Provost Report
North Ayrshire Council · 17 December 2025
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 17 December 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION PROVOST’S REPORT For the period covering: 27 October – 7 December 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: 27 October – 7 December 2025 Since the last meeting of the Council, I have taken part in many events, including: Irvine Sea Cadets’ Biennial Royal Naval Parade, Dreghorn, 30 October On 30 October, I attended Irvine Sea Cadets biennial Royal Naval Parade, in Dreghorn. This ceremonial occasion was marked by an official inspection of the Unit by Commander Graham Tait. Great to see so much pride and sense of achievement within the Cadets and recognition of the adult volunteers. Mr and Mrs Cotton, Diamond Wedding Anniversary, Saltcoats, 30 October On 30 October, the Depute Provost visited Mr and Mrs Cotton, in Saltcoats, on the occasion of their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. It is always a pleasure to go and meet couples celebrating this milestone anniversary and present them with a card to officially mark the occasion. Convention of Highlands and Islands, Brodick, Isle of Arran, 3 November On 3 November, I attended the Convention of Highlands and Islands on the Isle of Arran. It was a very interesting meeting, lots of commonality and forward thinking, chaired by the Deputy First Minister. It is always a pleasure to welcome visitors to North Ayrshire and where better than Arran to show off our wonderful scenery and rich cultural heritage. Remembrance Sunday, Saltcoats, 9 November On 9 November, our communities throughout North Ayrshire marked Remembrance Sunday with a number of parades and special services. I, along with colleagues attended the event in Saltcoats. This was a time for reflection and to remember and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 2 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Armistice Day Service, Irvine, 11 November On, 11 November, along with colleagues, I attended an Armistice Day Service in Irvine. Rev Jamie Milliken led the two-minute silence at 11am. The service commemorated the signing of the Armistice, an agreement to end the fighting of WW1 as a prelude to peace negotiations, which began on 11 November 1918. Employability Awards, Saltcoats Town Hall, 11 November Also on 11 November, I attended the Employability Awards in Saltcoats Town Hall. It was an honour to meet all of the finalists and winners on the day. They have been truly inspiring, and I commend them on their successful employability journeys. Our Employability team does a marvellous job - along with partner organisations - throughout the year to help people from all walks of life succeed. I congratulate them for the work they do. Irvine Royal Academy Young Musician of the Year, Irvine, 17 November On 17 November, I was in Irvine Royal Academy for their Young Musician of the Year event. The performances were outstanding and highlighted the exceptional talent of the pupils in our schools and the excellent support they receive from staff. The overall winner, Emily Muir, will go forward to the North Ayrshire Young Musician of the Year final in February. 16 Days of Action Flag Raising, Irvine, 26 November On 26 November, I raised the White Ribbon flag at Cunninghame House to mark the start of this year’s 16 Days of Action campaign. This global initiative works to end violence against women and girls. The North Ayrshire Violence Against Women Partnership, who lead the campaign locally, bring together partners committed to tackling gender-based violence and supporting those affected by it. On the evening of 2 December, I participated in the annual Reclaim the Night Walk, which took us from the Portal to Fullarton Connexions. This important event raises awareness of the dangers faced by women and girls from sexual violence and promotes the message that everyone should feel safe walking after dark. It was heartening to see so many people join the walk, showing their solidarity and support for victims of gender-based violence. Cunninghame Choir Christmas Concert, Beith, 30 November On 30 November, I attended the Cunninghame Choir Christmas Concert in Beith, which showcased excellent performances and marked the start of the festive season. It is always great to see the breadth of activities arranged by volunteers in our local communities.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 3 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Irvine Lasses Burns Club St Andrew’s Night Celebration, Irvine, 4 December On 4 December, I attended a St. Andrew’s Night celebration, hosted by Irvine Lasses Burns Club, in Wellwood Burns Centre and Museum. A great night of traditional entertainment which was very well received, and I was extremely delighted to propose the toast to Scotland. Events like these showcase our communities at their very best and highlight the invaluable work carried out by volunteers. The Largs Players’ Pantomime, Barrfields Theatre, Largs, 4 December On 4 December, the Depute Provost attended “The Wee Mermaid” pantomime, by the Largs Players in Barrfields Theatre. This event was well attended and showcased the Group’s longstanding contribution to the local community. Barrmill Jolly Beggars Christmas Concert, Kilbirnie, 7 December On 7 December, it was pleasure to attend the Christmas Concert in Kilbirnie New Parish Church arranged by Councillor Donald L Reid and the Barrmill Jolly Beggars Club. This was a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable event which was appreciated by all who attended. Councillor Anthea Dickson Provost North Ayrshire Council