Latest news with #SouthAyrshireCouncil
Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Green light for Ayr church annex plan
Religious leaders at the church in John Street previously lodged a planning application with South Ayrshire Council, seeking permission for the works. A plan to make alterations and build an extension to Riverside Evangelical Church in Ayr has been approved. Religious leaders at the church in John Street previously lodged a planning application with South Ayrshire Council, seeking permission for the works. Now those proposals have been given the green light. Agents in the proposals were Hamilton-based Angus Design Associates. A supporting statement read: 'Riverside Church plays a key part in meeting the physical, spiritual, emotional and social needs of its local community. 'On a Sunday morning we have over 200 people gathered - representing a wide spectrum of age and background. 'Throughout the week we have a busy programme of activities that we either run or host, attracting more people and meeting a wide variety of need. 'To maintain and build on this success, the time has come to redevelop and improve our facilities. 'Our current 'halls' are not only tired but would require significant structural work to remain usable and fit for purpose. 'We have developed plans with the needs of service users and providers at the forefront of our ambition.' The application states that the proposed new annexe will be 'more accessible' to people with impaired mobility and will provide a 'flexible range of rooms and spaces' of different sizes to accommodate the needs of different types of activity. The supporting statement continues: 'As well as the types of activity one might expect a church to run – worship events, study groups, children's clubs, parents and toddler groups, youth activities, etc – we also provide a range of practical services. 'As a church- and through our charity Riverside Community Trust- we work in partnership with (among others) South Ayrshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership, Seascape Housing Support, Housing 1st (SAC), Working for Wallacetown, NHS South Ayrshire Treatment and Recovery Team (START), Connect 4 Change, NHS Oral Health Team, Circles Advocacy, Ayr Housing Aid, Outside Clinic Opticians, Fuel Bank Foundation, Christians Against Poverty, The Gaiety Theatre and SAC's Community Learning & Development. 'The new annexe will provide accommodation more appropriate to the services we offer. The modern welcoming environment will help enhance the self-worth of clients who are often struggling due to mental health issues, trauma, poverty, homelessness, and drug or alcohol issues. 'We provide a home to an ESOL group made up of refugees and immigrants from a variety of nations. We also accommodate groups for people who suffer from severe anxiety and other potentially life-limiting mental health conditions.' The statement adds: 'Our various activities help enhance inclusion, and assist people in overcoming social isolation. The new annexe will allow us to develop a warm and welcoming space where people can get a free meal, and get help or advice on a range of issues including personal debt, health, fuel poverty, addictions and housing problems. 'The plans also include purpose-built office facilities for our staff who work both in the church and on outreach in the local community. 'The enhanced facilities will also assist us in expanding our services to children and young people, and allow us to provide suitable amenities for training events for local businesses, charities and other groups. 'We would also hope to run more concerts,conferences, film nights and other events of interest to members of the church and local community.' The plans have been designed in a way that will protect the capacity of the church car park, and the demolition of the existing hall will allow staff to provide additional parking spaces– taking traffic away from neighbouring streets.
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Ayr rugby chiefs lodge fresh plans as they seek approval for phase three Millbrae redevelopment
Rugby chiefs now hope to get the green light so they can plough ahead with the latest stage of the club's transformation. Top brass at Ayr Rugby Club have lodged fresh proposals for the multi-million pound redevelopment of their home at Millbrae. With work now complete on phases one and two of the ambitious project, rugby chiefs now hope to get the green light so they can plough ahead with the latest stage of the club's transformation. Phase one involved improved access to Millbrae, while phase two involved the installation of an all-weather pitch. Now phase three involves the refurbishment of the Millbrae clubhouse. Agents in this latest proposal are Jewitt & Wilkie Architects and central to the plan is the building of a new strength and conditioning gym. Also included in the design plans are a golf simulator room, club merchandise shop, multi-use rooms and more. General internal and external alterations to the Millbrae clubhouse are also being proposed in order to make the club's base one of the most modern around. The design and access statement said: 'Ayr Rugby Football Club (ARFC) propose to carry out an extensive Clubhouse refurbishment as part of a third phase in their redevelopment of Millbrae. 'Planning approvals have been granted by South Ayrshire Council for a new access road (Phase 1) and an all-weather pitch (Phase 2) and this application marks the third phase of the Club's redevelopment, which was made possible through the £3m Macdonald Legacy Award.' The statement continues: 'A third planning application (Phase 3) was submitted to South Ayrshire Council on 5th August 2024, which proposed internal and external changes, with a Strength and Conditioning Gym and Café extension to the north of the Clubhouse. 