Ayrshire Scotland Business News

2009-07-03T12:32:00.013Z

Ayrshire welcomes home the Claret Jug at
Brunston Castle Golf Course

THE famous Claret Jug, presented annually since 1873 to the winner of the British Open Golf Championship, was on show this week at Brunston Castle Golf Club, before being taken on the 5 mile journey to Turnberry for this year’s tournament which takes place 16-19 July.

[Pictured left to right: Brunston Castle Golf Course general manager Cheryl Steven; South Ayrshire Council leader Hugh Hunter and deputy leader Margaret Toner; Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre managing partner Willie Mackie, South Ayrshire Council deputy Provost Mary Kilpatrick; and Elite Ayrshire Business Circle executive chairman and Frazer Coogans Solicitors senior partner Norman Geddes. CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.}

South Ayrshire Council leader Hugh Hunter, deputy leader Margaret Toner, deputy Provost Mary Kilpatrick and chief executive David Anderson attended an evening reception to mark the occasion, hosted by the directors of Brunston Castle Golf Club represented by general manager Cheryl Steven.

Also in attendance were directors and members of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.

The first Open Championship was played in 1860 at Prestwick, and Prestwick hosted each of the first 11 British Opens.

Welcoming the Claret Jug back to South Ayrshire, Councillor Toner said: “The Open Championship, that will take place at Turnberry this year, ranks as one of the world’s premier annual sporting events. The first Open Championship was played over three rounds of Prestwick’s 12 hole course on 17 October 1860. Since then Turnberry and Royal Troon, located within South Ayrshire, have hosted the event on many occasions and brought pleasure to locals, visitors and those people around the globe who have watched it on television.”

Elite Ayrshire Business Circle executive chairman Norman Geddes added: “It is a marvellous tonic for Ayrshire businesses to have the Open Championship return to Turnberry. I hope that many of the visitors during the Open will also take a look at Brunston Castle, a challenging and most scenic parkland course, situated only fifteen minutes drive from Turnberry.”

Brunston Castle Golf Club General Manager Cheryl Steven concluded: “It has been a real thrill for all of us at Brunston Castle to welcome the Claret Jug home to Ayrshire. It is very humbling when we think of the rich history and the roll-call of great Champions who have held this trophy aloft.”

29 downloadable images are available on Flickr. CLICK HERE

Brunston Castle Golf Club
Dailly KA26 9SB
Ayrshire, Scotland

Contact: Cheryl Steven, General Manager
Tel: 01465 811471
Fax: 01465 811545
E-mail: cheryl.steven@brunstoncastle.co.uk
Web: www.brunstoncastle.co.uk/

LINKS:

allmediascotland eliteayrshire OpenPress PR-GB

* * *

There are currently 540 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-07-02T12:19:00.003Z

John Scott calls for Ayrshire ‘Jobs Summit’

A local MSP is calling for an Ayrshire ‘jobs summit’ in the wake of this week’s announcement that 700 jobs are to be lost from the Diageo packaging plant in Kilmarnock. The news comes on top of a raft of earlier job loss announcements in Ayrshire over first half of the year, which will see hundreds more jobs lost from the county.

John Scott (pictured above) wants the ‘summit’ to bring together local Councils, local MSPs and representatives of the Scottish government and business community to identify steps to support Ayrshire’s economy and protect local jobs.

John Scott said: “The loss of 700 jobs at the Diageo packaging plant is a devastating blow to the economy of Ayrshire, and taken alongside other major closures already announced this year, including the loss of hundreds of jobs from Scottish Stampings and the ISP alginate plant in Girvan and fears over job losses at Prestwick Airport, it paints a very worrying picture.”

“Job losses on this scale don’t just hit the communities in which the companies are located - they also impact upon households and families right across the whole of Ayrshire. That’s why I believe it is important to take a very wide view when trying to put in place the strategies necessary to sustain local jobs and hopefully to attract the inward investment needed to create more employment opportunities for local people.”

“We need to chart a positive course forward and to see Scottish government and local authority investment programmes reflect the needs of the Ayrshire economy and the need to support local employment. I believe that a useful first step would be to draw together representatives from the Scottish government, local Councils, local MSPs and the business community in a ‘jobs summit’, where all the options can be fully explored.”

“With the economic forecast for the year ahead still very depressed, it is vital that we do everything we can to help stop the haemorrhaging of jobs from Ayrshire, and to position ourselves as best we can to grow our local economy in the future.”

* * *

There are currently 539 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-07-02T10:15:00.002Z

Leading Scottish broadcaster receives honorary doctorate

SCOTTISH writer and broadcaster Billy Kay received an Honorary Doctorate from University of the West of Scotland at its graduation ceremony on Wednesday 1 July at Troon Concert Hall.

Billy Kay (pictured above) was born in Galston, Ayrshire in 1951, and educated at Kilmarnock Academy.

He joined the BBC as a researcher in 1979, then as a producer, he created the acclaimed Odyssey series of documentaries recording the oral history of the Scottish working class. Later as a freelance writer and broadcaster he continued this theme in a number of television documentaries for BBC Scotland. These included the story of Scottish colliers – ‘Miners’ and ‘The Mother Tongue’.

He has written two plays for radio and one for the stage, ‘They Fairly Mak Ye Work’ which broke box office records at Dundee Rep in its two runs at the theatre in 1986. He has poetry and short stories published in several Scottish anthologies.

In 1994 the UK Wine Guild gave the ‘Best Radio or TV programme’ award to Kay´s feature ‘Fresche Fragrant Clairettis’. In 1999 he made a television series on Scots for Channel 4 Schools – ‘Haud Yer Tongue’ and in 2003, he represented Scotland at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC.

Kay, who is an active member of the Cross Party Group on the Scots Language at the Scottish Parliament, presents and produces an average of ten new features per year on Radio Scotland. In 2006, Mainstream Publishing issued a brand new edition of his classic, ‘Scots: The Mither Tongue’ while his new book ‘The Scottish World’ was launched at the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August 2006.

Professor Seamus McDaid, Principal and Vice Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland said: “We are delighted to award Billy Kay with an Honorary Doctorate. He has made a significant contribution to Scottish culture and is a fitting recipient of this honour.”

* * *

There are currently 538 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-06-28T11:36:00.010Z

Elite Ayrshire Business Circle offshoot
to meet in Cambridge on 10 July

THE next meeting of the Elite Cambridge Business Circle, a recently formed business association launched by the successful Elite Ayrshire Business Circle in Scotland, will take place at 8am on Friday 10 July in the boardroom of the Clydesdale Bank, Terrington House, 1st Floor 13-15 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 1NL.

A buffet breakfast will be served.

As well as providing excellent opportunities for networking with leading Cambridgeshire business people, politicians and academics, the meeting will also feature a presentation by BDO Stoy Hayward.

BDO Stoy Hayward is the award-winning UK Member Firm of BDO International, the world’s fifth largest accountancy network, with more than 1,000 offices in over 100 countries.

www.bdo.uk.com

Cambridge office senior partner Gary Hanson will talk about “BDO’s investment within the Cambridge area” and “Making the most out of the recovery”, and there will also be an additional item entitled “The low-down on high taxes: problems and opportunities in a 50% tax environment”.

