Stewart McConnell

Troon

Journalist at Freelance

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Articles

Concerns that Seagate Castle repairs could badly hit Irvine Common Good Fund

1 week ago | irvinetimes.com | Stewart McConnell

2 1/1 COMMUNITY campaigners fear the costly repair bill for Irvine's Seagate Castle could badly hit the town's Common Good Fund. Irvine Community Council fear community groups and events like Marymass will suffer due to the amount of cash from the fund being spent on the repairs. Last year, North Ayrshire Council (NAC) agreed to allocate an additional £263,420 from the Irvine Common Good fund towards the ongoing works to preserve the historic castle.
Timetable set for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse Scottish Parliament by-election

1 week ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Stewart McConnell

The poll follows the death of Christina McKelvie MSPElectoral chiefs have laid out the timetable for the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election. Published by Constituency Returning Officer Paul Manning, the notice confirms that the poll for the Scottish Parliament constituency will be held on Thursday, June 5. It follows the death of Christina McKelvie MSP. The notice advises potential candidates how to submit their nomination papers, and by when.
Cabinet Secretary looking at potential purchase of Ardrossan Harbour

1 week ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Stewart McConnell

But politicians want action after Task Force meets. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop has re-affirmed her commitment to the future of Ardrossan Harbour, after co-chairing an important meeting of the Ardrossan Taskforce with North Ayrshire Council Leader Marie Burns on Thursday. However, she admitted she can't give a timeline of essential works, although is hopeful of a potential purchase of the facility in the 2025-26 budget.
North Ayrshire Trades Council reveal details of May Day events

1 week ago | ardrossanherald.com | Stewart McConnell

The May Day rally will be held at the Bridgegate in Irvine (Image: Newsquest) A WIDE range of activities are being organised by Irvine and North Ayrshire Trades Union Council in the run-up to their annual May Day commemorations. Thursday, April 24 will see a gathering for Workers Memorial Day staged at Memorial Gardens in Kilwinning Road in Irvine. The designated day for Workers Memorial Day is April 28 each year and the trades group hold a short gathering on the closest Thursday.
New booking system for North Ayrshire tip is immiment

1 week ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Stewart McConnell

People must book slots at the Ayrshire tip by end of this month. A new system aimed at making a trip to the tip much quicker will come into place by the end of this month. And this week Cabinet member Tony Gurney hailed the new venture, claiming it will reduce queues and waiting times as well as reducing emissions from cars. The new booking system for North Ayrshire’s Household Waste Recycling Centres will be introduced at the end of this month.
Islands earn capital spotlight as North Ayrshire enterprises take centre stage

1 week ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Stewart McConnell

The national showcase allowed Ayrshire islands to take centre stage. Community-driven companies and groups on Arran and Cumbrae took centre stage in the capital recently. The inaugural Islands Economy Showcase was held recently at the Scottish Parliament – and it shone the spotlight on six North Ayrshire enterprises, highlighting much of the work they have doing across their communities. And Cabinet Member Alan Hill said it offered them a “golden opportunity” to showcase their skills in Edinburgh.
Campaign fight intensifies against Irvine incinerator plant

1 week ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Stewart McConnell

The group will step up their opposition to the controversial plant. Angry campaigners against a controversial incinerator being built up in Irvine are stepping up their fight to stop the facility operating after holding a successful public meeting. And this week they insisted they will not give up the battle.
South Koreans visit North Ayrshire to discuss Community Wealth Building

1 week ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Stewart McConnell

Globe-trotting visitors shared ideas with the Ayrshire council. Globe-trotting visitors from halfway round the world made the long journey to North Ayrshire for a brain-storming session on how best to engage local businesses in projects across the community. A delegation from East Asia exchanged ideas on how to best ensure local communities feel the benefits of Community Wealth Building (CWB).
Community campaigners urge North Ayrshire Council to use Common Good Fund for local projects

1 week ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Stewart McConnell

The group is seeking more help for the community through the Common Good Fund. Concerned community campaigners have accused North Ayrshire Council of “taking money from the Irvine area" instead of supporting local groups. The claim comes from Irvine Community Council, who fear money available for the likes of the Marymass Festival will be harder to come by owing to costly repair bills for Seagate Castle.
Ferniegair Hall secures long-term future as martial arts schools join forces

1 week ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Stewart McConnell

Great news for community centre users in Lanarkshire townTwo martial arts schools are joining forces to over the running of a community hall near Hamilton following a successful lease agreement. And other local groups will still get a kick out of using the centre - with dance classes and churchgoers continuing to be based there.