This Week in Ayr

A mixed week for Ayr, with a dose of local pride alongside some concerning incidents. The arts scene is set to benefit from a new artist residency project, while the Fresh Ayr Festival has announced Heron Valley and Eabhal for 2026. Woodland View Hospital is celebrating its 10th anniversary and inviting former patients to join. On the sporting front, Ayr RFC celebrated a masterclass win, and plans for new padel courts at Somerset Park have been approved. Local bakeries are also flying the flag, with several in the running for a top Scottish award. However, the week was also marked by serious news, including counter-terrorism officers assisting an investigation after pedestrians were hit by a car, and a teenager arrested following a fire at a listed mill. There was also a crash involving a bus on the A77 that sent four people to hospital. Court news featured a range of cases, from fraud allegations to drug dealing and violent attacks. A local church dating back to 1893 is set to close and is listed for sale. Concerns were raised about potential fuel shortages at Asda and a waste warning from a luxury pet hotel. In local government, South Ayrshire Council staff earning over £80k has quadrupled in three years, and the council has ruled out a World Cup bank holiday due to costs. There was also news of potential outsourcing of parking enforcement, which a union warns could make motorists "easy targets." On a more positive note, over 300 young female footballers competed in a local tournament, and primary pupils battled it out in a quiz. The racing world celebrated wins for local connections with Ombudsman, Big Gossey, Docklands, Fairy Glen, and Aramram all performing well. A new 'Superchippy' has opened, and exciting 'once-in-a-generation' plans for Ayr are set to be consulted on. Ayr Rugby Club has also introduced a tribute with cherry blossom trees. However, there were also reports of avoidable deaths in Ayrshire, and the future of Ayr Diving Club remains uncertain, though the First Minister has asked officials to look into their plight. A significant legal case involving £21 million was resolved in favour of South Ayrshire Council. On a lighter note, old photos from 15 years ago were unearthed, and James May settled a legal matter out of court.