Latest news with #AyrshireLive
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
Acclaimed artist and sculptor given green light for ambitious proposals at historic building in Maybole
Belfast-born Siobhan Hapaska has taken on the building after it was previously placed on the market. An internationally renowned sculptor and award-winning artist has been granted permission to breathe new life into the former Post Office building on Maybole's High Street. Ayrshire Live previously told how Belfast-born Siobhan Hapaska had taken on the building after it was previously placed on the market. She then announced plans to turn the 112 year-old building into an artist's residence/work studio. Now her proposals have been approved under delegated powers. In 1993 Ms Hapaska won a Barclays Young Artist Award and had her first solo exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London during 1995 and 1996. Hapaska has exhibited her works throughout the world, most notably at Paris, Dublin, Stockholm and Hamburg, among others. Some of her works explore themes of conflict, faith and the human condition. And she uses a variety of synthetic and natural materials in her work too, along with sound and light elements. Much of her work involves large installations. Ms Hapaska submitted a planning application to South Ayrshire Council, seeking permission for a change of use at the site, to make alterations, carry out stone cleaning and repaint the windows and doors at the historic C-listed building. In a supporting statement she said: 'I had been looking for a suitable live/work studio and was delighted to find the Post Office building in Maybole. The rear sorting office is ideal to be used as an artist's studio due to the light provided by the glass ceiling panels which run the length of this space. 'The property also provides good access due to the main gates off the High Street and the various doors to the rear and side of the building.' Ms Hapaska continues: 'The first floor of the post office building has rudimentary facilities, a small kitchen and toilet with two further rooms with existing fireplace openings. I would like to convert the ground floor of the post office to provide adequate facilities so that I may live there while making sculpture and preparing future projects. This would also allow me to provide some space on the first floor to accommodate visiting curators from the UK and internationally. 'The proximity to Glasgow is ideal due to the airport and the fact that Glasgow is the UK's second most important city for art. 'It would be great to give Maybole more visibility in this context, specially with its regeneration ambitions and a community that are already very interested in creative pursuits. 'I have introduced myself to local people who seem delighted that the post office will be used as an artist's studio and envisage future collaborations with differing projects.' With regard to the post office building, it is Ms Hapaska's intention to 'preserve' the 'beautiful C listed building,' adding: 'It has been vacant for quite some time and now needs some remedial attention to preserve it. 'The High Street in Maybole is currently looking rather grim. I would like to have the front and side aspect of the post office steam cleaned, the method which I believe is being used by Maybole Castle as it is a very gentle way to clean the stone facade. 'I will also have the existing windows, doors and gates stripped back and repainted to preserve them. I will use the same historic colours to keep a reference to the building's former history. 'In general, I have experienced a very welcoming community who are delighted with my intentions and the fact that I will enhance the building's appearance, contributing to the visual upgrade of the High Street.' In approving the proposals, council papers said: 'The proposals seek to restore and bring back into use a prominently located category C listed building within Maybole Conservation Area. From the details of the works outlined within both the submitted plans and the methodology/ supporting statements submitted in support of the proposals, it is considered that the works proposed as part of this application follow best conservation practice. 'The works will serve to preserve and enhance the character, appearance and setting of the listed building and the wider Maybole Conservation Area at this locale.'
