South Ayrshire Council

A 'partnership for the people' has been formed in South Ayrshire as a new era begins at South Ayrshire Council.

South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan received a standing ovation as she entered the Council chamber for the final time to chair her last ever Council meeting.

In one of her last official duties before retiring, outgoing Provost Winifred Sloan surprised May Gilchrist, from children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent, with a fantastic donation of £10,000.

Alasdair and June Currie, who both originate from Glasgow, have celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary.

Joe and May Balfour, who both originate from Annbank have celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary.

Margaret Savage from Prestwick has celebrated a very special birthday, her 100th.

Nearly 400 young people from across South Ayrshire, who have achieved one of The Duke of Edinburgh's Awards in the last year, were recognised at a special ceremony.

Tom and Myra Courtney have celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary.

Prestwick Fairtrade Committee has hosted a successful and well attended exhibition at Saint Nicholas' church, promoting Fairtrade products as part of a drive to achieve status as a Fairtrade town.

Provosts from East, North and South Ayrshire and representatives from the Ayrshire business, voluntary and health sectors have signed the UK Armed Forces Community Covenant.

Betty and John Weir from Whitletts in Ayr have recently celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

Paolo and Angela D'Amico have recently celebrated 65 years of married life and were visited by Provost Winifred Sloan.

Provost Winifred Sloan has opened an art exhibition celebrating the iconic pink buildings on New Bridge Street in Ayr.

The fourth Alloway 1759 event on Sunday 29 January celebrating the birth and life of Scotland's national Bard, Robert Burns has again been hailed as a resounding success.

Jackie and Margaret Stewart, from Glencairn Road in Ayr, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this week.

Provost Winifred Sloan hosted a special lunch and presentation ceremony at County Buildings to mark employees 40 years of services.

The Meningitis Research Foundation is inviting people to take part in a simple and fun fundraising and awareness initiative to celebrate Rabbie Burns, while raising awareness and vital funds.

Alloway village will take a step back in time on Sunday 29 January when the birth and life of Robert Burns, are commemorated during the fourth Alloway 1759 celebrations.

Love blossomed when the couple met at a dance in Whitletts in Ayr.

Belmont Academy pupils will represent South Ayrshire in the Scottish Finals of the UK Young Consumer of the Year competition.

Mrs Helen Morgan, who was born in Drongan and lives in Ayr, has celebrated her 100th birthday.

The annual Ayr Town Centre Shop Window Display awards took place on Monday 5 December and produced winners old and new.

John and Elizabeth Scobie, who are both from Dailly, have been celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.

What do a cleansing operative, a libraries team, a cemetery worker, Girvan Resource Centre team and an apprentice plasterer all have in common?

William and Ann Colvin from Muirhead in Troon have recently celebrated 50 golden years of marriage in style with a visit from Provost Winifred Sloan.

South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan hosted a Civic Reception to honour the achievements of Jai McDowall, a Tarbolton man who won Britain's Got Talent.

Thousands of people filled Ayr High Street on Sunday 20 November to see South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan switch on the festive lights in Ayr town centre.

On Sunday 13 November at 10.50am, the South Ayrshire Service of Remembrance takes place at the Auld Kirk of Ayr (St John the Baptist).

Provost Winifred Sloan will switch on the Festive lights on Ayr High Street on Sunday 20 November with local singer Jai McDowall

John Eccles and his wife Molly have celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary - 70 years of marriage.

Tarbolton Tenants' and Residents' Association have made a real difference to the local community by transforming the South Ayrshire Council owned play area at Gallowhill Avenue in Tarbolton.

The Westsound Community Awards have recognised the courage, community involvement and outstanding work of some of the residents in communities across Ayrshire.

Adam Sykes who originates from Ochiltree and his wife Martha who is from Coylton have celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary.

Danny and Betty McPherson from Prestwick Road in Ayr have celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary and received a card of congratulation from Her Majesty the Queen.

Childhood sweethearts Joseph and Lilian McGinn recently celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary and received a congratulatory card from Her Majesty the Queen.

Isabel and Hugh Christie from Dalblair Court in Ayr recently celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary.

South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan's afternoon tea in aid of CLIC Sargent has been a huge success with 100 invited guests raising over £2000 for the Council's charity for 2011.