Elite Cambridge Business Circle members, guests, and anyone interested in finding out more about the Circle will be made most welcome.

However, in order to facilitate catering arrangements, please e-mail Murdoch MacDonald at FamePublicity@aol.com too notify your intention to attend or to find out more.

THE ELITE CAMBRIDGE BUSINESS CIRCLE

The Elite Cambridge Business Circle is a recently formed business association based on the successful Elite Ayrshire Business Circle in Scotland.

The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle is an association founded in 2007 by some of the top companies in Ayrshire.

Its purpose is to publicise its members, and to celebrate and promote the rich diversity of industry, commerce and business services available within the county boundaries of Ayrshire.

Members include the Clydesdale Bank, Ayr Racecourse, Western House Hotel and South Ayrshire Council. and member company activities include broadcasting, building and construction, architectural practice, estate agency and land management, chartered accountancy, insurance broking, legal services, golf club management, marketing services and brand creation, web design and public relations consultancy.

For further information about The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle and to apply for membership, e-mail eliteayrshire@gmail.com

Website: www.eliteayrshire.com

LINKS:

Cambridgeshire Business News OpenPress I-Newswire UKPRWire PR-GB Allmediascotland 24/7
* * *

2009-06-26T10:36:00.006Z

See the Claret Jug at Brunston Castle Golf Club

For all you golf fans out there...ever dreamed of getting your hands on the Claret Jug, the most prestigious prize in world golf?

Well here is your chance! The famous trophy will be visiting Brunston on Wednesday 1 July from 5pm to 9pm as part of the build up to the Open Championship taking place 5 miles away at Turnberry from the 16 to 19 July.

Come along and get your picture taken with the trophy. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Brunston Castle Golf Club
Dailly KA26 9SB
Ayrshire, Scotland

Contact: Cheryl Steven, General Manager
Tel: 01465 811471
Fax: 01465 811545
E-mail: cheryl.steven@brunstoncastle.co.uk
Web: www.brunstoncastle.co.uk

* * *

There are currently 536 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-06-24T12:40:00.009Z

Elite Ayrshire Business Circle to
meet at Braehead Foods Cook School

THE next meeting of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle will be held between 8am-10am on Friday 3 July at the Cook School at Braehead Foods in Kilmarnock.

During the meeting members and guests will be given a guided tour of the new state of the art facilities. Breakfast refreshments will also be provided, as well as a demonstration comprising the following - poached eggs with smoked salmon, cinnamon French bread and American style muffins.

The Cook School at Braehead Foods opened in March this year. It is part of the new Braehead Foods headquarters at Moorfields Industrial Estate, Kilmarnock, which the company moved to in April last year. The 30,000 sq ft premises were purpose built and houses the factory processing unit, cook school, demonstration kitchen, restaurant, shop and administrative headquarters.

Michelin-starred chef Steven Doherty (pictured above) is the managing director, and he and his team of in-house and guest chefs from acclaimed establishments across Scotland provide tuition in over 18 different types of courses from game to red meat to simple shellfish to desserts.

The cook school received five-star Visit Scotland status recently for its tourist facilities. The school offers day, evening and weekend courses for adults and children, as well as children’s parties and corporate events.

7 Moorfields North Industrial Park,
Crosshouse,
Kilmarnock,
KA2 0FE.

(If using SatNav - The postcode is : KA1 2RS)

For details of how to get to the cook school CLICK HERE or telephone 01563 550008.

If you wish to attend, please contact:

Murdoch MacDonald
Elite Ayrshire Business Circle
Registered Office
Dalblair House
46 Dalblair Road
Ayr KA7 1UQ
Ayrshire, Scotland

Telephone: 01292 281498
Mobile: 07833 667322
E-mail: famepublicity@aol.com

LINKS:

allmediascotland South Ayrshire Council OpenPress I-Newswire PR-GB UKPRWire 24/7

* * *

There are currently 535 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-06-23T10:13:00.004Z

Scotland ranked sixth globally in World Bank survey

First in UK for inward investment

THE World Bank has ranked Scottish Development International (SDI) sixth in the world for its work in attracting overseas investment to Scotland.

[Pictured: SDI chief executive Lena Wilson.]

The Global Investment Promotion Benchmarking report for 2009 examined how effectively government organisations such as SDI are at promoting their countries to inward investors.

Produced jointly by the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, the report looked at the work of 181 countries in influencing foreign investors looking for new global locations.

As well as the global ranking, SDI recorded the highest score in the UK – and was noted particularly for its work in the areas of customer care and follow-up.

Commenting on the results, Ceci Sager, Manager, Investment Climate Advisory Services Department at the World Bank, said:

"We would like to congratulate Scottish Development International on achieving such a high level of performance despite the challenging economic climate. SDI excelled over many of its peers, scoring particularly highly in the area of customer care and follow up.

"One of the leading investment promotion agencies in both in the UK and globally, SDI has proven to be very effective in facilitating foreign investment projects, further building on Scotland’s reputation as a successful global investment location."

Last week SDI announced that over the period 2008-09 it brought £500 million of planned investment to Scotland, including almost 2,000 high value jobs.

Speaking about the report, SDI chief executive Lena Wilson said:

“Scotland has a strong track record of attracting foreign direct investment, and our World Bank ranking further builds on the real success we have had over the past year in bringing projects to Scotland.

“However, in the current economic climate it’s more important than ever that we continue to focus on attracting high quality research and development projects and opportunities for skilled employment to Scotland. Inward investment based on this has the potential to become firmly embedded in the Scottish economy and make a real contribution to our long-term growth.”

Scotland came sixth globally after Austria, Copenhagen, Sweden, Germany and Canada. Each agency website and two ‘mystery shopper’ projects were assessed.

SDI’s work to attract inward investment to Scotland saw the creation of 4,000 jobs over the period 2008-09, almost 2,000 of which were high value jobs with salaries of over £30k.

Examples of organisations which have either located or expanded their operations in Scotland in the past year include esure, Schering Plough, Shed Media and Doosan Babcock.

Scottish Development International (SDI) works to attract inward investment and knowledge to Scotland to help the economy grow. It also helps Scottish companies to do more business overseas and promote Scotland as a good place to live, work and do business. It is jointly operated by Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government, and its work is guided by the Scottish Government’s strategy for economic development in Scotland.

For further information visit www.sdi.co.uk

* * *

There are currently 534 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-06-19T16:28:00.006Z

On course for the 138th Open Golf Championship at Turnberry

ARRANGEMENTS are well under way for The 138th Open Championship which takes place at Turnberry on 16, 17, 18 and 19 July 2009.

South Ayrshire Councillor Margaret Toner, Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure Portfolio Holder said: “The Open Championship is one of the world’s premier annual sporting events which attracts golfers and supporters from all over the world. It helps to boost our local economy and will put the spotlight firmly on South Ayrshire once again. It will be a memorable occasion for visitors and local people.

“People from around the globe will watch the Open Championship on television and will be able to see the magnificent course, surrounding scenery and views over the Firth of Clyde. I believe that many people will be inspired to come and visit South Ayrshire after watching the Championship on television.

“2009 is the year of the Homecoming, two of the Homecoming pillars being golf and Robert Burns, so it is very significant that The Open Championship, a Signature Event, is being held in South Ayrshire.

