issue 069

The Dream Edition

Top Stories

The Laurettes

Having grown up in Inverclyde, Lynette Beaton was attuned to Scotland’s traditional music and folk scene, and it’s perhaps no surprise that she dreamt of becoming a musician.

Gary Naysmith

There is a genuine sense of optimism surrounding Somerset Park once again.

Tony Hadley

I’m sure Tony Hadley won’t mind me saying that he looks a little dishevelled when our Zoom call connects one Tuesday morning in July.

town feature

Historical Troon

Troon is one of Ayrshire’s most prosperous towns, but it is also one of the newest.

24 Hours In Dundonald

Nestled between Troon and the rolling Ayrshire countryside, Dundonald is one of those places that quietly wins you over.

HEAVY HEADS KEEP IT LIGHT

I had arranged to meet one half of The Heavy Heads at The Burgh Bar in Prestwick.

TROON BLACKROCK PIPEBAND

There are hundreds of competitive member pipe bands registered with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA), one of which is Ayrshire’s Troon Blackrock Pipe Band.

The Royal Castle of Dundonald

Dundonald Castle is a massive pile crowning the prominent Castle Hill above the village of the same name.

THE MICAH PROJECT

When local councils were forced to withdraw their community services because of the lockdown in 2020, it’s fair to say that charitable church groups were among the first to react and step in.

BROON FRAE TROON

In the half century or more that I have been following Scottish rugby, a good number of ‘gentle giants’ have played the game at the highest level.

issue 069

Crafting Connections

Every Wednesday, laughter, conversation, and the rhythmic click of knitting needles fill Ochiltree Hub as members of the much-loved Krafty Crew gather to share their passion for crafting.

Friends of Fullarton

Fullarton Woods on the outskirts of Troon, have long been a quiet haven thriving with wildlife and natural beauty.

Cooking Up Confidence

KO NEKT is a social enterprise supporting children and young people aged 5 to 25 with Additional Support Needs (ASN).

Next Generation Changemakers

Psychology has always been something that’s fascinated me, but my personal reasons for entering the mental health field have stemmed from my life and experiences.

Dream Bigger, Take Your Own Path

There is more than one path to achieving your dreams. For many people, college provides the skills, encouragement and freedom to discover what they are capable of

Dreaming of…

The Isle of Barra may be significantly smaller than its neighbouring islands of North and South Uist and Harris and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, but that doesn’t stop over 30,000 visitors heading to the isle every year.

Roccazana Arrives in Ayr

A brand-new independent fashion boutique, Roccazana Fashion, opened its doors on Friday 3rd July 2026 at 67 High Street, Ayr.

From Gym Injury to a Pain-Free 50th Birthday

Kaye, an Environmental Health Officer from South Glasgow, was referred to Cram Osteopaths by a friend after a gym session ended rather differently than planned.

Sleep Starts Before Bedtime

Have you ever found yourself struggling to switch off as you climb into bed?

Let’s Talk About Stress

Although our willingness to talk about stress at an intellectual level has improved in recent years, our readiness to speak openly about it as individuals continues to be impacted by the stigma around mental health.

Food Dreams

Dreams have fascinated scientists, psychologists and philosophers since the beginning of time.

the Ayr & Prestwick Cosy Pub Guide

There’s nothing quite like a good local pub – a cosy spot to meet your pals, settle in with a pint and enjoy some downtime.

Ayrshire College

Your local college might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re looking for somewhere to eat, but here in Ayrshire we’re lucky to have access to two purpose-built, fully licenced training restaurants where industry and education combine.

seasonal soup

There’s something glorious about the first pot of soup we make when the trees start to turn

Five Functional Foods for Wellbeing

While no single food can stop us from beating all the bugs which start to surface in autumn, there are some which can help bolster our immune system to keep them at bay.

The Food of 100 Years Ago

Between farming and fishing, the Ayrshire coast has always been a rich source of sustenance, providing communities with fish, shellfish, meat, dairy, vegetables and grains in abundance.

East Ayrshire Whisky Festival

East Ayrshire Whisky Society (EAWS) was established in June 2024 by Russell Wilson and Garry Mitchell.

