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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.'
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Daily Record
Police and councils join forces to call for Ayrshire beaches to be enjoyed safely and responsibly
Following the tragic death of 16-year-old Kayden Moy, authorities are backing calls for people to "be responsible". "Be responsible" is the message from police and local authorities for people considering making a trip to the Ayrshire coast. It comes after 16-year-old Kayden Moy from East Kilbride tragically died after being seriously injured following an incident at Irvine Beach on Saturday, May 17. Police Scotland, the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, North Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Council, as well as the region's costal MSPs and the Scottish Government, have all come together in a bid to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. People are being asked to be responsible when visiting local shores. The key messaging is to not bring weapons, alcohol or drugs to the beach in line with the Safer Shores initiative. People are also being asked to take their litter and belongings home with them to keep beaches safe and tidy for the rest of the summer. Speaking exclusively to Ayrshire Live, Chief Inspector Judith Macgregor called for respect and consideration for others before adding that criminal and anti-social behaviour "will not be tolerated". CI Macgregor said: "My thoughts remain with the family and friends of Kayden Moy following the tragic events in Irvine at the weekend. "We encourage people visiting beaches in Ayrshire to be responsible and act with consideration for others. 'As part of our Safer Shores initiative, officers work closely with partner agencies, including Scotrail, Stagecoach, NHS Ayrshire and Arran and the local authorities to ensure our public spaces are safe and enjoyable for all. "Any criminal or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and we will carry out enforcement action where required. 'We can't tackle youth violence alone, and we work closely with our emergency service colleagues and key partners such as the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, Medics Against Violence and Fearless, the dedicated youth service of the charity Crimestoppers. 'Officers support and deliver initiatives which do not alienate or criminalise our young people but help reduce violence and encourage them to make positive life choices. 'Anyone with information about those responsible for anti-social activity should report it to Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.' Jimmy Paul, head of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit who are also backing the campaign, said: 'We know that the majority of young people gather together all the time to have fun without any problems and without it leading to violence. "We all want our young people to feel safe and not to feel the need to pick up a weapon which is why the SVRU works to address the underlying risk factors. There is no place for weapon-carrying in Scotland and we should not accept it. 'Young people should be able to enjoy themselves at the beach and anywhere in Scotland, and they should be able to do so safely.' A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: 'The tragic incident at Irvine Beach Park has been deeply upsetting and our thoughts are with the victim's family. 'We are committed to ensuring that our beaches are welcoming environments for visitors and local residents alike. 'Alongside partner agencies through our annual Safer Shores initiative, we make a collective effort to try to ensure all visitors can do so safely. In light of recent events, we are reflecting together on what can be done to redouble those efforts. 'We ask anyone visiting our beaches to do so responsibly and with consideration for others.' A South Ayrshire Council spokesperson added: 'Each year, we work with our partners on the Safer Shores campaign. 'The campaign highlights what's expected of beachgoers so that everyone can use Ayrshire beaches safely. 'Given the tragic events at Irvine Beach recently, we are even more determined to work together to ensure measures are in place to enhance public safety, support safe travel, and protect the environment.'
STV News
22-05-2025
- STV News
Families 'abandoning' Irvine beach due to drunk teenagers and litter
Excessive drinking by teenagers is forcing families to stop coming to Irvine Beach. That is the claim from Irvine Clean Up Crew, who also say the council should stop cleaning the shore unless they provide more staff. The warning came before the death of Kayden Moy, who was found seriously injured on the beach following a disturbance around 6.45pm on Saturday. The 16-year-old died in hospital after being given medical treatment at the scene. Group member Jean Harris said: 'During this hot weather, we are despairing of the problems on our beach, which is primarily caused by excessive drinking. 'Over several days, we have been on the beach early every morning and have collected nearly 300 towels, plus clothes and blankets, as well as supporting the council picking up hundreds of cans and bottles. 'The state of the beach is disgusting and is now stopping families from going. It is such an important asset, and a lot of regeneration work is going on at Irvine Harbour. The group say police seem to be unable to stop the consumption of alcohol, especially as most of the teenagers are underage. 'They seem to be coming to the beach with bottles, but I thought the police would be taking them when they arrive in the area. 'The council gives us a lot of help,p but having discussed this with our committee members, we have agreed that we can no longer support them cleaning up the beach unless they can provide more manpower when the weather is hot. 'They arrive at 7.30am each day to clear things up, but we need more help as there is so much debris on the beach. 'It is concerning what the cost to the taxpayer will be, given that emergency services have been called out on a number of occasions.' Chief inspector Judith Macgregor said: 'We encourage people visiting beaches in Ayrshire to be responsible and act with consideration for others. 'As part of our Safer Shores initiative, officers are working with partner agencies to ensure Ayrshire's beaches are safe and enjoyable for all. 'Any criminal or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will carry out enforcement action where required. 'Anyone with information about those responsible for anti-social activity should report it to Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.' A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: 'We really appreciate the work that the Irvine Clean-Up Crew carry out across the area and particularly at the beach park. 'We are looking to assign an additional operative to the beach each morning for the rest of the season, we hope this will support our own staff and the Irvine Clean-Up crew in our joint pursuit of keeping the area looking good. 'We hope to be able to confirm the new arrangements as soon as possible.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