“I would encourage people to make a date in their diary to attend the Championship, drink in the atmosphere and enjoy watching the top golfers in the world take part in a thrilling competition.”

South Ayrshire has had a strong connection with The Open since the event began, as the first Open Championship was played over three rounds of Prestwick’s 12 hole course on 17 October 1860. The event was inspired by the Earl of Eglinton and Colonel James Fairlie, and at their instigation the members of Prestwick contributed funds for an extravagant belt of red leather adorned with silver buckle and decorations. Since then, Prestwick, Turnberry and Royal Troon, all located within South Ayrshire, have hosted the event on many occasions.

Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, from the R&A said: “Preparations for the Open Championship at Turnberry are well under way. For months we have been working closely with South Ayrshire Council over arrangements for The Championship to ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible. I would like to thank South Ayrshire Council for their assistance, as well as our many other partners who have been very supportive in making the arrangements.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to go to Turnberry to watch the Championship. It is a real family event, and a chance to watch world class players in action.”

Local Final Qualifying rounds are scheduled to take place on 6 and 7 July 2009 for some of the last remaining places in The Open Championship. Competitions will be held at Glasgow Gailes, Kilmarnock Barassie and Western Gailes. Admission and car parking for spectators, but only during the qualifying rounds, is free.

Tickets for the Championship days may be purchased in advance by telephone (01334 460010) or online (www.opengolf.com). Tickets for the Open may also be purchased on arrival at Turnberry, with the paygates remaining open throughout much of each day.

Further information can be found by logging on to South Ayrshire Council’s website at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk and other linked sites including the official Open site at www.opengolf.com

LINK:

allmediascotland

* * *

There are currently 533 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-06-17T13:52:00.003Z

New Belmont Academy building officially opened

THE new Belmont Academy building has been officially opened by Major Sir Richard Henderson, KCVO, TD. The new £24.8 million secondary school boasts state of the art teaching facilities and new improved outdoor facilities.

[Pictured: A night for celebration as Major Sir Richard Henderson, KCVO, TD officially opened the new Belmont Academy building.]

Sir Richard said: “I was very honoured to be invited to open such a magnificent new school. Education has a major influence on a young person’s life chances. and we want South Ayrshire’s young people to experience their learning in the best educational facilities. The new Belmont Academy provides that. Schools are at the heart of our communities, so this significant redevelopment offers wider benefits to the people of Ayr.”

The guests at the official opening ceremony enjoyed a full programme of entertainment provided by talented pupils. This included performances by the symphony orchestra, the concert band, the string orchestra and the string quartet. There was a vocal solo and solo performances on the clarsach, saxophone and flute.

The new Belmont Academy is part of South Ayrshire Council’s £76 million investment programme in schools. During the last two years, schools have been completed at Monkton, Alloway and Barassie, with a new annexe completed at Kyle Academy. Councillor Hywel Davies, Lifelong Learning Portfolio Holder said: “The major investment in schools throughout South Ayrshire is indicative of this Council’s commitment to provide strong educational foundations for all our young people. We want them to enjoy learning and teaching in modern fit for purpose facilities. The vibrant, high quality entertainment at the opening ceremony epitomised what the pupils at Belmont Academy have to offer.”

Head teacher Alan Moir said: “From February 2007 all of us in the Academy watched with increasing excitement and anticipation our new school building rise on what had been our playing fields. Now we are in full occupancy and working in the new Belmont Academy – a true learning centre for the twenty first century.

“The old school held wonderful memories for generations of Ayr’s young people, but now we have a tremendous opportunity to build new traditions and experiences for our students in this state of the art learning environment. We want to thank South Ayrshire Council for their vision and foresight, and all parties involved in giving all of us such an inspiring place to work.”

LINK:

allmediascotland

* * *

There are currently 532 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-06-17T13:31:00.005Z

South Ayrshire organisations single
minded about Community Planning

EIGHT key public, voluntary and community sector organisations, providing services in and to South Ayrshire, have signed a new agreement, pledging to work in partnership for the benefit of South Ayrshire.

South Ayrshire Council, Scottish Enterprise, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Strathclyde Police, CVO Kyle & Carrick, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue and Strathclyde Passenger Transport, as well as two community representatives, all signed the document, known as the Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) during the second Community Planning Conference, held at County Buildings.

More than 150 local residents, many representing grass roots community organisations, joined public and private sector agencies at the conference and were welcomed by Councillor Hugh Hunter, Chair of the Community Planning Partnership, the conference organisers.

He gave an update on how community planning had progressed since the last conference in 2008, with the positive news that community concerns of economic development and transport were being addressed by way of a new partnership and added that Community Health work had also been boosted by a welcome input from locality groups for adult and children’s services.

He said: “A major recent output of the Community Planning Partnership is the Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) and this sets out the key issues the partners have identified and agreed as local priorities for South Ayrshire. These priorities will be taken forward by the different Theme Groups within the Partnership.

“Many will have seen the publicity relating to the recent audit of Best Value and Community Planning and signing this document commits us to improve the leadership of community planning, to improve our joint working among partners and to exploit the potential for shared services.

Councillor Hunter also gave news of a proactive approach to the recent National Framework to tackle the problems of drugs and alcohol, with the establishment of a new Alcohol and Drugs Partnership which will become part of the Community Planning structures.

However, he warned of challenging times ahead, given the multi-million pound reductions in public sector finances, saying: “The coming year is likely to be particularly challenging.

“As a consequence of the economic situation, we have seen a drop in income from council tax and rent, lower returns on investment, land and buildings and such reductions in income provide an uncomfortable backdrop as demands for our services rise.

“All public sector partners are under the same severe pressure and, although the scale is not yet clear, all the signs are that hard decisions will be required in all areas of services. However, this will mean that the benefits of joint collaborative working will be even greater.

After the agreement was signed, delegates attended a variety of breakout sessions, contributing ideas and thoughts to the Theme Groups on community issues such as: lifelong learning, community safety, economic development & transport, drugs and alcohol awareness, community health, regeneration and sustainability.

People were encouraged to say what they or their local organisation is currently doing and what they might be able to do in the future in order to work with partners to deliver the local outcomes and objectives in the Single Outcome Agreement.

In the afternoon, people were encouraged to visit a number of interactive activities and service demonstrations to find more about what the Theme Groups do and how they work.

Strathclyde Police and Fire & Rescue Services were on hand on Low Green to offer advice, hints and tips on all aspects of their services to the community. In addition, the Community Safety Partnership had a new portable Multi Use Games Arena (MUGA) was on display, with a primary school football tournament in full flow.

There were key messages on recycling, alcohol misuse, traffic planning, health improvement and equalities. A live beehive was also on display to demonstrate one of the many skills our young people are learning as part of a programme of diversionary activities.

Before the Conference closed, the results of the ballot to elect two community representatives to the Community Planning Board (pictured above) were announced, with David Kiltie from Maybole Community Council and Joe Lafferty from Wallacetoun and Newton Regeneration Forum being duly elected to represent the areas of Carrick and Kyle respectively.