South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan is hosting a special fundraising tea in aid of CLIC Sargent

A fantastic family fun day out is on the cards later this month when South Ayrshire Council's Sportsfest takes place at Ayr's Low Green on Sunday 25 September.

Representatives from South Ayrshire Council and Ayr Gaiety Partnership (AGP) popped into the Gaiety Theatre to check out the progress of improvement works.

Dorothy MacLellan, sister of Second Lieutenant David Angus Stuart Nicholl, who was killed in Korea during active service on 8 August 1952, was presented with the Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll.

George Nicol who originates from Kinlochleven, Fort William and his wife Sheila, who comes from London, have celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary.

Hundreds of Ayrshire residents and visitors got a close up look at the London 2012 Olympic Torch today (1 September) when it came to Ayr.

Sixteen children from Chernobyl have been welcomed to South Ayrshire by Provost Winifred Sloan.

The first weekend of September promises to open doors for residents and visitors alike -literally - as the annual Doors Open Day event gets underway across Ayrshire (3-4 September).

The visitors come from our sister town in the USA, Newnan, which was one of the towns where members of the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra played while on their recent USA tour.

Ayrshire residents will have a chance to get a sneak peek of the London 2012 Olympic Torch when it pays a visit to Ayr.

Doors Open Day Ayrshire on 3 and 4 September 2011 is an opportunity to visit up to 70 of Ayrshire's finest buildings.

Even the wet weather did not stop nearly one thousand local children, families and tourists taking part in The Big Play Day at South Ayrshire Council's Dam Park Stadium in Ayr.

Provost Winifred Sloan officially opened the Ayr Sketch Club exhibition at the Maclaurin Galleries, Rozelle, Ayr.

People in Ayr and the surrounding area are in for a treat next month when the Continental Market arrives for its first visit in more than four years.

Miss Margaret Killen of South Lodge Residential Unit has celebrated her 100th birthday in style thanks to a card of congratulation from Her Majesty the Queen.

Looking for a place to take your children where they can have loads of fun, try new activities and it is free? Then look no further. Go to South Ayrshire Council's Dam Park Stadium on Wednesday 10 August 2011 at noon and take part in Big Play Day.

South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan has hosted a reception for the Order of Saint John, an organisation that goes back to 1113AD, making it the oldest charity in the world.

Young golfers from Kyle Academy have scored an impressive triple whammy by grabbing the top three places in a recent schools golf competition, supported by Seafield, Belleisle and Tam O'Shanter golf clubs.

Nineteen talented young artists have received awards in this year's Energy Agency Calendar Competition for 2012 during a special event at County Hall, Ayr.

James and Flora Wilson from Barassie celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 30 June 2011. The couple met at RAF Leuchars and married Troon Old Parish Church.

Hugh and Agnes Smillie from Mossblown celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 30 June 2011. The couple met at the Bobby Jones Dance Hall in Ayr and married at St Quivox Church, Dalmilling, Ayr.

South Ayrshire Councillors praised the contribution made by the Council's Head of Community Development today (Thursday) as they approved his early retirement.

Provost Winifred Sloan was delighted to visit Aileen and Percy and congratulate them on their 65th wedding anniversary.

Provost Winifred Sloan presented Alice and her husband Bill with a basket of flowers and congratulated them on their very special wedding anniversary.

David Beattie and Mary, who both originate from Symington married in the local Symington church. The couple still live in the village, they have two daughters and two grandchildren.

Provost Winifred Sloan visited Margaret in her care home to congratulate her on her birthday and present her with a gift to mark the occasion.

People turned out in force in Ayr yesterday (Sunday) to celebrate Armed Forces Day 2011 and show their support for Armed Forces personnel past and present.

South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan recently opened the 22nd Scottish Classic Motorcycle show at Ayr Racecourse, then promptly got on her bike to promote a unique charity mission.

South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan has hosted a civic reception to mark the silver anniversary of the Ayr Concert Series, an annual celebration of classical music showcasing the finest talents in their profession.

Veterans First Point Ayrshire, a new support network for veterans across Ayrshire, was launched with military precision by South Ayrshire's Veterans Champion, Provost Winifred Sloan

South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan has hosted the annual meeting of the Scottish Provosts' Association, the umbrella group for all 32 Provosts across Scotland.