Hattie Jacques, a Pesky Pigeon and a Frog’s Life Spared

It was said with a voice that bore a strong resemblance to that of Hattie Jacques in Doctor in the House.

The Squirrel, The Stag and The Hot Chocolate

It was early one October morning last year when I set off, not long after first light, for a walk around Lanfine Estate.

Troon Cliff Walk

Sometimes the best form of self-care is simply stepping outside.

NOTHING BUT A DREAMER

Be careful what you wish for…

TROON PETANQUE CLUB

Every year, whatever the weather, in early January, at Rye Golf Club on the south coast of England, The Oxford and Cambridge Golfing Society holds ‘The President’s Putter’.

Ayrshire’s Rising Stars

Ayrshire Magazine loves nothing more than a local success story, particularly when it shines a spotlight on a young rising star.

Royal Troon

On the Ayrshire coast, Royal Troon remains one of golf’s great theatres, a place where ambition, nerve and history meet in the wind.

Battlelines V Comes to Troon

Ayrshire has enjoyed a long and proud association with professional wrestling.

The Conversation You’ve Been Avoiding

There’s one sitting in most of our inboxes right now. Or hovering somewhere in the back of our minds between the school run and the weekly shop.

From Dreaming to Doing

When you hear the word ‘dreams’, you may think about what happens while you are asleep.

BOOK REVIEW

Are you The Silent Assassin of the team like Rodrigo, or The Grafter like Chico?

Gianna Milani

The first thing that strikes me when I look at Gianna Milani’s artwork is her use of blues.

the am Virtual Book Club

For this issue, I have selected two incredible and much acclaimed books for the AM virtual book club, both with ‘dream’ in the title

GALEÓN ANDALUCÍA

Its arrival conjured images of illicit cargo, precarious gang planks, and swashbuckling pirates, perhaps even Captain Jack Sparrow himself, hiding behind the ship’s wheel from the fearsome Davy Jones.

ABW Annual Awards Finalists 2026

Ayrshire Business Women are proud to announce the finalists for our Annual Business Awards 2026

This Must Be The Place

A fresh, cinematic aesthetic has landed on the banks of the River Ayr. This Must Be The Place Ayr, a vibrant new boutique stay on South Harbour Street

A New World of Craftsmanship Arrives in Glasgow

Weaving stories of craftsmanship and jewellery expertise across six generations, Scottish born jeweller Laings has built memories in Glasgow since 1840.

ATLANTIS TILES

Let’s be honest, there is no shortage of ‘big sheds’ in Ayrshire, and these huge warehouse-style stores certainly come in handy when it comes to DIY.

From a Dream to a Family Tradition

Every long-standing family business begins somewhere — with an idea, an ambition and someone willing to turn it into reality.

LA BOWL

There’s something about the atmosphere in a tenpin bowling alley.

Ayrshire Businesses Growing Together

When Paul McCormack, Managing Director of Blackwood Plant Hire, began working with George Glen, Founder and Client Director of Axia Create, the brief was not simply to build a new website.

Did you DREAM?

Did you dream of playing more golf, meeting your friends for long boozy lunches, having long lies, lots of holidays, driving a fast car and having lots of money in the bank?

Your Blue Sky Financial Plan

When you think about your finances, you may ask yourself: “Am I making the right decisions for the future?

TAKE GREATER CONTROL OF YOUR HOME ENERGY

Solar and battery storage can help Ayrshire homeowners generate, store and use electricity more effectively, while making a considered long-term investment in their property.

A New Chapter For LBJ Consultants In Troon

For LBJ Consultants, Troon has always been home. Now, as the business continues to grow, the local consultancy is celebrating an important milestone

Ayrshire Roots.Growing Together.

Ayrshire has always been home to ambitious businesses. From family firms and manufacturers to hospitality, retail, professional services and growing SMEs, the region is full of people building, investing and creating opportunities.

Bell Ingram

Bell Ingram has strengthened its long-standing presence in Ayrshire with a move to new premises at 29 Miller Road, Ayr

DESTINATION SOUTH AYRSHIRE

Destination South Ayrshire, the tourism arm of South Ayrshire Council, showcases everything the area has to offer both visitors and local residents