Provosts Report
North Ayrshire Council · 17 September 2025
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 17 September 2025 and its agenda
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OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION PROVOST’S REPORT For the period covering: 16 June – 7 September 2025 The attached report gives a summary and brief details to Council, of meetings and events attended by the Provost of North Ayrshire Council, Councillor Anthea Dickson.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 1 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION PROVOST’S REPORT For the period covering: 16 June – 7 September 2025 Since the last meeting of the Council, I have taken part in many events, including: Irvine Royal Academy Summer Cabaret,16 June On 16 June, I attended Irvine Royal Academy’s Summer Cabaret and Barbeque. It was good to see so many families there supporting the event and witnessing the outstanding musical talent and performances. Opening of Montgomerie Park Primary School, Irvine,17 June On 17 June, I attended the opening of Montgomerie Park Primary School in Irvine by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills. The building is most impressive, and it is evident that the school community is already very strong, supportive and confident. Hayley House 70th Anniversary, Largs, 19 June I attended the 70th Anniversary celebrations at Hayley House in Largs on 19 June. Families and residents alike were keen to take part in the celebrations. It was good to meet the trustees and management team and hear a bit more about the history of the care home. A Night at the Musicals, Garnock Community Campus, Glengarnock, 19 June On 19 June, I attended an excellent evening of entertainment in Garnock Community Campus. The show, “A Night and the Musicals” was full of laughs and great songs and was very enjoyable. I never fail to be impressed by the excellent shows produced by our schools. Stanecastle Opening Ceremony, Irvine, 20 June On 20 June , I officially marked the opening of 29 modern and energy-efficient council homes on the former Stanecastle School site. This £8m development, supported by over £3m Scottish Government grant funding, has seen the creation of seventeen general needs homes, as well as eight homes suitable for wheelchair living and four amenity bungalows.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 2 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Launch of DYW Projects, Lockhart Campus, 20 June Also on 20 June, the Lord Lieutenant and I attended the launch of two new projects at Lockhart Campus, Lockhart Domestic Service and Lockhart Community Shop (Campus Creations). These projects help develop the skills of those taking part in preparation for future employment. This is another triumph for the school and Developing the Young Workforce Ayrshire. Visit by Consul General of Brazil, Kelburn Castle and Estate, Fairlie, 20 June On the afternoon of 20 June, I had the privilege of meeting the Consul General to Brazil in Scotland and his Depute at Kelburn Castle and Estate in Fairlie. We discussed links between Scotland and Brazil and how these might be enhanced. Irvine Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets 80th Anniversary, Army Reserve Centre, Dreghorn, Irvine, 21 June On 21 June, Irvine Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets marked their 80th anniversary with a parade through Dreghorn and a community fun day at their unit. It was a pleasure to be able to participate and chat to the young people and hear of their experiences and ambitions. Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra Summer Concert, Ayr Town Hall, 21 June Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra held their summer concert in Ayr Town Hall on 21 June. It is always a delight to be there and support our orchestra members from North Ayrshire and listen to the talented players handling complex traditional pieces of music. This was a great evening of entertainment setting the orchestra up for their summer Iberian Tour. Cunninghame Housing Association Tenants Conference, Seamill Hydro, West Kilbride, 24 June I attended Cunninghame Housing Association’s Annual Tenants Conference on 24 June in Seamill Hydro. It was good to meet with some of the tenants and the support services who were in attendance. This is a great platform for the tenants to raise any issues or concerns they have, learn about new initiatives and have the opportunity to engage with partner organisations.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 3 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Fitzsimmons Wynd Opening Event, Ardrossan, 26 June On 26 June, I was delighted to officially open 19 new energy-efficient homes on the site of the former James McFarlane School in Ardrossan. This £5m development, supported by £2m of Scottish Government funding, has seen the creation of a mix of general needs homes, amenity bungalows, and homes suitable for wheelchair users. The development is named Fitzsimmons Wynd named after the last Provost of Ardrossan, John Henry Fitzsimmons, and I was pleased to meet members of his family who were in attendance. Edgar Allan Poe Event, Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine, 26 June I attended an Edgar Allan Poe event in the Harbour Arts Centre on 26 June. Arranged by North Ayrshire based, Poetic Justice Productions, the event explored Poe’s connection to Irvine. Special guest, Enrica Jang, Executive Director of Poe International, based in Baltimore, discussed details of the mysterious circumstances surrounding Poe’s death. This was a very entertaining and informative evening. Echoes from the Deep Concert, Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine, 27 June On 27 June, I attended the “Echoes from the Deep” concert in the Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine. This international music event celebrated the rich maritime and cultural heritage shared between Poland, Ukraine and Scotland. It was great to meet the Consul Generals of Poland and Ukraine and witness great performances from the Ukrainian choir, Solo Way and the Polish shanty choir, Zawisza Czarny. Armed Forces Day, Irvine, 28 June On 28 June, I attended an Armed Forces Day service led by the Irvine branch of the Royal British Legion. It was an opportunity to acknowledge all those people serving in our Armed Forces and to show our appreciation for the work that they do. Royal Garden Party, Edinburgh, 1 July On 1 July, I attended the Royal Garden Party at the Palace of Holyrood, Edinburgh. People throughout Scotland attended the event, many of those being volunteers who give up their free time to serve their local community. It was good to see a good representation from North Ayrshire being recognised for the work they carry out and the difference they make to the lives of others.