Latest news with #EastAyrshire
Sky News
5 days ago
- Business
- Sky News
Scottish government scraps plan for new national park in Galloway
Plans to create Scotland's third national park in Galloway and Ayrshire have been scrapped, the Scottish government has announced. Galloway was last year chosen as the preferred location for the nation's newest national park. A public consultation was carried out by NatureScot, with local residents, communities, businesses and interested parties invited to share their views on the proposal. Plans for the scheme - mostly in Dumfries and Galloway but also extending into parts of South and East Ayrshire - proved contentious. Supporters argued it would put the region on the map, boost the local economy, and prevent it from becoming a "dumping ground for inappropriate windfarms". However, opponents claimed making it more difficult for developers to secure planning permission for projects would negatively affect economic activity in the area. Other concerns raised included house prices potentially being pushed up, as well as the region's ability to cope with any additional tourism. In an update at the Scottish parliament on Thursday, rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon told MSPs that 54% of those who engaged with the consultation opposed the plans, while 42% supported it. Taking into account local responses alone, 57% were found to be in opposition compared to 40% in favour. Proposal hasn't 'garnered sufficient local support' Ms Gougeon said: "Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation and consultation, the reporter has advised that, whilst it considers that the proposed area meets the conditions for a national park set out in the legislation, the proposal does not have sufficient clarity, nor has it garnered sufficient local support to proceed to the next stage of designation." The MSP added: "We have weighed up the arguments for and against the creation of a new national park in the area, taking full account of the potential economic, social and environmental factors, and we have come to the conclusion not to proceed with the designation of a national park in Galloway and Ayrshire. "I realise that this decision will be very disappointing for those who have been campaigning for a new national park in Galloway over many years." There are currently 15 national parks in the UK - two in Scotland, 10 in England and three in Wales. Cairngorms National Park and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park are the two north of the border. The power-sharing Bute House Agreement between the SNP and the Scottish Greens in 2021 led to the Scottish government pledging that "at least one" new park would be designated by spring 2026. Galloway saw off competition from areas in the Scottish Borders, Lochaber, Loch Awe and Tay Forest. The joint Galloway National Park Association (GNPA) and Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere (GSABP) bid touted the area as "Scotland in miniature" with its "diverse landscapes and stunning coastline, its outstanding biodiversity and rich cultural heritage". What was the public consultation? Ms Gougeon said NatureScot's public consultation ran for 14 weeks from November 2024 until February 2025. More than 5,000 surveys were completed and more than 1,000 people attended events that were held in relation to the plans. Meetings were also held with local authorities and community councils, and with representatives from the farming, forestry, tourism, renewables and conservation sectors. 'Heated debate' Ms Gougeon said public interest in the proposal had "proven to be huge" and generated "both strong support and strong opposition". She added: "At times, the debate has become quite heated." Ms Gougeon said while the designation of a new national park will not go ahead in Galloway and Ayrshire, the Scottish government "remains committed" and will "remain open" to proposals for new national parks in the future. 'Devastating news' Scottish Greens MSP Mark Ruskell said it was "devastating news for the local community and nature". He added: "By scrapping plans for the third national park in Galloway, the Scottish government has slammed the door on the economic investment and new powers this designation could bring." David Hope-Jones, chief executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA), said the decision was a "missed opportunity to attract sustained investment in visitor management, visitor experience and visitor infrastructure". He added: "In deciding not to back the Galloway National Park, we call on the Scottish government to outline how, through new investment, the same sustainable economic results can be achieved." Campaigners 'relieved' Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) said it was the "right" decision. Director of policy Stephen Young said: "The Scottish government still has an important role to play in shaping a successful future for Galloway by supporting the infrastructure and conditions that rural businesses need to thrive. "We welcome the government's commitment to backing the region's long-term prosperity." Liz Hitschmann, co-founder of No Galloway National Park, said the campaign group was "relieved" with the decision. She added: "There is no question Dumfries and Galloway needs investment in our infrastructure, but it did not need millions frittered away on another layer of bureaucracy which could override local wishes, and the many government-funded organisations in the area need to deliver that investment."
