Latest news with #SouthAyrshireCouncil
Daily Record
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
South Ayrshire youngsters shine in DanceMania event
Primary and secondary school pupils performed at Ayr's Gaiety Theatre. More than 20 schools and community groups attended Ayr's Gaiety Theatre to take part in South Ayrshire's annual DanceMania event. DanceMania is a non-competitive showcase for primary and secondary school pupils, hosted and organised by South Ayrshire's Active Schools team. In preparation for the event, the groups were supported by school staff, local dance schools and 'Dance Leaders', who are S3-S6 secondary pupils from across South Ayrshire, to choreograph routines which they then performed on stage. The event is now in its third year and provides young people with the opportunity and experience to perform on stage in front of a live audience. Many of the participants had never been on stage before and the event provided the opportunity to build their confidence while having fun. Young people performed a variety of dance styles with lots of high energy and personality. Active Schools Young Ambassadors also supported the event by helping backstage and compering the evening. Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Brian Connolly, said: "DanceMania is a fantastic initiative that brings children together to celebrate creativity through the art of dance. It's inspiring to see young people embrace dance without the pressure of competition, fostering confidence, fun and community spirit. The young people who took part should all be very proud of themselves."
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Charity group in £70,000 community asset transfer request for historic hall and bowling green
Kirkmichael Ayrshire Development Trust are behind the move and hope to take ownership at the site. A charity group has submitted a Community Asset Transfer request to South Ayrshire Council in a £70,000 bid to take ownership of the McCosh Hall and Bowling Green in Kirkmichael. Kirkmichael Ayrshire Development Trust are behind the move and hope to take ownership at the site in order to create a 'hub' for community life, collaboration purposes and provide space for a community-run shop and other local groups. It's understood that if successful, the bowling green will continue to be used for bowls and operated by Kirkmichael Bowling Club. In a supporting statement, outlining their plans the group said: 'The Kirkmichael Development Trust is submitting this Community Asset Transfer (CAT) request to South Ayrshire Council with the intention of securing the long-term future of McCosh Hall as a vital and much used facility for the people of Kirkmichael. 'For the past five years, McCosh Hall has been leased to the community and successfully operated by Kirkmichael Village Renaissance (KVR). "From the outset, a Community Asset Transfer has been a key part of the long-term plan to ensure the continued use, vibrancy, and sustainability of the hall. Securing ownership will allow us to invest in and develop the building in ways that a lease arrangement does not permit, ensuring that it remains a thriving and inclusive space for generations to come. "With support from KVR the new Kirkmichael Ayrshire Development Trust has been established to take this plan forward.' The group also says the McCosh Hall has served as a 'cornerstone of village life' for more than 125 years and continues to be a 'crucial asset' for their rural community. Their statement continues: 'It is currently used by 18 community groups and hosts a wide range of activities that promote social connection, improve wellbeing, and reduce isolation.' According to the application the group has proposed a price of £70,000 for the asset transfer. Their statement goes on: 'The upper hall is in regular use by groups and individuals participating in activities such as Pickleball, Badminton, Karate, Carpet Bowls, Cinema Nights, Women's Group meetings, Garden Club, Guild meetings, Toddler Group, Winter Play Sessions, Music Sessions, and Knit and Natter. "The café space also accommodates smaller groups such as the Book Club, and the History Group uses the hall to house and display the village archive. The facility is also hired for private functions and external meetings.' The statement adds: 'The Community Asset Transfer will provide the security, autonomy, and long-term vision required to protect and enhance McCosh Hall as a community-owned resource. With this transfer, the Kirkmichael Development Trust is committed to preserving and strengthening the role of McCosh Hall as a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive space for all in Kirkmichael.' The group has support from local Councillor Brian Connolly, Kirkmichaal Parish Church, Kirkmichael Bowling Club and others. Cllr Connolly said: 'I have been the locally elected Councillor for the village of Kirkmichael for almost 20 years and during that time I have worked closely with the Community. Kirkmichael is a perfect fit for a rural village, from a Local Authority's perspective. As budgets have got tighter, the Community has worked with the council to grow events and organisations within the village and the remaining task would be the purchase of the McCosh Hall. 'This is the main public hub within the community, housing the local Bowling Club as well as the village shop, café and main public space, on the top floor. It is the centre of a thriving and growing rural community and the purchase of this property will give the local Trust the control of the village's main asset, allowing their efforts to reach their maximum potential.' He added: 'I have no hesitation in supporting the Community's efforts to purchase and run the local Hub, the McCosh Hall.'