'This application was withdrawn due to the club's strategy to provide 'sports-based facilities' based upon detailed studies of alternative locations for new facilities to derive the optimum solution for the available funds. Much of the internal Clubhouse refurbishment remains the same in this submission.' The works involve the following: • Gym Extension to meet Sportscotland and Scottish Rugby Union criteria for strength and conditioning. The gym will also serve as a daytime 'leisure' provision to the local community and to provide valuable income and activity within the Club. • Upgrading and increase in capacity of male, female and accessible toilet (baby changing) facilities. • 'Clean' and 'Dirty' changing facilities for the new all-weather and existing grass pitches to meet Sportscotland and Scottish Rugby Union requirements for male, female, disabled and gender-neutral users. • New referees' changing for male and female match officials. • Refurbishment and internal alteration of bar, lounge and functions area, with associated works to the kitchen area. • Upgrading of the thermal fabric of the Clubhouse including the installation of energy efficient heating, lighting, ventilation and foul/surface water management systems. • New PV panels and low carbon heating installations. The proposals represent an overall increase in area of the existing Clubhouse of 288sqm. The design statement adds: 'The Clubhouse extension, refurbishment and external works serve to create a contemporary environment to reflect Ayr RFC's established achievements and ambitions, however, to respect the Club's rich history and tradition. 'The upgrading and extension will create a sporting complex to support an even greater community and commercial involvement and to provide facilities that met, or exceeded the standards required by the Scottish Rugby Union and Sportscotland. 'In addition to the support of existing uses, the addition of the strength and conditioning gym, club merchandise shop, golf simulator, multi-use spaces and enhanced facilities will increase capacity, participation and provide a facility used all year round and not just within the rugby calendar.' The proposals are listed as 'pending consideration' on South Ayrshire Council's online planning portal and a decision on them is expected around the middle of September.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Councillors' unexpected journey to South Ayrshire's top table
Independent Councillors Brian Connolly and Alec Clark speak about their journey from being the only independents on South Ayrshire Council to becoming Leader and Depute Leader. Two months ago, Councillor Brian Connolly became South Ayrshire's first independent council leader. But he almost fell into politics by accident. In 2006, he was a member of Maybole Community Council, with no real aspirations to 'higher' office. When the then-Labour Council Leader Andy Hill resigned, both from his post and position as councillor for North Carrick and Maybole East, the businessman offered to stand. However, he was told that he would have had to be a party member for at least six months to be eligible. That seemed to be that – until Labour announced that they were putting forward a candidate from Coylton. Cllr Connolly told Labour that, unless they selected a member from within the ward he would stand as an independent. This was during the last year of the single member wards, which was replaced by the current multi-member wards in 2007. In the end he won the seat by the absolute smallest of margins, defeating former Ayr Advertiser Editor, Conservative candidate Ann Galbraith, by a single vote which was confirmed after three recounts. Labour were left to rue their choice, with Sandra Goldie falling from first to third of the four candidates. He was re-elected in the 2007 election as one of four councillors in Maybole, North Carrick and Coylton – alongside the two Labour and Conservative candidates he had defeated the year before. That election marked the biggest shift in a generation, with the upsurge in support for the SNP. As Cllr Connolly had become South Ayrshire Council's first ever independent member, the SNP picked up their first seats – with their eight councillors transforming the authority into a three-way contest between them, Labour and the Conservatives. As the sole 'neutral', Cllr Connolly said he was sought out to carry out a number of roles despite his inexperience, including the chair of the key scrutiny committee. It would not be until the next election, in 2012, that Cllr Connolly would be joined by another Carrick member. When Cllr Alec Clark was elected to the Girvan and South Carrick ward, it became clear that a commonality of purpose and understanding that it would be logical to support each other as independents, meant that their paths would become entwined. Cllr Clark also came from a community council background, but took a more circuitous route to the council. Coming from a Girvan family, he had met his wife in Gibraltar and spent the majority of the 80s in the region, before returning to Girvan in 1988. He got involved in the community soon thereafter. As a businessman he was aware of the defunct Girvan Merchants Association and with others worked to launch a new Girvan Business Association. The group helped the town obtain Christmas lights and CCTV among other things. He then took up the position of Chair of Girvan Community Council in the noughties, eventually deciding to make the leap to stand for South Ayrshire Council. Cllr Clark admitted that he did consider the possibility of standing on a party ticket, but eventually chose an independent path. He said: 'I stood to be elected because things were happening in Girvan which I thought weren't getting the right oversight. They had lost the beach pavilion and then decided to close the swimming pool for no good reason. His work in the community had certainly been noticed. In that 2012 election he picked up almost half of the first preference votes, almost 30 per cent ahead of the three mainstream parties, with the Conservatives ultimately losing their seat. Cllr Clark said: 'Brian and I have worked close together ever since really. I did know Brian before I went to the council and went to him for advice around what was involved. 