The next meeting of the Community Planning Board will be held on 19th August and Valerie Stewart of South Ayrshire Council said: “I was delighted to see so many people turn up and make their views known. We have learned a lot from the breakout sessions and the electronic voting used during the conference.

“We now need to take this information and feed it back to the Community Planning Board and Theme Groups and see how we can use this to shape shared services and collaborative working in the future.”

LINK:

allmediascotland

* * *

There are currently 531 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-06-16T22:07:00.013Z

CKD Galbraith offer new country houses for sale in Ayrshire

LEADING Scottish property consultants CKD Galbraith are launching to the market the core of Hendry Homes 2009 portfolio.

Following the huge success of Purclewan Mill, the award-winning and exclusive hamlet of traditional handcrafted houses built with green oak frames, Hendry Homes have carefully selected 3 stunning locations to build 5 striking and individual country houses.

[CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION]

Hendry Homes managing director Iain Hendry undertook his first renovation project in 1988. His years of experience since culminated in the stunning homes incorporating green oak frames at Purclewan Mill. These houses and those in the Hendry Homes 2009 Portfolio have the same unique character and design and finish, the result of careful consideration of lifestyle needs.

All of the properties are within 5 miles of Ayr. Barquhey (see artist's impression above) is a delightfully private and rural gated development. Gardeners House is within the grounds of a private estate on the banks of the River Ayr. Craigbank will be a fabulous new country home in rolling countryside.

Each of the houses have exposed oak beams and rafters complementing the natural stone and slate of the existing buildings, oak doors and finishings, Alno kitchens, Carron Spa Baths and Matki power showers. There is underfloor heating from state of the art air source heat pumps.

The three locations carefully selected for Hendry Homes new houses are all superb, in unspoilt rolling countryside with fine views and close to Ayr. The houses will be built to order for purchasers with completion in 2010. One of the houses has already been sold and there is already pre-launch interest in others.

Prices for these unique homes start from £495,000

For further information contact Bob Cherry 01292 268181.

E-mail: bob.cherry@ckdgalbraith.co.uk

PDF available on www.ckdgalbraith.co.uk.

LINKS:

allmediascotland OpenPress
UKPRWire ClickPress PR-GB 24/7

* * *

There are currently 530 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-06-16T13:58:00.009Z

Restored 19th century mansion house creates six
contemporary apartments and three stunning houses

LEADING Scottish property consultants CKD Galbraith and Savills have joined forces to market an exclusive development of luxury homes in a beautifully restored mansion in the heart of Ayrshire.

Coodham (pictured above) is a 90 acre estate steeped in history and dating back to 1862. The property was built by the widow of William Fairlie in honour of her late husband and named ‘Williamfield’. The Fairlies’ son, James Ogilvy Fairlie, takes his place in golfing history as the founder of both Prestwick Golf Club and the inaugural British Open.

Coodham was taken over by Sir William Holdsworth, who made significant improvements to the house and its surroundings and opened it up as a local visitor attraction. The mansion house later fell into ruin but has now been restored to its former glory and transformed into six stunning contemporary apartments and three very individual houses.

As part of the restoration of the four floor building, the developers have worked impeccably to ensure that the original character and integrity has been preserved, whilst creating stylish and individual apartments. Meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout, from maintaining the original woodwork to the ornate plasterwork. The beautiful stonework has been restored or replaced, where necessary, to exacting standards, including the replication of the entrance pillars and roof balustrade.

The luxurious interiors will be finished to the highest of standards with every aspect of the apartments designed to create space. Timber floors and individually handcrafted doors and windows feature throughout, high spec bathrooms and kitchens exude quality, and state of the art technology is available to create cable free audio visual facilities including lighting, satellite TV and a video-voice security system.

Bob Cherry, who is handling the sale for CKD Galbraith, said: “Coodham is an extraordinary and unique development unmatched in the West of Scotland. It combines the character of a 19th century mansion with contemporary quality and style. The resulting apartments and houses are highly individual homes in a stunning setting, with all bar one enjoying views over the estate’s private lake (pictured above). Each offers a fantastic alternative to city living in the beautiful Ayrshire countryside.”

Goldrealm Properties, the developer responsible for leading the renovation, said: “Coodham Estate has been a fascinating project to work on, taking some years to complete. The challenge of preserving the original building, whilst creating stylish, modern houses and apartments, has required creativity and innovative design. The resulting properties successfully combine all these elements, making them very desirable, unique homes.”

Jennifer Goldie of Savills said: “I’ve rarely seen anything like the attention to detail and the sheer quality of the refurbishment of Coodham. Each of the nine properties is bespoke, making them perfect for discerning ‘down sizers’ – maybe someone selling a period property in Troon, who doesn’t want to compromise on style and craftsmanship, but appreciates the technology and modern comforts that are part of the package here. They would also make fantastic UK bases or second homes for someone living abroad - you’re not far from the airports at Prestwick and Glasgow, and you’ve got a huge array of golf courses to choose from, wonderful beaches and peaceful countryside.”

The spectacular 90 acre grounds and gardens have benefited from the same attention to detail, offering 2½ miles of picturesque walkways as well as the lakeside woodlands, which are of significant horticultural status and attract a variety of birds and wildlife. The large private lake has been cleared and stocked with fish and a new island created.

Outwith the private grounds, this area of South Ayrshire offers an abundance of outdoor pursuits including championship golf courses at Royal Troon, Turnberry and Prestwick. Exceptional sailing facilities are available at Troon, Largs and Inverkip Marinas and the area’s lochs and rivers offer salmon and trout fishing for beginners to enthusiasts alike.

Coodham is situated close to the delightful village of Symington, approximately 10 miles from the town of Ayr which offers a full range of facilities including bars, restaurants and shops. The bustling city of Glasgow is easily reached in around 45 minutes.

The houses and apartments range in size from 2 bedrooms to 4 bedrooms, all providing generously proportioned rooms. Prices range from £330,000 - £750,000.

For further information on Coodham Estate please visit www.ckdgalbraith.co.uk or contact Bob Cherry of CKD Galbraith on 01292 268181, e-mail bob.cherry@ckdgalbraith.co.uk

LINKS:

allmediascotland OpenPress I-Newswire PR-GB UKPRWire

* * *

There are currently 529 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-06-16T10:36:00.006Z

Lettings on par for the Open Golf Championship say CKD Galbraith

CKD Galbraith’s Ayr office, the Official Letting Agents of the Open Championship 2009, has successfully let out over 200 properties for this year’s championship at Turnberry, the most prestigious event on the golfing calendar.

[Pictured: Penkill Castle, Penkill near Girvan, Ayrshire.]

The firm’s role is to provide quality properties in close proximity to the course for competitors and their entourage, tournament officials, members of the media as well as tourists and spectators, covering the 10-day period of the event from 11-20 July.

Aileen Gemmell, head of the Golf Letting team at CKD Galbraith said: “We have been successfully letting out properties since early July last year and have experienced a large number of international bookings from America, South Africa and South America.

“Family-sized homes have been high in demand by small to medium-sized groups, which has formed a large proportion of the clientele. Lettings for corporate hospitality purposes have slowed down this year given the economic climate. However, an event as prestigious as The Open will always attract a large number of avid followers, and we have a range of charming properties still available.”