"A gracious and well-deserved winner and a prime example of the talented young people we have here in South Ayrshire"

With 364 days to go until the Olympic Flame makes its way to Scotland, South Ayrshire Council is encouraging nominations for shining lights to take part in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

'Britain's Got Talent' was the theme for South Ayrshire Council's third Junior Road Safety celebration event held at Ayr Town Hall this week.

Malcolm Sargent House in Prestwick is £700 better off thanks to the outstanding efforts of a group of young people taking part in South Ayrshire Council's Skills Towards Employment Project (STEP).

A new support network for veterans across Ayrshire will be officially launched by South Ayrshire's Veterans Champion, Provost Winifred Sloan next week.

South Ayrshire Council will be flying the flag for HM Armed Forces personnel past and present on Sunday 26 June, in celebration of Armed Forces Day 2011.

Minnie Mice, superheroes and two Staffordshire bull terriers were among the 150-plus runners who took part in the very first Rabbie's Run in Ayr yesterday (Sunday 5 June), organised by South Ayrshire Council and CLIC Sargent.

South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan helped three Ayr couples celebrate a special wedding anniversary recently by popping in with a special commemorative basket of flowers for each of them to mark 60 years of marriage.

With just over a month to Armed Forces Day South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan has been granted Honorary Membership of the Royal British Legion, Ayrshire area.

With less than three weeks to go until the inaugural Rabbie's Run, named after the national Bard Robert Burns, South Ayrshire Council and CLIC Sargent are urging runners and walkers of all ages to sign up for one of this year's newest charity events.

Everyone knows that South Ayrshire Council has a Provost but do you understand the complexity of the duties that a Provost carries out and the dedication needed to fulfill this roll?

Friends of Corsehill Park and Gardens gathered recently to watch South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan plant an Acer Griseum to mark the contribution made to the garden by Chairman Sam McNair.

The streets of Ayr were lined with thousands of people, on Tuesday 3 May, who came out to support members of The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion – known as the 2 SCOTS – on their return home from their second tour of Afghanistan.

Eighteen young people from Chernobyl got the chance to leave their troubles and worries far behind them as they arrived for a fantastic fun stay at South Ayrshire Council's Dolphin House this weekend.

Current women in politics came together with the politicians of tomorrow in Ayr this week in recognition and celebration of women's achievements and improvements in equality.

A naughty teddy bear wearing a leather jacket and sunglasses is helping educate pupils in South Ayrshire about road safety.

Music, song, drama and dance were the key features at a special event last night (Thursday) as The Marquess of Douro officially opened South Ayrshire Council's new £1.5 million eco-friendly primary school in Colmonell.

The efforts of young people from South Ayrshire who have achieved The Duke of Edinburgh's Award in the last year have been recognised at a special ceremony organised by South Ayrshire Council.

Hugh and Sarah Taylor, from Loans in Troon, celebrated their special anniversary with family and close friends at the Old Loans Inn in Troon.

A small village in South Ayrshire will go back in time 252 years this weekend to mark the third annual Alloway 1759 celebrations – a unique commemoration of the birth and life of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns.

Christmas Eve will be a golden day for Ayr couple William and Elizabeth McMillan as they celebrate 50 years of marriage.

A butcher's shop, fashion and accessory store, gift shop and department store were among the retailers who brought out their tinsel, fairy lights and Christmas baubles in style to take part in this year's Ayr Christmas Window Display Competition.

Provost Winifred Sloan has recently hosted a civic reception for the Lowland Reserve Cadet Force, marking the movement's 150th anniversary.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion Scots Guards, returning home from a tour of duty in Afghanistan, have been welcomed in the streets of Ayr by hundreds of well wishers.

Ayr's first ever Christmas Wonderland was officially opened by South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan on Thursday 2 December, marking the start of a new and exciting festive attraction for the area.

Ayr's Town Hall and Newmarket Street have a bright new look thanks to stunning new street lighting, installed by Ayr Renaissance, the regeneration project established by South Ayrshire Council, to rejuvenate the town.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion Scots Guards, returning home from a tour of duty in Afghanistan, are to parade through the streets of Ayr on Thursday 9 December.

A civic reception marking the 50th anniversary of Ayr Flower Show had a surprise in store for two local residents.

A community development worker, two gardeners, an additional support needs and performance officer, a primary school teacher and an environment performance officer were named South Ayrshire Council's first Outstanding People Awards winners

South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan has welcomed the opening of a new business facility in Prestwick, which brings a new lease of life to an impressive South Ayrshire building.

