Issue 062

For most people, ice cream is a sweet treat for sunny days or special occasions. But for Allison Black, it’s so much more – it’s a way of life!

One of Scotland’s biggest regional business events is set to return this autumn, with Ayrshire firms preparing for a week of high-profile speakers, major networking events and fresh growth opportunities.

What are your priorities when you are viewing a house? By that, I mean a property that either you, or a friend or relative, are considering buying.

It is a sweltering, sunny Saturday in July. There is barely a whisper of wind. Camera in hand, essential water-bottle in my backpack, I’m standing on the sands at one of my favourite coastal locations – the River Doon Estuary at Doonfoot.

There’s never a wrong season for soup. No matter the time of year, there are always seasonal ingredients which lend themselves beautifully to either chunky, hearty bowls of goodness in the colder days, or lighter, smoother, slow sips of soup in summer.

Do you remember the days when you stood in the middle of the road and hailed a cab? A glimpse of that yellow illuminated sign on top of the cab saw you throwing your hand in the air – and putting your life at risk!

Florida has over 800 miles of beaches, and more theme parks and attractions than anywhere else in the world. It is hugely popular with the UK market mainly thanks to Mickey Mouse and the array of theme park attractions on offer, but Florida is also popular in the winter months for those seeking sunshine.

There’s something magical that happens when we step outside—especially during the summer months when we can take advantage of the milder weather and light nights we get in Scotland.

You know that moment when you walk into a shop, and the sales assistant asks, “Can I help you with anything?” It’s polite. It’s expected.

In my last article I mentioned Troon and Turnberry very briefly as being the premier links courses on the Ayrshire coast, but I would like you to ponder on what makes all of our Ayrshire golf courses so popular with both members and visitors from all over the world.

There’s a lot of buzz going on at The Coo Shed on South Corton Farm right now, for more than one reason. For a start, the last twelve months has seen this much-loved local business win one coveted prize after another.

Ayrshire’s diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged coastlines and serene beaches to lush woodlands and expansive wetlands, create a haven for birdwatchers. Stretching from the Annick and Irvine valleys in the north to Girvan in the south, the region offers a rich tapestry of habitats that attract a wide array of bird species throughout the year.

My name is Derek Goodchild, of Goodchild Art. I paint seascapes and coastal landscapes, primarily from the Hebrides and the West Coast of Scotland, in acrylic on various types of canvas.

Our neighbours to the north have long understood the healing magic of saunas. The Finns were the first to embrace them, over 2000 years ago, when they dug pits into embankments and filled them with hot stones.

As I sit in Dave and Maureen Houfe’s abundantly beautiful garden in the pretty village of Symington, they tell me that the pollinators we should be worrying about right now are not, in fact, the honeybees.

It’s tempting to think of creativity as something that belongs to the chosen few – the artists, musicians, and poets etc – but the truth is it’s something which is in all of us.

You might already recognise the name – or the face – of Ken O’Hara. Since taking early retirement from teaching around a decade ago, Ken has channelled his creativity into MAD Productions, the business he set up to showcase his passions: Music, Art and Drama.

This section of the Ayrshire Coastal Path is a must-visit, combining history, coastal scenery, wildlife and golf in one unforgettable route.

If you’ve driven through the coastal village of Ballantrae, chances are you’ve spotted the Thrift Shop on Main Street. You may even have been inside and wandered the aisles of this bountiful treasure trove.

There are few, if any, more picturesque locations in Ayrshire than the Brig o’ Doon in Alloway. The Brig o’ Doon House Hotel is certainly one of the most desired wedding venues in the county thanks to its immaculately manicured gardens, the Auld Brig and the meandering River Doon, which combine to form the perfect backdrop for both ceremony and celebration.

Most of us had a teddy bear when we were young. It’s part of growing up, isn’t it? But teddy bears aren’t just for kids, as I discovered when I spoke with Lynn Bowie.

When Lindsay McAdam’s son registered for Bikeability Scotland with Tarbolton Primary School, she was faced with two problems. Firstly, he couldn’t ride a bike, and secondly, he didn’t have one.

Returning to Lochgreen House Hotel is like coming home for newly appointed Culinary Director Jordan Annabi. Since he first stepped into the stunningly beautiful grounds of Lochgreen at the age of 18, Jordan’s career has taken him to some of the most luxurious dining destinations around the world, gathering rosettes, accolades, and stars along the way.

Tucked away in Magbiehill Park, Stewarton, Buns & Guns is not your average gym. With its distinctive pink weights, extensive range of equipment, and friendly, non-intimidating vibe, it’s earned a loyal following across Ayrshire.

When The Potting Shed at Si! in Irvine invited Ayrshire Magazine to try their new dinner menu, I did what any sensible person would do, cleared my calendar, skipped lunch, and wore trousers with an elasticated waistband. Priorities.

Sheriffmuir, an area of moorland lying on a plateau a few miles north of Stirling, is an area that’s steeped in history, having been the locus of the only major battle to have been fought in Scotland during the first Jacobite Rising and, later, the site of training facilities used by British troops during each of the World Wars.

Pockets of geological wonder, gemstones are amongst the world’s most magical and enduring natural marvels. Gemstones have long fascinated us, and it is estimated that they were first worn in jewellery around 4,000 BC, captivating admirers with their exceptional beauty and mesmerising hues.

In the heart of Kilmarnock, a remarkable transformation has taken place. The historic Grange Free Church, once a symbol of spiritual ascent, has been meticulously restored and re-imagined as Above Adventure—Ayrshire’s first indoor climbing centre.

In today’s society, where inclusivity and empowerment are more important than ever, Ace Supporting Services Limited emerges as a shining example of dedicated care and support for young adults with learning disabilities.

After a challenging year prior, Whitletts Victoria Football Club made a remarkable return to form during the 2024/25 season, securing promotion back into the West of Scotland First Division.

What began as an ambitious vision for Bill and Cath Costley has grown, through the work of three generations, into one of Scotland’s most respected hospitality legacies. Together, the Costleys have cultivated an enviable reputation for excellence, combining traditional Scottish charm with world class luxury.

Ayr-based property developer, Wood Property Group, has purchased Queen’s Court in Sandgate with the aim of recreating the Victorian arcade and breathing new life into what was once a bustling corner of the town.

We’re a small Scottish team with big ideas – and we’re shaking up the prize competition scene one belter at a time. Think luxury hotel stays, the latest technology and gadgets, designer goodies, cash drops, and eventually your dream car… all up for grabs in our weekly raffles, some starting from just 25p a ticket.