issue 070

Whilst my childhood memories of Christmas are all happy ones

When Danielle Quinn joined the Ayrshire Magazine team back in September 2025, she brought with her an air of sophistication and a welcome touch of glamour.

Together with ‘Tastes of Ayrshire’, ‘Ayrshire Food an’ a’ That’ is an initiative to support and promote food and drink businesses within the Ayrshire region.

Christmas is a chance to thank the people who have supported your business, whether that’s a staff night out, a gift for loyal customers or a donation to a local Ayrshire charity.

As a wee girl in the 1970s, I used to walk from Hartfield House along Racecourse Road to Ayr Grammar and back again.

There was a real sense of occasion at Ayrshire College’s Kilmarnock Campus as graduates gathered to celebrate their hard work, determination and achievement.

When I left school, I knew I wanted to do something practical.

There are few experiences in life that bring families and communities together more powerfully than supporting a child through ill health.

When Cheyvonne Cassidy first started roller skating in May this year she never dreamt she would soon be joined by scores of others as part of a brand-new skating community.

One day when I was still a nipper, I was entrusted with posting the Christmas cards for the family.

Councillor Claire Leitch is Provost of East Ayrshire Council

Amsterdam has long been considered one of Europe’s biggest party destinations. So much so that in 2023 the city launched a ‘Stay Away’ campaign in an attempt to deter rowdy tourists.

There’s something special about a Christmas market. Something magical that transforms an ordinary, cold night into an enchanting world of community, tradition and wonder.

Do you love or dread the party season?

If you live in Scotland, you’ll have noticed the nights drawing in.

It’s that time of year again! The festive season has started with plenty of Christmas parties, family gatherings and nights out with friends.

how idd therapy and osteopathy helped an islay groundworker get back to everyday life

We’re now at the time of year that can best be summed up by the word ‘more’.

Love them or loathe them, Brussels sprouts are as much a tradition on any Christmas table as the turkey itself.

For many people, choosing gluten free food is a lifestyle preference.

Christmas is a magical time. It’s a time for getting together with the people you love, making memories and eating far too much.

At this time of year, it’s easy to fill the diary with parties, shopping and preparations for Christmas.

Cabin fever has set in. My husband is on a week’s holiday from work and the weather has been grim – heavy rain and blustery winds.

“Could I have a bag of kwin-oh-ah please?”

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a touch of nostalgia. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that it’s the traditions we carry from Christmases past that make Christmases present so special.

According to archaeologists, Dreghorn is perhaps the longest continually inhabited village in Britain.

At just 12 years of age, Logan Hopper is already showing huge promise in the sport of speed skating. So much so, he won the British Short Track Championship title in Nottingham earlier this year.

When I was asked to write an article on golf in Prestwick my immediate thoughts were, of course, Prestwick Golf Club.

As winter approaches, you may find yourself thinking about the upcoming Christmas party season.

We spend a lot of time this season thinking about the perfect gift. Something thoughtful. Something that shows we know the person well enough to get it right.

Ayrshire Business Women (ABW) proudly celebrated the achievements of female-led businesses from across the region at its Annual Awards Ceremony and Afternoon Tea

Scott Watson is well accustomed to performing on stage. As a singer, entertainer and panto comic he’s used to being in the spotlight.

Ayrshire’s Alison Cleland is well-known in the theatre industry. Her previous roles have included Enid in Legally Blonde and Magrit in The Steamie, but she’s far more than a stage actress.

The theme for this edition is ‘Party’ but one of the books I am recommending is not about a party at all.

Elaine Johnston of Johnston Art has her studio and gallery in the unique setting of the Burns Tower in Mauchline.

Tax planning is about more than reducing the amount of tax you pay today.

RHA is more than a construction company. It’s the promise of a transformative project which sees expectations exceeded and dreams brought to life.

Finding somewhere new to eat is always a pleasure, especially when there’s a good view involved.

From humble beginnings as a family dairy in Ayrshire to one of Scotland’s leading independent food service suppliers, Reids Food Service continues to build on more than 70 years of heritage.

For millions of years, gemstones have been cherished for their beauty and individuality. Sourced from every corner of the earth, in some of the most exotic landscapes.

Turning 50 years old this year has had a profound effect on my mindset. So many don’t get to celebrate getting older (and wiser).

Ayrshire-based training provider, Blackwood Training Academy, is a Plant and Health & Safety training and testing facility.

Behind every bill, account query and customer conversation is a team based right here in Ayr.