He said: " It is not just a case of saying this is a service we have to provide and that is the cost, we are looking at how we can get the revenue back in. "Whether toilets or golf courses. We have to get the money back in. "That then eases the financial pressure on the council."
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Daily Record
Stagecoach announces partnership with South Ayrshire Council for the International Ayr Show
Open-top buses with live flight commentary and a frequent park and ride shuttle service will help visitors travel easily while reducing town centre congestion. Stagecoach has announced a partnership with this year's International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight. As part of the collaboration, the bus giant will provide an open-top service offering live flight commentary, giving visitors a unique experience. The event, which draws around 90,000 visitors, takes place along the South Ayrshire coastline at the Low Green, Ayr. The two-day spectacular runs this year from September 5-6. Included in this year's line up is the world-famous Red Arrows, Typhoon, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, the RAF Grob Tutor and many more. To help reduce congestion in the town and ensure smooth travel for visitors, a park-and-ride shuttle service will run frequently throughout the event. The shuttle bus drop-off point for park and ride will be at Ayr Esplanade – right in the heart of the action. Buses will run up to every three to four minutes. On Friday, September 5 they will operate from 3.45pm until 10pm, while on Saturday, September 6 from 10.15am to 8pm. Pick-up and drop-off locations include Ayr Racecourse - park and ride or park and walk. Shuttle buses will be available, but those who prefer to walk are welcome to do so. Early bird tickets are £10 on Friday and £15 on Saturday. Rozelle Estate will be open for parking on Saturday only - park and ride or walk. Shuttle buses will be available, but walking is also an option. It's just over one mile from Rozelle Estate to the festival site. Early bird tickets are £15. Customers are urged to take advantage of group tickets, as well as free travel for under 22s and over 60s. Buying tickets in advance is strongly recommended. Fiona Doherty, Managing Director of Stagecoach West Scotland, said: "We're pleased to partner with South Ayrshire Council again to support the International Ayr Show – a fantastic event that brings the community together and showcases the best of the region. "This collaboration allows us to provide reliable and accessible transport for attendees, helping to ease congestion and ensure safe, smooth travel throughout the weekend. We're committed to supporting local events that connect people and celebrate our shared community spirit. We hope everyone enjoys a brilliant weekend." South Ayrshire Council's tourism spokesman, Councillor Alec Clark, said: "I'm pleased to be working with Stagecoach once again as our shuttle bus operator for the airshow. Our park and ride options are a great way to take any hassle out of your festival weekend. "You simply reserve your space in advance online at arrive at the carpark you've pre-booked, and the Stagecoach shuttle will drop you off right in the centre of the action - at Ayr Esplanade. And, with Stagecoach operating the shuttles every three to four minutes you won't need to wait around for long when you arrive." Parking must be booked in advance via South Ayrshire Council. For details and to book, visit here.
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
International beach volleyball tournament comes to South Ayrshire
The tournament is set to take place from Friday, July 18 until Sunday, July 20. South Ayrshire will play an important role in the international sporting scene by hosting a leg of the 2025 Small Countries Association (SCA) Beach Volleyball Zonal Tour next week. The international tournament is set to take place from Friday, July 18 until Sunday, July 20 at the inland courts at Kyle Academy in Ayr. The SCA Zonal Tour includes teams from countries across Europe, including Andorra, Ireland, Liechtenstein and Monaco. In partnership with Scottish Volleyball, South Ayrshire Council's Thriving Communities – Health and Wellbeing team will be running a volleyball session through their Active Communities Programme. This session will take place from 6pm until 7.30pm on Friday, July 18 and will allow people of all ages and abilities to try their hand at volleyball. Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Brian Connolly, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for Scotland's volleyball community, and I'm delighted that our facilities at Kyle Academy have been chosen to host such an important competition. "The event is open to members of the public to spectate and will be a great day out for both volleyball enthusiasts and those who enjoy watching fast-paced, lively sporting events. I wish the Scotland team the very best of luck." The council's Depute Leader and tourism spokesman, Alec Clark, said: "It's fantastic news that Scottish Volleyball will be coming to Ayr to host this international tournament. It's not every day that opportunities arise to be involved in competitions of this level and South Ayrshire looks forward to welcoming competitors and spectators alike." Places for volleyball session can be booked here. More information on the tournament can be found here.
