Issue 060

When wildfire swept through Goat Fell and Glen Rosa on the Isle of Arran on April 10th, towering flames devoured native vegetation, scorched habitats, and sent smoke into global headlines.

“There’s been traditional music in Carrick for well over 50 years. The very first festivals would have been informal, word of mouth gatherings.

Ayrshire-based Kirsty Millard has always had a keen interest in music. Originally from Essex, she began writing songs as soon as she learned to play instruments, in her case guitar and piano.

Attention book lovers! I’m thrilled to be a regular contributor to Ayrshire Magazine and hope you have enjoyed reading the interviews with authors who have appeared at events at The Book Nook Stewarton.

March 2nd, 1960. It’s a date that’s etched into the mind of many an Elvis Presley fan. It is, of course, the one and only date that the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll stepped onto British soil.

If you’ve ever visited Culzean Castle, you’ll no doubt be familiar with its second-hand bookshop. Situated in the new stable block, the bookshop not only offers thousands of quality second-hand books for sale, it also has comfortable sofas from which to make your selection.

Sir Tom Hunter invited Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Platinum and Gold+ members to his Blair Estate, opening up a dynamic discussion and sharing his own insights.

Picture this: your phone rings, and it’s someone trying to sell you something you didn’t ask for. Your instinct? Hang up.

We think that it’s time that our little county reflected with pride on the achievements of our local sportspeople. And what better way to start than by compiling a team of noted footballers born in Ayrshire?

At Vets4Pets Ayrshire, we know your pets are family. That’s why we bring top-quality care closer to home, so you don’t have to travel far for treatments.

“I’ll have a go myself. How difficult can it be?” The delivery driver, whose name was Bob, gave me what I think used to be called ‘an old-fashioned look’ and completed his task.

It’s a grand day. The sun shines and the temperature is pleasantly mild. Birdsong, uplifting and joyous, resonates in the still morning air.

With over 70 Clubs and more than 3,500 members, The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) remains committed to supporting young people who live and work in rural Scotland.

Getting those fresh veggies into your diet over the cold, dark winter months can be something of a challenge, but with spring just around the corner there are some fresh new seasonal vegetables on the way to make it a whole lot easier.

As I make my way across the old, chipped tiles in the changing room, keen to get that far away lane to myself for some uninterrupted lengths, I realise that I’m not the first here. At 7am there are other early risers ready to seize the day too, their laughter reaching me as I make my way to the poolside entrance.

Every so often I find myself thinking that I don’t care what anyone else thinks: I’ll do my thing my way, emboldened by my mid-life joie de vivre.

Sometimes, it’s the simplest of things which result in the greatest of pleasures. This is not a new phenomenon, but rather a realisation that comes with age. With maturity comes the ability to recognise what is important and what is not, particularly now there is greater emphasis on mental health and wellbeing.

A short city break between jobs. Some winter Arabic sunshine. Not what you’d call a quick flight from Glasgow but a location long on the wish list of Mrs Ireland so it had to be done. Our destination? Marrakesh.

You’ve probably heard of the North Coast 500, one of Scotland’s most popular driving routes for tourists and natives alike, but chances are you’re less familiar with the South West Coastal (SWC) 300.

Hilarious haggis tales, Taylor Swift fandom, and Florida vlogs are just some of the topics that have seen Ayrshire TikToker, Kirsty Clyne, going viral.

For Ian McIntyre, founder of Progressive Touches – Football Academy, launching the Girl’s Academy last year was an opportunity to build more than football skills, it was an opportunity to build a community.

Having lost my father-in-law to the neurodegenerative disease, Motor Neurone Disease, I know only too well how cruel the condition can be. There is still no cure for MND, so fundraising is vital as research continues.

Watt Nicoll will be 90 years of age on 24th December 2025. Instead of thinking about relaxing or retiring he has set himself some amazingly creative, imaginative and ambitious, yet completely unselfish goals to mark his nine decades on the planet.

Starting your own business is exciting, full of potential, freedom, and the chance to bring your vision to life. But let’s be honest, it’s also a time filled with challenges, self-doubt, and moments where you wonder if you’re doing the right thing.

Ayrshire-based wrestling promoters Pro2’s next show will take place at Annbank Village Hall on Saturday, 29th March.

Since March 2013, Cumnock Factory Outlet has been a much-loved shopping destination attracting visitors near and far on the lookout for a brand name bargain.

Family-owned Ayrshire hospitality group, SimpsInns, has reponed the doors to its restaurant and bar at The Loans Inn following a £200,000 makeover.

The Galleon Centre in Kilmarnock has long been a cornerstone of the local community, providing a top-class facility for fitness enthusiasts and casual gym-goers alike. Now, thanks to a significant investment of over £100,000, the centre’s fitness suite has undergone an impressive transformation.