Daily Record
29-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Worries over pause on applications to South Ayrshire Coastal Communities Fund
South Ayrshire Council has agreed to pause applications to the £140k fund, instead directly supporting projects that have already been deemed suitable A councillor has expressed his concerns that coastal community grants will be paused in favour of direct funding for a year. Officials presented proposals to South Ayrshire Council's Cabinet on Wednesday, outlining a change to how it distributes Coastal Communities Funding in the coming year. This year it will get more than £140,000 from the Scottish Crown Estate's marine asset revenues that forms part of the national Coastal Communities Fund. Local authorities are expected to use this funding to support areas with strong links to the coastal economy, including seaside towns and ports. In previous years, the council has opened the fund up to applications. However, the report asked for approval to forego the usual application process, instead directly investing the money in projects that had already been identified as priorities. This would include support for the Community Empowerment Fund and initiatives under the Destination South Ayrshire tourism programme. It would still set aside £20,000 for a reduced grant process for projects up to the value of £1,000. The report stated that the move would streamline funding and focus on delivering benefits such as boosting coastal business productivity, tackling seasonal tourism patterns, improving public spaces, and supporting regeneration efforts that respond to challenges like erosion or flooding. Prestwick Councillor Hugh Hunter agreed to back the report, but had significant reservations about the situation. He said: 'I'd be happy to second it, but, eh, I have a number of reservations. 'I believe the compromise with the £20,000 is acceptable, but frankly I'm really concerned at the fact that this money, which in the past would have gone out for applications to the community, is now being used to meet shortfalls elsewhere. 'And it does beg the question, what are these projects that require this extra funding and does that mean that they're running over budget or does it mean that the funding that was granted or applied for initially was insufficient? 'I just think there's a great big hole here in the information we have. 'I'm concerned why are we in this position where we need to come and take money from coastal communities to meet shortfalls elsewhere.' Assistant Director of Communities, George Hunter, replied: 'I'm not sure that the way I'd describe it is that it's meeting shortfalls elsewhere. 'We have prescribed budgets that we put out over the web and, through our social media channels, to attract applications for things like the Community Empowerment Fund and Destination South Ayrshire Tourism Grants. 'The demand for Destination South Ayrshire Tourism Grants, for example, significantly outstrips available resource, so the general intention behind the Coastal Communities Fund and those wider grants that we support a whole range of events and community initiatives. 'It just makes sense to me, in terms of managing expectation, that those applications which have been considered and which meet the core objectives are the ones that we then take forward into funding and delivery.' He insisted that the projects that would receive support would meet the same criteria that community applications would require. Cllr Hunter then suggested that it appeared that this move was putting funding from various pots into 'a great big fund'. He said: 'I'm not sure that that's what the individual grant funding bodies would approve of.' Cllr Hunter did acknowledge that the direct funding would only be for one year. He added: 'I'll go along with it. But I don't like it. ' The Assistant Director responded: 'It's about managing expectation and funding those projects that we've already reviewed through our panel process and and have a good fit with coastal communities. Depute Leader, Cllr Alec Clark, told the meeting that he shared some of the concerns raised and asked whether there was any monitoring of results from previous applications and the benefits they brought. He said: 'I'll support the paper, but I do realise that within communities there are some concerns.' The report was approved by the Cabinet.