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 4 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Meet Visitors from Priceton Theological College, New Jersey, Beith Parish Church, 10 July On 10 July, I welcomed visitors from New Jersey to Beith Parish Church. They went on to visit the Auld Kirk in Beith due to the historic connection with Dr John Witherspoon, who was Minister there in the mid 1700’s before emigrating to America where he was a signatory on the declaration of Independence. Dr Witherspoon was also a founding member of Princeton University. NODA Ayrshire, Memorial Bench Launch, Irvine, 14 July On 14 July, I attended the office of No One Dies Alone Ayrshire in Bank Street Irvine for the unveiling of a memorial bench. This was a suitable tribute to one of the volunteers at NODA who recently passed away. I also had the opportunity to meet some of the volunteers and their families and hear about the work of the organisation and the support they give to others. Grand Opening Youth Legacy Centre, Irvine, 19 July I attended the grand opening of the Youth Legacy Centre in Irvine on 19 July which has relocated to the Rivergate Centre. It was good to meet some of the young people and the partners involved and hear about the excellent work they do. I was also grateful for the opportunity to wish them all well in their new base. Bourtreehill 50th Anniversary Commemoration Service St. John Ogilvie’s Church, Irvine, 27 July On 27 July, I attended an ecumenical service in St. John Ogilvie’s Church in Irvine to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bourtreehill. It was great to see so many people there to mark this milestone and to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. Three Town Growers Annual Duck Day, Elm Park, Ardrossan, 2 August On 2 August, I attended the Three Town Growers’ Annual Duck Day in Ardrossan. It is always impressive to see the development of the Group each year. Great to see so many people involved and witness the positive impact and growth that the Three Towns’ Growers has on the local community. Lochshore Highland Games, Lochshore Park, 2 August On 2 August, I managed to pop in to see how much fun was had by those taking part in the 1st Highland Games at Lochshore. Judging by the laughter and enthusiasm, I am sure that this is the start of great things to come.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 5 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION The Shed, Kilwinning, 13 August On 13 August, I visited The Shed in Kilwinning Main Street. This is the current location of Kilwinning Men’s Shed that also includes women’s groups. The enthusiasm, connection and creativity are always inspiring in Sheds, and it is really pleasing to see how much it has helped bring people together to share and develop their practical and creative skills. Ayrshire Hospice Homecoming Reception, Ayr, 13 August On 13 August, I attended a reception at the Ayrshire Hospice to mark the opening of their renovated premises. The transformation is most impressive and offers a wonderfully calming and welcoming environment. I am sure that this will enhance care and maximise opportunities for patients, family members and the community. Marymass Festival, Irvine, 14-25 August This year’s Marymass Festival took place from 14-25 August. I attended various events during the period of the festival and was impressed by the amount of activity taking place, the huge amount of volunteers involved and the sheer number of people attending, which was in the many thousands. I hosted a reception in Irvine Townhouse prior to the crowning of the Marymass Queen and afterwards, a reception on Irvine Moor. The focus of the reception on Irvine Moor was to celebrate volunteers and voluntary organisations. This gave me the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the excellent work carried out by a wide range of volunteers and thank them for all the work that they do. A total of £1000 was raised at the reception, which will be donated to the Marymass Festival Committee and be put toward the running costs of next year’s Festival. Grand Opening of BABCA Community Garden, Towerlands Community Centre, Irvine, 15 August On 15 August, I attended the grand opening of Bourtreehill and Broomlands Community Association’s new community garden. This is a fantastic example of how the Council’s Locality Planning Partnership is working with community organisations to take pride in local venues. Drama for Wellbeing Showcase: Empowering Young Voices: Climate Action and Wellbeing, Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine, 15 August On the afternoon of 15 August, I attended the Drama for Wellbeing Showcase in the Harbour Arts Centre. Primary and secondary school pupils delved into challenging themes, crafting powerful scripts and performance pieces. The programme was open to all and offered a unique opportunity for young people to explore their creativity and build their confidence.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 6 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Marymass Queen Elect and Marys’ Visit to Cunninghame House, Irvine, 19 August On 19 August, the Marymass Queen Elect, Laicey Dewar and her four Marys Mia Loudoun, Eve McCabe, Miley Smith and Kaitlyn Gilmour visited Cunninghame House. It was great to hear all about their ambitions and wishes and what Marymass Festival means to them and their families. Beat the Street, Fairlie Primary School, 27 August On 27 August, I attended the Beat the Street award ceremony at Fairlie Primary School. Beat the Street North Ayrshire officially ended after six exciting weeks of walking, cycling, running. scooting and wheeling. I was delighted to be able to present certificates to those individuals and teams at the top of the leaderboards and to acknowledge everyone who took part. Largs Viking Festival, Largs, 30 August – 7 September On 30 August, after taking part in the opening parade, I officially opened the 2025 Largs Viking Festival. The Festival gives us a fantastic opportunity to showcase Largs and indeed North Ayrshire, at its very best, to the thousands of visitors who will attend the many events taking place over the week of the Festival. I also attended the Festival of Fire, on 6 September, the dramatic Festival finale featuring the Battle Re-enactment, torchlit parade and fireworks. Events like these have a such a positive impact on our communities and highlight the inspirational work carried out by voluntary organisations and individuals. Ministerial Visit, Lochshore Park, 3 September On 3 September, Cabinet Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP visited Lochshore Park. It was a pleasure to welcome her and to see the excellent work being carried out by the employability team, who have opened their new base in the Garnock Valley. The Equal team guides people with long-term health conditions and disabilities into work and training. Dalry Community Council Awards, Bowling Club, Dalry, 5 September On 5 September, I attended Dalry Community Council’s Awards evening in Dalry Bowling Club. I was extremely delighted to present the awards to the Young Person of the Year and Team of the Year. It is wonderful to see volunteers being recognised for the huge contribution they make in their local community for the benefit of others. Volunteers are the lifeblood of any community and North Ayrshire has many shining examples of the excellent work they carry out and the positive impact they have on all our communities.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 7 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Councillor Anthea Dickson Provost North Ayrshire Council