All properties are well presented, fully furnished and vary in sizes from one bedroomed cottages to substantial country mansions. All are within easy access to Turnberry and well located to take advantage of the many historical sites and rural amenities that Ayrshire has to offer.

A variety of properties remain available for let ranging from a former life-boat station, to Rabbie Burns - Scottish Longhouse and even several castles including Sorn Castle and Penkill Castle (pictured above). Average rental for the 10-day period is £6,000.

All properties listed can be viewed on the dedicated website www.golfopen2009.com

For more information please contact Aileen Gemmell of CKD Galbraith on 01292 268181 or email aileen.gemmell@ckdgalbraith.co.uk. Alternatively you can visit the letting website www.golfopen2009.com from which you can directly register interest.

ABOUT CKD GALBRAITH

CKD Galbraith is an independent property consultancy specialising in serving the needs of private clients. It employs 110 people in offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, Cupar, Inverness, Aberfeldy, Castle Douglas, Ayr and Elgin.

The partnership provides the full range of property consulting services across the commercial, residential and rural sectors throughout Scotland. The company enjoys a successful relationship with its associate firm in London, CKD Kennedy Macpherson.

The company’s rural arm specialises in farm sales and purchases, the management and sale of large estates and woodland, valuations and building surveying work.

LINKS:

Allmediascotland OpenPress I-Newswire PR-GB 24/7 UKPRWire

* * *

There are currently 528 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-06-13T12:02:00.008Z

Building contractors William Skinner & Son
appoint Renewable Energy Manager

Building contractors William Skinner & Son based in Ayr, Scotland and Cambridge, England have appointed Sandeep Mohan (42) as their Renewable Energy Manager.

Sandeep (pictured above) graduated in Polymer Science and Technology at Manchester Polytechnic (BSc) and Loughborough University (MSc) and then spent 16 years in the manufacturing industry, including 12 months in the USA, before deciding to move into the renewable energy sector.

William Skinner & Son chairman John Quinton said: “One of the big problems slowing the introduction of Renewable Energy Systems is the need for clients to understand the options available to them and to be able to compare and contrast their relative effectiveness, efficiency and cost. The right solution will be both site and use sensitive, and might be a mix of different technologies.

“To help clients to understand what will best meet their specific needs, William Skinner & Son offer a free, independent survey based on their practical experience of what works in any particular situation and what does not. Homeowners and commercial organisations who have already taken advantage of this offer commend it as the right approach, and value it as an aid to their decision making.

“This service is now available from our Northern office to anyone in Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway or Glasgow, and from our Southern office to anyone in the counties of Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Essex.”

And John Quinton (pictured above) warmly welcomed Sandeep Mohan’s appointment as Renewable Energy Manager, commenting: “Sandeep’s appointment gives us the extra resource at senior level that we have needed to drive our Survey initiative forward and to support the rapid growth of our Renewable Energy Division.”

ABOUT WILLIAM SKINNER & SON

Building contractors William Skinner & Son’s Ayrshire and Cambridgeshire bases cover Scotland, South East and Eastern England with a range of activities centred on building refurbishment, mainly of retail stores and shopping centres. Joinery manufacture, metal fabrication, special finishes and terrazzo tiling are amongst the special skills offered.

William Skinner & Son are approved Sika Trocal single ply roofing membrane installers. Experienced and highly skilled operatives carry out a range of schemes from small repairs to major installations on very large buildings, and are trained to apply the Kemper roof repair system. Skinners frequently supply and fix ward decking systems in conjunction with roofing works.

The Company also offers contract maintenance and has recently diversified further into custom garden structures, notably treehouses, and solar thermal systems – for which it is now fully Microgeneration Certified.

Skinners’ recently introduced renewable energy survey service is already in demand, supporting its offer to install any kind of renewable energy system.

Founded in Ayrshire in 1964, Skinners made their first move down south into England six years ago. But the company’s recent expansion and diversification into new areas of business made it necessary the purchase of their own larger facilities comprising an 8,000 sq. ft yard, 1,900 sq. ft of office space, and a 1,620 sq. ft warehouse.

The new premises in Meldreth, near Cambridge, were officially opened in 2008 by Andrew Lansley, MP for South Cambridgeshire. Pictured above: William Skinner & Son chairman John Quinton (left) and managing director Sandy Cunningham (right) with Andrew Lansley MP (centre) at the official opening of Skinners' new Southern Division offices in Meldreth, Cambridgeshire.

William Skinner & Son managing director Sandy Cunningham (pictured above) said: “Our commitment at Cambridge is a measure of the importance to us of the market in London, the South East, Midlands and East Anglia.

"The Meldreth base provides high quality warehouse, workshop and office accommodation from which we are already developing our capacity and increasing our market penetration. It is capable of supporting several times its present level of activity.”

Further information:

Sandy Cunningham
Managing Director
William Skinner & Son
Cunningham House
Highfield
St Quivox
Ayr KA6 5HQ
Ayrshire, Scotland

Tel: 0845 051 9060
Fax: 01292 671133
E-mail: scunningham@williamskinner.co.uk
Website: www.williamskinner.co.uk

OR:

William Skinner & Son
Southern Office
College Farm Business Centre
North End
Meldreth
Cambridgeshire
SG8 6NT
England

Tel: 0845 051 9070
Fax: 01763 262916

LINKS:

allmediascotland PR-GB OpenPress I-Newswire UKPRWire PressBox 24/7

* * *

2009-06-12T10:17:00.008Z

Ayr United net sponsorship deal with creative agency Paligap

Ayr United FC is celebrating a double whammy as the football club secured a headline sponsor for the new season.

Creative agency Paligap is to renew its shirt sponsorship deal for a second season as the team looks forward to its new positioning in the Scottish First Division. Based in Ayr, Paligap will retain shirt sponsorship as well as benefits from branding opportunities within the ground, programmes and general hospitality.

[Pictured: Paligap managing director Stephen Cosh, centre, with Ayr United FC players Chris Aitken, captain, left, and Ryan Stevenson, right.]

Ayr United FC chairman Lachlan Cameron said: “We are looking towards the start of the season on a very positive note. Support from Paligap is vital to the club, and enables us to focus strongly on our pitch performance confident that our business performance is on a firm footing.”

Lachlan Cameron and Stephen Cosh were joined today by Ayr United commercial director Hugh Cameron and by players Chris Aitken (club captain) and Ryan Stevenson to celebrate the announcement.

Paligap managing director Stephen Cosh said: “We developed a terrific relationship during the first season’s sponsorship, and to see the club move up was really the icing on the cake. We are delighted to support the team and the wider community, and are looking forward to a prosperous season.”

Paligap is a creative agency that research, plan and create strategic brand building ideas and deploy them across all channels including web, press, TV, radio, outdoor, direct mail and email. Further information is available from www.paligap.com

LINK:

allmediascotland OpenPress UKPRWire PR-GB 24/7 PressBox

* * *

There are currently 526 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-06-11T12:33:00.008Z

Elite Ayrshire Business Circle to
meet at Braehead Foods Cook School

THE next meeting of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle will be held between 8am-10am on Friday 3 July at the Cook School at Braehead Foods in Kilmarnock.