Daily Record
29-05-2025
- 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
Airshow Festival Village returns for two days of family entertainment
There will be a range of activities for all ages, including a climbing tower, laser tag, and axe throwing. The International Ayr Show's Festival of Flight village will bring a weekend of entertainment for the whole family this September. The event will take place on Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6 at Ayr's shorefront - with activities and attractions throughout the Low Green as well as breathtaking aerial displays. This year, there will be plenty of activities for all ages, including a climbing tower, laser tag, and axe throwing. Visitors can try the aircraft simulator or make their way to the fabulous lights and attractions of the fun fair. If you're coming to the airshow with the whole family, there's a wide range of activities to keep children occupied at the Family Fun Village – with face painters, glitter tattooists, a circus workshop, bubble football, a dinosaur show, a magic show and more. The airshow strategic partner, theSKYLAB, will return to the Festival Village with the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) marquee. With hands-on activities and representatives from companies from the Prestwick aerospace hub and across Scotland, attendees will be able to get a taster of all the impressive and interesting things that are going on in the world of STEM. Also returning will be the popular Army, Navy and RAF village. Organisers are especially pleased to welcome back the event charity partner to the festival site - the RAF Benevolent Fund. Representatives from the Fund will be happy to welcome festival goers to their marquee to chat about the invaluable support they provide to serving and ex-serving RAF personnel and their families. Attendees will be able to create the perfect memory of their visit by choosing a souvenir from one of the many vendors in our Local Trade Village, or from the airshow merchandise stall. There will be a food village with a wide variety of tasty treats to keep everyone fuelled up, plus a bar on site. Business owners are encouraged to register their interest in trading at the 2025 International Ayr Show via the online application form which is available on the aishow webpage. There will be a range of static exhibitions featured this year, showcasing vintage cars, vintage motorcycles, model aeroplanes, heritage emergency vehicles and more. There will also be a range of military museum exhibitions to view. With all this, plus daring aerial displays on both days, there's plenty to look forward to at the International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight. Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Brian Connolly, said: "After two successful years, The International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight has gone from strength to strength and I'm sure 2025 will be no different. With even more announcements to come, the line-up for both the aerial displays and Festival Village are promising a brilliant weekend." Depute Leader of South Ayrshire Council and Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark, said: "We'll have an excellent range of activities on offer at the airshow this year – making it not only a worthwhile trip for all the aviation enthusiasts, but also a great day out for families. "It's exciting to have such a prestigious event to look forward to within South Ayrshire that draws in impressive crowds of both local people and visitors – just what we want and need for the area." Gavin Davey, Area Director for Scotland, Northeast England and Northern Ireland, at the Fund said: "We are delighted to continue our partnership with South Ayrshire Council at The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight in September. "This outstanding event provides an invaluable platform to raise awareness of the vital support we offer to members of the RAF Family across Ayrshire, Scotland, and the wider UK. "We look forward to this year's event with great anticipation and are grateful for the continued warmth and enthusiasm shown by South Ayrshire Council and the local community. "The Ayr Show consistently offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, and we are excited to strengthen our local engagement." CEO of The Skylab, Geoff Coxon, said: "The STEM village is a fantastic place to see what is happening at the amazing Prestwick aerospace hub and the rest of Scotland, with all of the companies bringing along the really exciting things they make. They will also bring interactive family activities such as mini drone flying, flight simulator, wind tunnel experiments and much more too. 'It is a great place to talk to the companies about career opportunities too. Even though you may not think it, there are so many transferable skills that be used in the aerospace industry, so you never know where your next career move will take you after the airshow. 'Our airshow is very special in that it is the only airshow in the UK where the flying display programme is specifically designed around STEM. So, all of the exciting displays you will see have real links with the engineers and companies in the STEM village. This way there is real context to what is happening in the STEM village on the ground. Make sure to listen out for the display commentaries that link all of these great companies, and their teams, to the displays from the Typhoon, Red Arrows and many others to come!"