'At that time I was still in business. Once I was retired I was able to take on portfolios. 'At the time trying to invest but at a minimum. We ended up with a Quay Zone that wasn't the finished article. So these are the things that drove me. I have always been community minded.' He added: 'As depute leader and Brian as Leader, our focus is on South Ayrshire as a whole. 'But at the time there certainly wasn't an equilibrium between Ayr, Prestwick and Troon and what was dubbed the rural area. 'We had to have a better oversight of the whole of South Ayrshire. 'Not that, these are where most people stay and need houses and then build all of the houses there.' He said that in turn would lead to fewer moving to the south with the knock on impact on businesses and the local economy. Cllr Connolly said that while they were not at the heart of the administration in the 2012-17 term, both continued to be called to take on roles by virtue of their status. He said: 'That independence tag gives you that neutrality. Alec and I discuss politics in general very often, but on the council we have kept out of that. ' The 2017 election saw an SNP/Labour coalition take the council over from the Conservatives, with the two independents taking on portfolios and joining the then Leadership Panel. Cllr Connolly added: 'After 2017, we have had central roles in every administration. ' In 2022 it looked as though the two independents would join Labour and the SNP to continue their coalitionn. However, the two parties failed to come to an agreement. Cllrs Connolly and Clark said that their loyalty was not in question, despite an approach from the then Conservative leader Martin Dowey. Cllr Connolly said: 'To Martin's favour he asked us just after the election, but we said that we had committed our loyalty to SNP and Labour. 'That didn't happen, so when he came back, Martin said again 'will you take on these roles?' 'He actually came back and asked us twice and that is when we agreed to join the administration.' Cllr Clark added: 'At the end of the day if we have a position where we can influence things, then it is much better for us to help our communities.' Fast forward to the end of May and the breaking of the scandal that saw the Leader step down over promises made to a business over contracts, the Chief Executive resign and several Conservative councillors sever ties with the party. There had already been a shift in the balance of the administration before the crisis exploded, with the cabinet featuring more independents than Conservatives. There was significant criticism of the members of the administration, who were accused of 'rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic' by maintaining much the same cabinet as before. That journey for the two independent councillors reached its unexpected destination in June when they were elected Leader and Depute Leader. However, they are clear that they took the view that this change of leadership would not spark a series of upheavals. Cllr Connolly said: 'What was obvious to us all, we only had two years left in administration and we didn't want everything to change. 'By the time all that settles, you are into your last year and you have no time to do anything. 'We were quite comfortable with the path that the administration was on. 'We had projects coming to maturity and we have seen that, when administrations change, everything is up in the air. 'Our aim is to simply keep the council moving forward in the right direction.' Cllr Clark pointed to the regeneration work progressing across South Ayrshire. He said: 'It wasn't just Ayr, Prestwick and Troon, although they are getting their slice of it. 'We have a lot in other towns. Maybole is starting to get a lot of regeneration. Girvan is getting regeneration. 'We have everything set up to go and are on the cusp of this coming to fruition. 'Why would we want to change that?' With the number of independent councillors hitting double figures, as a result of elections and defections, Cllr Connolly admitted he would like to see more independents come the 2027 local elections. Both councillors said they had never foreseen or looked to pursue a bid for the top jobs when they were the only independents in town. Cllr Clark said: 'No, I didn't forsee it. 'What the journey we have had brings is experience. 'When you come into council, even though I had ten years with the community council, you have got to learn it is a political world, whether you are an independent or not. 'You have got to understand how the council works. What you can do what you cannot do. It is a big learning journey. 'But we have so much experience now that we find it quite comfortable. It is not something that we can't handle. 'That is why we can provide stability. We know that there is nothing that can come up that we have not seen before. The Leader agreed, saying: 'It is not the position I would have thought of at the start of the journey, particularly when we were the only independents. 'I think anybody, whether it is Joe Public or council officers, would want an independent run council. 'Politics just gets in the way.' The Depute Leader said: 'Politics is fine at a level above as you have to have that balance and checks. 'But an independent run council is absolutely much better.'