During the meeting members will be given a guided tour of the new state of the art facilities. Breakfast refreshments will also be provided, as well as a demonstration comprising the following - poached eggs with smoked salmon, cinnamon French bread and American style muffins.

The Cook School at Braehead Foods opened in March this year. It is part of the new Braehead Foods headquarters at Moorfields Industrial Estate, Kilmarnock, which the company moved to in April last year. The 30,000 sq ft premises were purpose built and houses the factory processing unit, cook school, demonstration kitchen, restaurant, shop and administrative headquarters.

Michelin-starred chef Steven Doherty (pictured above) is the managing director, and he and his team of in-house and guest chefs from acclaimed establishments across Scotland provide tuition in over 18 different types of courses from game to red meat to simple shellfish to desserts.

The cook school received five-star Visit Scotland status recently for its tourist facilities. The school offers day, evening and weekend courses for adults and children, as well as children’s parties and corporate events.

7 Moorfields North Industrial Park,
Crosshouse,
Kilmarnock,
KA2 0FE.

(If using SatNav - The postcode is : KA1 2RS)

For details of how to get to the cook school CLICK HERE or telephone 01563 550008.

LINK:

allmediascotland

* * *

There are currently 525 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-06-10T15:24:00.005Z

New £70 million university campus in Ayr gets green light

University of the West of Scotland’s new £70million Ayr Campus is one step closer following the granting of full planning consent and approval for land transfer from South Ayrshire Council.

Construction on the new 18,000m2 Campus, which will be built on the Craigie Estate, next to the River Ayr, is planned to start in September by Bovis Lend Lease UK.

Planned and designed by leading Scottish-based architects RMJM, the development will see the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) joining UWS on the site. Shared facilities will include a general teaching space, gym, refectory, library, lecture theatre, drama studio and computing labs.

The new campus in Ayr, which is part of the University’s £260million development programme and replaces its existing campus on the edge of the Craigie Estate, will create an innovative learning environment for over 4000 students, including students from the nearby Scottish Agricultural College at Auchincruive.

RMJM’s design for the academic facility is focused around a series of external ‘garden classrooms’ which flow into the new building to create the entrance courtyard, a central atrium and a more private library courtyard space. The campus also incorporates the grade A listed Craigie House.

The new campus, which has been developed in consultation with the Natural Garden Society, Historic Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, will provide Ayrshire with one of the UK’s most modern, environmentally friendly and sustainable Higher Education learning environments and will also provide a beautiful setting for public access and use of the Craigie estate.

Sitting on the banks of the River Ayr, the new building is designed to the highest environmental rating – BREEAM excellent – adopting sustainable strategies including rainwater harvesting and on-site power generation through sustainable sources.

Professor Seamus McDaid, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of the West of Scotland, said: “We are delighted that our exciting Ayr Campus development has received the full support of South Ayrshire Council and that we are now one step closer to the creation of this unique campus facility.

“Our new campus in Ayr will provide significant benefits not only to the University, but to the local community and the west of Scotland as a whole. It will enable us to expand our course provision and develop an international dimension to our operations in Ayr, with a campus that will attract students from across the globe.”

Professor Bill McKelvey, Principal of SAC said “We are very pleased to be joining UWS on this new campus. It will reinvigorate SAC in Ayrshire and provide our students with a great environment in which to study.”

Neil McLean, RMJM office director in Glasgow, said: “This is a major development for higher education in Scotland. We have been inspired by the fantastic natural setting of the existing estate and now look forward to delivering a unique building that students can enjoy both inside and out.”

University of the West of Scotland, Scotland’s biggest modern university, caters for almost 20,000 students and 2,000 staff with campuses in Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton and Paisley. The University’s new campus is scheduled for opening in September 2011.

LINK:

allmediascotland

* * *

There are currently 524 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-06-09T12:40:00.003Z

South Ayrshire Council seeks public
involvement in future development plans

AN IMPORTANT document setting out South Ayrshire Council’s policies for development and land use over the next 5-10 years has been launched.

Marking the first stage of producing an ambitious and far reaching new plan, the Development Plan Scheme (DPS), sets out the different stages for producing the new Local Development Plan (LDP).

It includes a timetable of the process and a lets people know how and when they can get involved in the LDP process.

The Local Development Plan will replace the South Ayrshire Local Plan as the land use plan for the area when it is adopted in 2013.

Wider issues such as roads, drainage, water and how the existing infrastructure will cope with new development demands will also be covered in the Plan.

A programme of consultation will start very shortly and this will engage with the Scottish Government, partner agencies, private sector organisations, community groups and, importantly, the general public, who will be fully encouraged to get involved.

A Local Planning Forum, which will provide the community with an effective new method of consultation, will meet for the first time in September. Applications for membership of the Forum are being welcomed at this time. People can apply on-line to join the Local Planning Forum at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/planning.

The process is being driven by the Local Development Plan Project Board, which is made up from Councillors and Officers.

[Pictured: Members of the SADP Project Board launch the first stage of an ambitious and far reaching new plan, the Development Plan Scheme (DPS).]

The changes have come about in order to comply with the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 that requires the Council’s planning systems to be efficient, inclusive, fit for purpose and sustainable.

Speaking at the launch, Councillor Margaret Toner, chair of the LDP Project Board said: “Various methods will be used to bring this document to the attention of as many interest groups as possible.

“One of the most important things we will be addressing is to clarify the processes and language of planning in order to make matters easier to follow and understand. The launch of this document is the first stage in a sequence of consultations and reports on how we can ultimately shape the new local development plan.”

Councillor Toner continued: “A central part of the DPS will be to ensure that anyone who wants to participate in the preparation of the new Local Development Plan knows when and how they will have the chance to do so.”

The DPS document is now available in full on the Council’s website and a leaflet is available at Council offices, libraries, community halls and police stations.

It will be updated annually to make sure all interested parties are fully informed on the progress and timescales of each stage.

Anyone with an interest in planning is urged to use the feedback form on the planning pages on the Council’s website, from the back of the DPS document, or to email: localdevelopmentplans@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

LINK:

allmediascotland

* * *

There are currently 523 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-06-08T19:58:00.010Z

£2 million refurbishment completed at Muirhead Primary School

MUIRHEAD PRIMARY SCHOOL in Troon recently celebrated the completion of a £2 million refurbishment programme with a night of entertainment for invited guests, staff, parents and pupils.

The work, which has been ongoing for nearly four years, has seen the school transformed - with works including the replacement of all windows and doors, a modern infant school extension, new toilets, ceilings and floors.

In addition, the building has benefited from upgrades to all rooms, complete rewiring, a modernised kitchen, full redecoration, new pin boards, whiteboards, new curtains, new furniture and points installed in all classes to allow for the continued development of ICT.

[Pictured: South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan meets pupils at the newly refurbished Muirhead Primary School in Troon. CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

Launching the evening the evening acting head teacher Caroline Connell said: “As work on the building has progressed, I have seen many improvements and developments to the school building. This would not have happened without the support and financial backing of South Ayrshire Council for which we are very grateful.

“Ensuring 220 pupils are nurtured and learning in a stress free environment sounds like a difficult task, but with support from the contractor, staff, parents and pupils, we achieved this with relative ease.

“I would particularly like to thank the Council’s Property and Design Services, ARP Lorimer & Associates the architects and Buff Murchie and his team from Property and Design who were the on-site contractors."