The Sun
24-05-2025
- The Sun
Two bikers die in separate crashes on Scotland's roads as cops probe tragedies
TWO motorbike riders have died in separate crashes on Scotland's roads just hours apart. The men, aged 34 and 48, were both tragically pronounced dead at the scenes of the collisions. 2 The first accident happened yesterday on the A819 in Tullich, Aberdeenshire around 4.05pm. A Triumph Tiger motorbike crashed with a Ford Transit Luton Van. Emergency crews raced to the scene but tragically the 48-year-old motorcycle rider died at the scene. The van driver was not injured in the crash. Cops closed down the road for ten hours as they probed the tragedy and have appealed for information to help their investigation. Sergeant Kenny Malaney said: 'Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died. 'Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident and I would urge anyone who witnessed what happened to get in touch. 'Similarly, anyone with dash-cam footage that may assist our enquiries is advised to get in touch.' Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2380 of 23 May. Almost eight hours later, another motorcyclist sadly lost his life in a crash in Auchinleck, East Ayrshire. Multiple people stabbed in Netherlands as police car left covered in blood The Sherco 290 bike was the only vehicle involved in the accident on Main Street around 12.25am. A 34-year-old man was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. The road was closed for six hours as another investigation was launched, with cops in East Ayrshire also appealing for information. Sergeant Brian Simpson said: 'Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the deceased at this time. 'We are asking anyone who saw the motorbike prior to the crash, or has any dashcam footage, to please contact police. "We are also keen to speak with anyone who attended the scene to assist but did not remain to provide their details to officers. 'If you can assist our enquiries in any way, please call police on 101, quoting incident 0082 of 24 May, 2025.' 2
Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Dance Fest delivers spectacular performances in Ayrshire
Dance Fest, Ayrshire's biggest celebration of dance, enjoyed two sell-out shows at the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr. The spectacular event showcased the very best of dance from local schools, community groups, private dance schools and stage schools plus a performance from East Ayrshire Youth Dance Company. Performances included Fenwick Primary who presented a dance entitled Dancing through the decades – 150 years of Fenwick Primary while S1 from Stewarton Academy performed an extremely high energy hip-hop routine to 'It's Okay I'm Okay and Work It'. Logan Primary wowed with a dance using various styles entitled Around the World; East Ayrshire's Youth Dance Company performed an incredible hip-hop routine to Lady Gaga's 'Abracadabra'; while St Andrews Primary gave a fantastic performance to Flor Rida's classic 'Club can't handle me'. Dance Fest was produced by Zara Smith, Cultural Co-ordinator, Dance and Movement from East Ayrshire Council's Creative Minds team, and featured a range of different dance styles and musical tastes, including musical theatre, street, jazz, lyrical and hip-hop. The young people put on an incredible show and the East Ayrshire Teacher Performance group impressed the crowd with Bye Bye Bye – a hip-hop routine choreographed by Carrie Craggs, to the NSync song and a jazz routine choreographed by Louise Chudleigh to Get Happy. The tantalising and totally toe-tapping two-night event saw further highlights from Jam Street, i-Dance, Karen E Moir Dance, Dynamite Dance Studio, Icon Dance Company Ayrshire and CentreStage. Zara said: "Dance Fest represents the culmination of weeks and months of practice by pupils and their teachers in schools across East Ayrshire who come together to share their love of dance on stage. It is a spectacular celebration and showcase, which everyone finds really uplifting. The show also reflects the ongoing and much-appreciated support and encouragement from parents, family members and carers." Provost Claire Leitch attended Dance Fest with the Council's Chief Executive, Eddie Fraser, and Dr Julie Carrie, Music Services Manager. She said: "What an incredible evening we spent at Dance Fest. It was a real celebration of dance and was so joyous. All the dancers gave heart and soul to their performances, and I found it very moving – the talent, the commitment and just the opportunity to express themselves through dance. It was wonderful. "Congratulations to Zara Smith for producing a fantastic event and to all the performers."
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
East Ayrshire pupils hit the high notes in Young Musician of the Year competition
Ten musicians battled for the top prize. East Ayrshire youngsters hit the high notes as 10 talented musicians battled it out for in the Music Service's East Ayrshire Young Musician of the Year competition. Held at Grange Academy in Kilmarnock, the competition was adjudicated by Laura MacMillan, Principal Teacher of Music at Belmont Academy, and Graeme Barclay, owner and founder of Beat Buddies Music. Competing in the final were – Gregor from Stewarton Academy (marimba), Max from Loudoun Academy (saxophone), Matthew from Kilmarnock Academy (piano), Eilidh from Grange Academy (voice), Jai from The Robert Burns Academy (bagpipes), Ben from Loudoun Academy (guitar), Mariella from Kilmarnock Academy (voice), Lily from Stewarton Academy (clarinet), Ethan from Grange Academy (piano) and Sophie from Doon Academy (cornet). And it was Gregor from Stewarton Academy who won the competition playing a beautiful piece called Ney Rosauro's Marimba Concerto. Sophie from Doon Academy and Ethan from Grange Academy were runners-up. Gregor will now also be representing East Ayrshire at the Scottish Young Musician national final at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland next month. Provost Claire Leitch attended the competition with Councillor Elaine Cowan, and was on hand to present the winners with their awards. She said: 'What an honour to attend the East Ayrshire Young Musician of the Year competition, to hear the incredible talent of our young people and congratulate our winner – Gregor and runners-up - Sophie and Ethan. 'Heartfelt thanks go to the judges Laura MacMillan and Graeme Barclay, they really did have a tough job; the standard of performance was exceptional. 'For musicians, there is nothing like performing to a live audience so thanks go to the Music Service, led by Dr Julie Carrie, for giving our young people this wonderful opportunity.'
Daily Record
25-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Vulnerable East Ayrshire residents having greater say on services
Vulnerable residents are getting more a say on the services that impact them according to a progress report on East Ayrshire's Independent Advocacy Strategic Plan. The report, to be presented to East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership's (HSCP) Strategic Planning and Wellbeing Delivery Group, outlines how the HSCP is working towards making advocacy more accessible for people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia, and children in care or child protection processes. Independent advocacy ensures people can express their views and make informed choices in matters affecting their lives—especially where they may face barriers to being heard. The report explained that the strategic approach is about embedding advocacy into services, so people can express their views about those that impact them. The report highlights several key areas of progress: The plan is overseen by a dedicated Implementation Group composed of service leaders, advocacy providers, and commissioning officers. Their role is to monitor progress and respond to emerging needs. While the report outlines positive steps forward, it does accept that expanding the service will cost more. The report will be considered by the East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership Strategic Planning group on Monday, April 23.