Daily Record
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Extension plan at Troon school is given the go-ahead
The plan is to create four new classrooms, a library, a general purpose room with associated WCs and storage. Plans to build an extension onto Struthers Primary School in Troon have been approved. Ayrshire Live previously told how South Ayrshire Council lodged a planning application, seeking permission to build an extension to the existing school. The plan was to create four new classrooms, a library, a general purpose room with associated WCs and storage. Now the plans have been approved under delegated powers. Agents in the proposals were Glasgow-based LMA Architects. They said the plans were in response to the 'increasing housing development' in the local area which had created a 'demand for additional capacity' within the primary school. Their design statement reveals that the plan is to create four additional classrooms, a general practice room, a library, and 'associated breakout zones' for the upper school to 'accommodate the expansion' of the current facilities. And to support the increase in pupil numbers, the proposal also includes an 'extension' of the existing playground. The design statement continues: 'The proposal does not seek to alter the school's access but aims to encourage walking and cycling by enhancing certain pathways within the development boundary, particularly by widening the pathway between the Early Years Centre and Struthers Primary School. 'In accordance with South Ayrshire Council's Local Development Plan open space policies, the proposed enhancements aim to improve accessibility, biodiversity, and the overall functionality of the open space for both the school and the wider community.' While no changes will be made to the existing school access, the plan includes an extension of the car park at the northeast of the school to accommodate additional staff parking (five 'desired' spaces and one accessible space). The plans also boast a new cycle store to help support sustainable travel. The design statement adds: 'By expanding the school's capacity, the development supports the growing local population and aligns with the council's long-term educational strategy. The thoughtful placement of classrooms, breakout zones, and outdoor learning spaces reinforces a flexible and inclusive learning environment.' In approving the project council papers said: 'The development proposals involve the extension of the school building, and its grounds by way of an extended car park, and also extended enclosed playground area. The proposals are intended to provide additional and improved educational facilities at the site to the benefit of pupils. Given the aforementioned, the proposals are considered to represent the improvement of an existing community facility for the benefit of users of the facility, which is likely to include some members of the nearby community. 'It is considered that the proposal, subject to appropriate conditions being attached to any permission, will not have an unacceptable impact on the character, setting or appearance of the site, or the wider locality.'
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Two Ayrshire families celebrate rare feat as baby girl's arrival gives them five living generations
The Gillespie and Affleck families welcomed little Emmi into the world on Monday, May 12. Two Ayrshire families are celebrating the birth of a bouncing baby girl that means they have five living generations on both sides. The Gillespie and Affleck families welcomed little Emmi into the world on Monday, May 12 and Emmi's arrival has given both families the opportunity to celebrate. Not only do they have a beautiful new addition to their families, they also boast a rare feat that involves a great-great-grandparent, great-grandparent, grandparent, parent, and child all being alive at the same time. While families with four living generations are more common, having two families connected in a living five-generation heritage is much rarer. A spokesperson for both families said: 'On the 12th of May, a beautiful new chapter began for two proud families in East Ayrshire as little Emmi made her entrance into the world, weighing a perfect 7lbs 4oz. 'With her arrival, she didn't just bring joy and love — she brought history to life, completing five generations on both sides of her family. Download the Ayrshire Live app today 'A moment like this is incredibly rare and deeply special — few families are lucky enough to witness five generations alive at the same time, let alone on both maternal and paternal lines.' Emmi is the cherished daughter of Danni Heather and Dinos, a couple who themselves are deeply rooted in family tradition and community. At just 26, Danni steps into motherhood with the strength and warmth passed down from her mum, Heather, aged 44, and grandmother — another Heather — who is 67. At the top of this strong maternal line stands Betty Affleck, Danni's great-grandmother and Emmi's great-great-grandmother, a remarkable woman of 92 years who carries decades of wisdom and love. On Emmi's paternal side, the Gillespie family proudly mirrors this generational legacy. Her dad, Dinos, aged 42, is the loving son of Billy Gillespie, a spirited 70 year-old, and grandson to Cathy Gillespie, a graceful 91-year-old matriarch. Together, they now welcome the newest Gillespie with open hearts and joyful tears, seeing in Emmi the continuation of a family line rich in heritage. The spokesperson continued: 'It's rare and precious to witness five generations all standing together, bound by love, history, and the shared pride of a new life. 'Both the Gillespies and the Afflecks, all residing in East Ayrshire, are overjoyed — not just at Emmi's arrival, but at what she represents: continuity, connection, and the enduring strength of family. 'Welcome to the world, Emmi. You are the light of five generations, and your story is just beginning.'