Councillor Bill McIntosh, who formally opened the school said: “Mrs Connell has s given us a flavour of what the entire process entailed for staff, pupils and parents. I would like to pay tribute to everyone for their tireless efforts and their commitment throughout this period of disruption.

“This is a really good news story. The transformation of Muirhead Primary has come about through the commitment of South Ayrshire Council to the school estate.

“What we have, as a result, is yet another jewel, in South Ayrshire’s crown and goes to show what can be achieved by proper planning and clear vision.

“South Ayrshire Council is committed to the education of our young people and to ensuring that we provide them with educational facilities suitable for the 21st century.

“Over the past few years we have started to bring the new PPP schools on line - we have opened the new Monkton Primary,/ Barassie Primary,/ Prestwick Academy,/ and the Kyle Academy annexe. And next month, we celebrate the opening of the new Belmont Academy.

“We have also recently upgraded Dalmilling Primary, Struthers Primary, and Troon Primary and in 2009 we are committed to a major upgrading of Symington Primary, Kincaidston Primary and Forehill Primary.

“In addition, we have spent substantial sums of money on Marr College to ensure that it meets the educational needs of the pupils and staff Next year will see the opening of a new primary school at Colmonell and this policy of upgrading and improving is ongoing."

Staff at Muirhead Primary were commended for putting the needs of their pupils first during the refurbishment works with the acting head teacher commenting: “Staff here provide the most stimulating and rich learning experience possible.

“They always had a positive attitude towards any new development that has come along, whether physical, emotional, environmental or curricular.

“This is what education is all about. Working, growing and seeing our pupils become very confident, successful and happy learners.

“Schools set the agenda for the future not just by the content of the curriculum, but also the example they set in the environment that is provided for learning – the social environment and the built environment.

“I believe we are now at that period in Muirhead’s life that we are more than able to take all the new challenges of an ever changing society and education system with the right team, pupils, parents and staff.

“And we have the perfect building to do it all in.”

The school was dedicated by the Reverend David Harper, one of the school chaplains before pupils from Primaries 5, 6 and 7 then gave an evening of entertainment to assembled guests.

LINK:

allmediascotland

* * *

There are currently 522 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-06-05T19:57:00.005Z

Top property experts attend urban regeneration event

KEY property investors and professionals are to attend an event in Edinburgh next week to hear how one Scottish regeneration company is helping the development community through the recession.

Irvine Bay Regeneration Company is holding the event in the Capital on Monday 8 June, to emphasise the innovative and creative role that can be played by urban regeneration companies.

The company has been delighted at the response to the event, with most of those invited responding positively.

Irvine Bay Regeneration Company chief executive Patrick Wiggins (pictured above) said: “We are delighted to hold this event in Edinburgh, as the city is one of the centres for property expertise and investment in Scotland, and the industry here takes a national and international view.

“While we are not immune from the difficult economic times, the fact that our plans are long-term provides us with the ability to focus on important planning and preparation work, whilst helping to progress ongoing plans and developments.

“Because of the unique nature of URCs we can take a creative approach which allows us, for instance, to share both risk and potential profit with development partners through the provision of land rather than the straightforward sale of a site. We have also helped provide essential gap funding, and in another case we have been able to assist through the funding of site enabling work. All of this means that developers working with us can enjoy a higher degree of confidence.”

The meeting, which is by invitation only, takes place at the Bonham Hotel.

Irvine Bay Regeneration Company

Irvine Bay Regeneration Company seeks to develop and revitalise the five towns of Ardrossan, Saltcoats, Stevenston, Kilwinning and Irvine in North Ayrshire through a £100 million, ten year programme to boost the local economy and make the area an attractive and prosperous place to live, work and to visit. The company's partners are North Ayrshire Council, Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government.

* * *

There are currently 521 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-06-05T17:36:00.005Z

Facelift planned for Bridgegate House in Irvine

Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, in partnership with North Ayrshire Council, is looking to work with appropriately experienced architectural firms on the refurbishment of Bridgegate House in Irvine.

Bridgegate House (pictured above) is a four storey building with 5,000m2 of office space and retail units on the ground floor. Irvine Bay is seeking practices with a successful track record in refurbishing large 1970s buildings.

The refurbishment of the building as a key component of the wider Bridgegate area is one of the priorities of the regeneration plan for Irvine. A summary of the plan can be downloaded from www.irvinebay.co.uk. The proposal is to redevelop the Bridgegate area to strengthen the connections between the Rivergate Centre and the old town.

Irvine Bay Regeneration Company commercial director Omar Elmi said: “The refurbishment of Bridgegate House is an exciting opportunity to really change the face of this area of Irvine.

He continued: “Development activity in the towns is all about creating a more vibrant, dynamic and attractive place to live, work and visit. All of our projects are designed to rejuvenate the area and attract jobs and businesses into the town, and this opportunity would certainly deliver these outcomes.”

* * *

There are currently 520 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-06-02T23:26:00.008Z

William Hill launch Ayr Bronze Cup at Ayr Racecourse

By: Iain Ferguson

A THIRD Class 2 sprint handicap has been added to the three-day Ayr Gold Cup meeting to mark the launch of William Hill’s sponsorship of Scotland’s most prestigious flat fixture.

The William Hill (Ayr) Bronze Cup will be run for the first time on Friday 18 September, with £30,000 in prize money on offer for horses balloted out of both the William Hill (Ayr) Gold Cup and the William Hill (Ayr) Silver Cup.

The William Hill (Ayr) Silver Cup will now be run on Saturday 19 September along with the William Hill (Ayr) Gold Cup.

[Pictured at the announcement, left to right, Ayr Racecourse managing director Richard Johnstone; William Hill chief executive Ralph Topping; Ayr Racecourse chairman Alan Macdonald; and William Hill director of racing and PR David Hood.]

Announcing details of the sponsorship, which will run for an initial three-year period and will include six races – the three sprints plus the Doonside Cup, Kilkerran Cup and Ayrshire Handicap - William Hill chief executive Ralph Topping said: “We wanted to do something really special to mark our sponsorship of the Ayr Gold Cup, and by introducing a Bronze Cup I believe we have done that.

“To have three top sprints run within 24 hours at Scotland’s premier racecourse is something really special and something we are really proud of. The William Hill (Ayr) Gold Cup is Europe’s richest sprint handicap and a race rich in history. It now not only has one but two little brothers.”

Ayr Racecourse chairman Alan Macdonald, speaking at the launch of Ayr’s 2009 Flat Season, welcomed William Hill as the new sponsors of the Gold Cup meeting and said: “It is fitting that in the year of the Homecoming we have attracted a blue chip company to sponsor Scotland’s top flat race.

“The addition of a Bronze Cup is a significant step to underlining the three-day Ayr Gold Cup meeting as one of the UK’s top flat racing fixtures. I am delighted by this news.”

The total prize money for the 2009 William Hill Ayr Gold Cup Festival will top £600,000 with the 27 runners in the six-furlong Gold Cup chasing a pot of £150,000. The Silver Cup will have a prize fund of £50,000.

