Latest news with #AyrshireCollege
Daily Record
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Ayrshire College horticulture students lend a hand at Alloway Railway Tunnel project
Students and staff designed, planned, procured and delivered a full planting scheme at the entrance to the tunnel. Horticulture students and staff from Ayrshire College completed a major planting scheme as part of an ongoing collaboration with the Alloway Railway Tunnel (ART) project. This latest initiative marks the first time Horticulture students, based at Dean Park in Kilmarnock, have been involved in the project. They designed, planned, procured and delivered a full planting scheme at the entrance to the tunnel. The team, which included lecturer Francis McCaughey and Horticultural Technician Mark Haining, worked with volunteers across two days to plant a wide variety of shrubs, climbers and herbaceous perennials that will enhance the space over time. Shelagh McLachlan, Trustee at Alloway Railway Tunnel, said: "The planting project has been a tremendous team effort from the whole class. They have done a fantastic job transforming the environment and enhancing this area for walkers, cyclists and wheelers. "We are immensely grateful to all the students for their hard work and enthusiasm. It just shows what can be achieved when people come together, working in collaboration to make a lasting change." One of the key objectives of the ART project was to create opportunities for young people to gain relevant work experience that gives them a chance to put their skills and knowledge into practice and introduces them to a network of professionals working in the local area. Portraits of some of the students and staff who have worked on the project also feature in the Alloway Tunnel mural, which has been created by artist Chris Rutherford and is nearing completion. Chris Cowan, a Level 5 Horticulture student, said: "The project truly stood out to me. From the initial planning stages to the final execution, every moment was engaging and rewarding. The collaborative environment fostered creativity and allowed us to share ideas and learn from each other. I found the process to be both educational and enjoyable." Dan McDermott, a Level 5 Horticulture student, added: "It was a great exercise. I learned so much from a great lecturer and technician. It was planned well. I had a great time and can't wait to see the plants mature over the next few years." Ged Freel, Head of Learning & Skills - Engineering, Science, Motor Vehicle & Horticulture, added: "This type of hands-on experience is hugely beneficial for our students and it's particularly rewarding for them to be involved in a project of this scale that is so embedded in their local community." The ART project has involved several departments across Ayrshire College over the last two years, including business students who helped build a dedicated website, developed a business plan, created social media channels, organed a public consultation survey and other administrative tasks. Painting and Decorating students applied the base coat for the tunnel's mural; with Art and Design students adding vibrant detail by painting a bustling market scene. Graphic Design students captured local heritage by producing a short film on the Maybole boot industry and much of the project's progress has also been captured by HND Photography student Rosa Finucane.
Edinburgh Reporter
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Hibs youngsters could wrap up title tonight in Ayrshire
Hibs youngsters travel to Kilmarnock tonight Friday 9 May 2025 knowing a solitary point will secure the CAS Elite Under-18 League title. Kick-off for the penultimate league fixture is at 6:30pm at Ayrshire College (Kilmarnock Campus). Darren McGregor's team lead the CAS Elite Under-18 League with two matches remaining. With 65 points accrued, the Hibs are six points above their closest challengers, Rangers, and know a single point from the last two fixtures confirms champions status. That solid advantage was gained on Tuesday evening, when the teamearned a fantastic 3-0 victory over the Gers at the Rangers Training Centre. Dean Cleland netted twice either side of a terrific Josh McDonald free-kick to seal the win on away soil. Kilmarnock will be seek to end their campaign as strongly as possible in the hope of earning a third-place finish. The Ayrshire team are currently fifth in the CAS Elite Under-18 League, accumulating 47 points from 27 games. Killie have two and one game in hand over third-place St Mirren and fourth-place Aberdeen, respectively. There is just two points seperating Killie from the Buddies, and just one point keeping apart Killie from the Dons. Kilmarnock have struggled recently in the league and are currently winless in five league matches, though Darren McGregor and his squad are under no illusions as to the strength in the Kilmarnock team given past results. Travelling supporters can attend at no cost. Like this: Like Related