Daily Record
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Scottish Government back calls to enjoy beaches safely
Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown, who is also MSP for Ayr, said there is "no reason" to take a knife to the beach. The Scottish Government is backing calls for people to enjoy Ayrshire 's beaches safely and responsibly. Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said the government was supporting the move and called for parents and carers to speak with their young people in a bid to reduce knife crime. Ms Brown, who represents Ayr at the Scottish Parliament, is also one of four Ayrshire MSPs who represent costal communities. Following an enquiry from Ayrshire Live, Ms Brown said: 'The recent events that took place on Irvine Beach and Portobello Beach were absolutely shattering for the families of those involved. 'We want everyone enjoying our beautiful beaches to feel safe. There is no reason to carry a weapon of any kind. 'Following these tragic events, I would urge everyone in Scotland, please speak to your young people and encourage them to never carry a knife.' First Minister John Swinney has also spoken about the incidents at Irvine Beach and said that the Scottish Government was focused on creating responsible citizens in Scotland. At First Minister Questions on Thursday, in response to a question from Conservative leader Russell Findlay, Mr Swinney said: "First of all, Presiding Officer, I want to express my sympathy to the family of Kayden Moy. It is a tragedy that they are having to come to terms with and one incident is one incident too many. "The disorder and the violence at Irvine Beach and at Portobello was totally unacceptable. "I repeat, one incident is one incident too many and we will act to eradicate such incidents." In response to a question from Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Mr Swinney added: "Since 2008/09, there's been a 69 per cent decrease in emergency hospital admissions due to assault with a sharp object. Over time, Scottish society has become safer at the very time we have undertaken reform of the police service. "Recorded crime data shows there has been a 55 per cent fall in attempted murder and serious murder, with homicides at a near record low in our society." He added: "One incident is absolutely unacceptable and devastating, so I don't diminish that at all. But overall, Scottish society is safer today than it was before we created Police Scotland."
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Daily Record
Ayrshire MSPs support calls for visitors to enjoy beaches safely
Cunninghame South MSP Ruth Maguire and Carrick Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP Elena Whitham have called on the public to enjoy our beaches safely Ayrshire 's costal MSPs are supporting calls for people to enjoy our beaches safely and responsibly. Ruth Maguire, MSP for Cunninghame South, and Elena Whitham, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, have echoed the message to be responsible when at the beach. Ms Maguire's constituency includes Irvine Beach - the location where 16-year-old teenager Kayden Moy was fatally injured last weekend, Saturday, May 17. Speaking to Ayrshire Live, Ms Maguire said: 'Here in Ayrshire, we are blessed with a beautiful coastline and wonderful beaches. Unsurprisingly, in good weather many visitors of all ages flock to the area. 'They should be a clean, safe place for all to enjoy. Sadly, last week that was not the case at Irvine and the tragic death of Kayden Moy has rocked the community both in Irvine and East Kilbride. My thoughts and prayers are with Kayden's family and all who loved him. 'Regular updates from Police Scotland have been reassuring and I know they have provided additional patrols in the area alongside existing work taking place as part of Safer Shores. 'I am grateful to all involved in the Safer Shores initiative, including the volunteers at Coastwatch and Irvine Clean Up Crew for their tireless work to keep the beach safe and clean. But, maintaining our beautiful beach as somewhere desirable for all to use is not just down to the police, local authority or volunteers who so generously give their time. 'The appalling levels of litter strewn across Irvine Beach after each hot day is all brought there by individuals of all ages. It is not just food and drink containers being dropped but also towels and items of clothing. 'It is hard to understand the mindset of those who would litter and waste in this way, surely if you can carry it in, you can carry it home - please do so. 'I would echo the message of the Safer Shores initiative; No alcohol, No fires, No vandalism, No loud music, No drugs - Be respectful. 'Like many who live here, I'm proud that our town attracts people from far and wide, visitors are welcome. My sincere hope is that in the coming summer months we all play our part in keeping each other safe and our beach beautiful for everyone to enjoy.' Ms Whitham's constituency is one of four Ayrshire constituencies which include costal communities. She said: 'With our beautiful and accessible beaches, it has long been the case that folk from all over travel to enjoy the Ayrshire coast especially when the sun is shining. 'Every one of them have the right to return home safely. It is incomprehensible that Kayden Moy didn't. My thoughts are with all his family and friends during this heart-breaking time. 'The residents along our shores are all too familiar with the anti-social behaviour that we see each year. 'Everyone heading to the beach has a part to play in keeping it a safe and enjoyable space for all. That means no alcohol on the beach, tidying up after yourself, and looking after your health by staying hydrated and using sunscreen. 'This summer, the Safer Shores initiative will see increased police patrols along our coast. This sends a clear message: anti-social behaviour won't be tolerated, and anyone caught breaking the rules will face enforcement action.'