LINKS:

allmediascotland OpenPress UKPRWire I-Newswire FreePress 24/7

* * *

There are currently 519 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-06-02T12:42:00.007Z

GAIETY THEATRE LATEST:

2009 pantomime to go ahead at the Citadel as
search for new Gaiety Theatre owner continues

SOUTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL has embarked on the next stage of securing the future of the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr and making sure that there is a pantomime production in 2009, albeit at the Citadel.

Following a Community Engagement Event, the Council Steering Group prepared tender documentation in relation to seeking a suitable bidder to take ownership of the Gaiety Theatre. The successful bidder, from the commercial or the not-for-profit sector, will initially work with the Council with the intention of refurbishing and relaunching the venue.

Councillor Margaret Toner, Portfolio Carrier for Economic Development, Tourism & Leisure said: “The Gaiety has an outstanding history and reputation as the premier theatre in south-west Scotland. Officers have been working with members of the community, and others who wish to support the theatre, and they will continue to do so.

“Once a suitable bidder has been selected, we will all work together to secure the future of the Gaiety and re-establish it as the region’s premier theatre. The 584-seat theatre is an asset to the town and will form a vital part of the Ayr Renaissance regeneration initiative.

“Attending a pantomime is an annual event that is enjoyed by many people. I am delighted to be able to announce that Council officers have also put in place a tendering exercise to find a company to produce a pantomime this year that will be performed in the Citadel. Pantomimes are an important community event, so I am really pleased that the pantomime will take place in the Citadel from Thursday 3 December 2009 to Saturday 26 December 2009.”

[Pictured: The cast of the 2008 pantomime "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr.]

Expressions of interest in taking ownership of the Gaiety Theatre must be received by 12 noon on Friday 12 June 2009 and should be e-mailed to Roddy MacDonald, Head of Community Development at roddy.macdonald@ea.sayr.sch.uk for an information pack and application guidance.

Submissions to tender to produce the pantomime must be received by 12 noon on Tuesday 7 July 2009. Anyone who is interested in producing the pantomime is advised to visit the venue in advance of submitting a tender, as there will be a requirement to give detailed consideration of how the sports hall will be converted to a theatre for the period of the pantomime production. Tender documentation is available to download at www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk, however a hard copy is available on request. Further information can be obtained from Paul Wilson, Principal Officer Leisure and Cultural Services on 01292 612215.

LINK:

allmediascotland

* * *

There are currently 518 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-06-01T22:16:00.005Z

New library opened in Alloway Ayrshire

Alloway Library in Ayrshire has been officially opened by Councillor Margaret Toner, Depute Leader of South Ayrshire Council. The occasion was celebrated with a tea party for customers and invited guests.

[Pictured back row left to right: Councillor Peter Convery, South Ayrshire Council chief executive David Anderson, head of community development Roddy MacDonald. Middle row: Duncan Gunn of Carrilion, Councillor Elaine Little, acting libraries manager Jean Inness, Alloway library assistant Barbara Mossie, Alloway Library assistant in charge Dorothy Connell, David Broad of MITIE. Seated: Councillor Margaret Toner, Dr John Cairney. CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

Acting libraries manager Jean Inness thanked various people involved in the successful completion of the project.

The actor Dr John Cairney, world-famous for his portrayal of Robert Burns, entertained guests with anecdotes about his life and performances of Burns’ poetry, before signing copies of a new “Kilmarnock” edition of Burns poetry in which he has written the foreword.

Councillor Toner said: “I am absolutely delighted to open the library in the heart of Robert Burns’ birthplace and I am even more pleased that so many people are already making use of this wonderful facility.

“The building is light, modern and fully equipped with the latest technology, so I am confident that Alloway library will become an excellent resource for the school, local residents and for visitors to the area.

“Robert Burns himself would have been thrilled to know that one day his own works would be available from a library that is just a stone’s throw from where he was born.”

The new library has been operating since March 2009 and has proved to be very popular, judging by the large numbers of people who have flocked to use it.

To coincide with the opening, a new photographic exhibition by Douglas Inness covering events in Ayr and Alloway during the Homecoming Weekend of 25-26 January was launched.

LINK:

allmediascotland

* * *

There are currently 517 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *

2009-05-26T15:27:00.012Z

Young Ayrshire golfers enjoy lessons from Jack Nicklaus at Turnberry

YOUNG golfers in South Ayrshire recently enjoyed a masterclass with golf legend Jack Nicklaus at Turnberry.

[CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

The 18 time major winner was in the area promoting unsung heroes in the game for the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Daily Record newspaper.

The global golfing icon had expressed fears that too few young golfers were coming forward to play golf, particularly in the USA, so when he learned of South Ayrshire Council’s successful running of the national clubgolf programme for primary school children, he offered to host a coaching clinic.

He told the Daily Record: “All the kids here like golf and they hit the ball nicely. I enjoy working with them, even though I don’t do a lot of it now.”

The clubgolf programme is the legacy of the then Scottish Executive’s bid to host the 2009 Ryder Cup – subsequently awarded to Scotland for 2014.

The national initiative offers every nine year-old the chance to experience golf during school time, and in South Ayrshire this year over 1,000 primary five pupils will be introduced to the game.

A small group of children in Carrick were chosen in 2006 to launch the initiative locally and it proved extremely successful.

The results of the programme were on display to the golfing legend as boys and girls took part in an entertaining and highly successful clinic. The Golden Bear admitted that he had ‘nothing to teach’ a number of youngsters whose abilities were admired by a large group of onlookers.

South Ayrshire Council leader Councillor Hugh Hunter (pictured above with Jack Nicklaus) attended the clinic to watch the youngsters and said: “To be given the opportunity to attend a clinic at Turnberry is an extraordinary opportunity, and to receive it from the legendary Jack Nicklaus really is the icing on the cake.

“The boys and girls were excellent ambassadors for their schools, and I was immensely proud of them. To get up and hit a ball in front of a crowd at Turnberry would be daunting, but to do it with so much panache in the presence of the greatest ever golfer is nothing short of awesome.”

clubgolf owes its success to the enthusiasm shown by firstly the staff within schools and volunteers from across the whole of South Ayrshire.

Staff and volunteers at Maybole Golf Club worked with the original group, which resulted in a very healthy number of children progressing to a golf club setting annually and this, in turn, encouraged other pupils who wanted to take part.

Several of the Maybole girls have progressed so well that they are now able to participate in Ayrshire Girls competitions, while several of the boys will have a formally recognised handicap this year.

The clubgolf programme has also benefited from the support of Prestwick Golf Club, who, despite not having a junior membership category, have allowed the practice ground to be used by juniors participating in the clubgolf initiative.

Again, this development has been very successful, with 14 of the original 16 children receiving tuition in 2008 from a Prestwick professional, returning again in 2009.

With summer nearly here and with The Open Championship a matter of weeks away, young golfers are being encouraged to join the new South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club – set up specifically for young golfers.

For more information on this club and for an application form, visit the website at:

www.southayrshirejuniorgolf.co.uk

All in all, the future of golf in South Ayrshire looks to be in good hands, and who knows - with the Open Championship being hosted at Turnberry this year, one day we may even have our own home-grown champion lifting the coveted claret jug!

LINKS:

allmediascotland eliteayrshire

* * *

There are currently 516 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

* * *