Daily Record
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Maybole Community Campus shortlisted for five national awards
The Learning Places Scotland Awards will take place this November. A South Ayrshire school has been shortlisted for five top national awards. Maybole Community Campus is up for a raft of prizes at the Learning Places Scotland Awards. The project is recognised in the following categories: Early Learning and Childcare Award, Innovation in Delivering a Sustainable Learning Space, Inspiring Learning Spaces, Project of the Year and Pupil/Student Experience. The awards highlight excellence in the planning, design, and delivery of learning environments across the country. This year's ceremony will take place on Tuesday, November 18 at the Hilton Glasgow. The shortlist reflects key themes of sustainability, innovation, and future-focused learning design, and highlights the quality of the Maybole Community Campus project. South Ayrshire Council's schools spokesman, Councillor William Grant, said: "I'm delighted that the Maybole Community Campus has been shortlisted at the Learning Places Awards. "The campus hosts fantastic facilities for the local community, whilst also providing a modern and inspiring school space for our young people to engage in learning, which has rightly been recognised."
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
Trump's Scottish getaway: Trade talks, golfing and protests
It was supposed to be a golfing trip with a bit of light business scattered throughout. Instead, US President Donald Trump's visit to Scotland has taken on a new significance, with the small village of Turnberry potentially the backdrop for a trade agreement between the EU and US. According to officials in the European Commission, this is being treated as a "president-to-president" negotiating session. It is not a signed, sealed, delivered photo-op. "There is optimism but no certainty that a deal will be reached," they explained. And so it seems that Turnberry is the place where both leaders will seek to overcome those final hurdles. Some may raise an eyebrow that the meeting takes place, not in the US or in an EU country, but rather in the UK which voted to leave the European bloc. But time is of the essence with a deadline approaching, and it gives both leaders a chance to meet and secure a deal that would avert increased tariffs on both sides of the Atlantic. Mr Trump has managed to focus much of the world's attention on Turnberry. As well as his meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, he is also holding bilateral sessions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney. Trade, Gaza and Ukraine are all expected to be talking points when he meets both men. Much of the UK's attention will be on whether Mr Starmer can secure a commitment to reduce 25% tariffs on British steel, but also whether he can reduce 10% baseline tariffs. There will also be focus on what is said on Gaza, with growing outrage around the humanitarian crisis there. Over 200 MPs signed a cross-party letter on Friday, demanding that the British Prime Minister recognise the state of Palestine. Mr Trump's Turnberry visit will be remembered for many reasons. Turnberry welcome In the seaside village of Turnberry there is bemusement among locals that they have found themselves at the centre of much of the world's gaze. The reception President Trump has received is similar to the one he was greeted with in Doonbeg County Clare in 2019, where many welcomed a man who had brought job opportunities to the area. It is an investment not to be sniffed at according to people like councillor Alec Clark, the deputy leader of South Ayrshire Council. The independent councillor, who also holds the Tourism and Culture portfolio in the council, told us this week that Trump Turnberry employs around 400 people. Mr Trump bought the resort in 2014. His election as president in 2016 only served to boost the profile of the hotel and surrounding area. Opposition exists however. One elderly woman was clear that he was a man "totally at odds" with the people of Scotland. "I don't think we should entertain him at all. I don't think people like that are welcome in Scotland at all," she explained. Scottish Protests This weekend's visit has been described as semi-private. As a result the president's schedule during the visit is being decided and guarded by the White House. It has made the organising of protests somewhat difficult for those eager to showcase their opposition to his presence, as they cannot be sure where he will be each day. Nevertheless, people protesting under the banner "Stop Trump Coalition" made their voices heard yesterday during simultaneous demonstrations in Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Jack Nevin, organiser of the Edinburgh protest, explained that the gathering outside the US Consulate was not just to convey a message that Mr Trump is not welcome in Scotland, but also to showcase opposition to his policies, including in relation to Gaza. "It's a protest of Trumpism, and it's a rejection of the politics of hate, division and fear, which is propagating in the United States and throughout the world," he said. A "Festival of Opposition" has been promised for Aberdeen where Mr Trump's son Eric is expected to cut the ribbon on a second course at the family's golfing resort. It will be named after the US President's Gaelic speaking mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who grew up in the outer Hebrides. Deal or no deal The main takeaway from this presidential visit is likely to be whether the European Commission President leaves with a deal or without one. Either outcome will have consequences for both the US and EU. Should a deal not be reached, tariffs will increase to 30% on EU goods. Europe has promised retaliatory measures on €93 billion of US goods too. Ms von der Leyen's decision to travel to Scotland is being taken as an indication that she is confident that it will be worth her while. She landed in Glasgow last night and will make her way to Turnberry today. European Trade Commissioner Maros Saefcovic is due to land today and will join her for the meeting. Senior officials in the European Commission this weekend said that there was a feeling that talks had advanced to a point where leaders could meet and make final concessions. And so all eyes will be on Turnberry, to see whether it is a deal or no deal.