South Ayrshire's Christmas Lights will be switched on by South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan, during an exciting programme of entertainment on Ayr High Street, at 6pm Sunday 21 November.

South Ayrshire played host to senior local government politicians and officers from across Scotland last week when the COSLA Convention met in Ayr Town Hall for the first time.

The Commonwealth Games has kicked off in style in Delhi and, inspired by the excitement and the atmosphere, South Ayrshire Council has been running a series of free taster events.

Elsie McBroom, nee McPhail, celebrates her 100th birthday at a special lunch in the Carrick Lodge Hotel.

A limited edition book, charting the global celebration of Robert Burns' 250th birthday has been presented to four local schools in Maybole by South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan.

All thirty elected members of South Ayrshire Council bid a formal farewell to Graham Peterkin, Executive Director of Development and Environment on 9 September at his last Council meeting before he retires.

Provost Winifred Sloan hosted an evening dinner for the Royal Air Force, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, which included a special fly past over County Hall.

South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan gave an address and officially opened the Scottish Women's Rural Institute's National Handcrafts and Housewives Conference in the Concert Hall in Troon that was attended by 360 delegates.

South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan joined in the celebrations to mark the re-opening of the McKechnie Institue in Girvan following extensive renovation work, funded and carried out by South Ayrshire Council.

Eleven young carers from South and North Ayrshire, accompanied by care support staff, have taken part in the third Young Carers Festival 2010, organised by the Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

The German cruise ship Columbus made its inaugural visit to Ayr last week and was met by Provost Winifred Sloan, who presented welcome cruise packs to crew and passengers.

Twenty five talented young artists have won awards in this year's Energy Agency Calendar Competition for 2011, presented during a special ceremony at County Hall, Ayr.

A stunning mosaic made up of individually crafted tiles and created by members of an award winning homeless project has been enjoying the limelight, after it was selected for exhibit by South Ayrshire Council at Rozelle Galleries.

Troon Golf Week marks its golden anniversary this year and South Ayrshire Council is helping the party go with a swing, thanks to a packed programme of events and entertainment open to all.

Cyclists taking part in The Great Tour, a 64 day charity bike ride from Seaton in Devon to Ayr, were greeted by South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan at the County Buildings in Ayr when they completed part of their route.

Why would a group of people that includes a South Ayrshire Council employee, want to travel 1,100 miles by road over four days around the coast of Scotland?

Hundreds of local children, families and visitors to South Ayrshire enjoyed a free action packed day of fun at the National Big Play Day at Dam Park in Ayr.

Jeanette and Martin Kerr have celebrated their Golden wedding anniversary.

Janet and Robert Thomson have just celebrated their Diamond wedding anniversary.

The opening of Sainsbury's new store in Prestwick saw South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan cutting a ceremonial ribbon and declaring the store officially open.

Samuel and Margaret Caddis, who both originate from the Dalmellington area, have celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary.

The recent excellent summer weather has brought some great news for cyclists, walkers and horse riders in South Ayrshire, with the completion of a new path at Murdoch's Loan in Alloway.

People from South Ayrshire marked Armed Forces Day by lining the streets of Ayr to show their respect for serving and veteran members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces on Saturday.

South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan joined pupils and staff from Southcraig Campus in Ayr at the Dam Park stadium to 'Smile a Mile' and raise funds for their school campus.

South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan welcomed a group of visitors from St Germain-en-Laye to the County Buildings and gave them a tour of the building as part of their 26th anniversary celebrations.

Green fingers have been hard at work at South Ayrshire Council's Southcraig Campus creating a fantastic new garden at the school.

South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan led the Glasgow Taxis Outing for Sick Children parade through Troon this year, as the 65th annual outing was once again a vibrant and entertaining success.

This is the second year that a national Armed Forces Day has been held to honour the outstanding contribution made to society by forces personnel and by veterans of all ages.

What is small, lightweight and allows you to have hours of free fun and available from South Ayrshire Council libraries? A Playaway.

University of the West of Scotland's new £70 million Ayr Campus has entered the final phase of development, with a topping out ceremony taking place at the new campus site on 4 June 2010.

The 150th anniversary of the railway reaching Girvan from Maybole was celebrated in style.