Provosts Report
North Ayrshire Council · 11 February 2026
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 11 February 2026 and its agenda
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OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION PROVOST’S REPORT For the period covering: 8 December 2025 – 1 February 2026 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: 8 December 2025 – 1 February 2026 Since the last meeting of the Council, I have taken part in many events, including: North Ayrshire Women’s Aid Poetry Competition, Saltcoats, 9 December On 9 December, I attended a very special evening at North Ayrshire Women’s Aid in Saltcoats, where the winners of their poetry competition came to receive their awards. We heard poems and stories, all beautifully written powerful pieces. It was also a great opportunity for me to congratulate the winners and the organisers. North Ayrshire Music Service Winter Concert, Dalry Primary School, 17 December On 17 December, I attended North Ayrshire Music Service’s winter concert in Dalry Primary School. It was a wonderful night of festive entertainment performed by very accomplished string ensembles and concert bands. The event highlighted the exceptional talents of the young musicians we have in our schools. Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra Christmas Concert, Ayr Town Hall, 20 December I attended Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra’s Christmas Concert, held in Ayr Town Hall, on 20 December. The concert was excellent and gave the young musicians the opportunity to show their level of accomplishment to a very appreciative audience. Unveiling of Plaque, Barrmill Community Centre, Barrmill, 11 January On 11 January, I was delighted to attend the unveiling of a plaque at Barrmill Community Centre, by Jean Gilbert MBE. The plaque will serve as a lasting reminder of Jean’s dedication to her local community. She is inspirational and continues to bring people together, she works tirelessly in support of local and wider initiatives, as well as being a powerful advocate for disability rights.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 2 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Eglinton Burns Club Annual Celebration, Riverside Lodge Hotel, Irvine, 16 January On 16 January, I attended Eglinton Burns Club Annual Celebration in the Riverside Lodge Hotel in Irvine. This traditional event celebrated the life and times of Robert Burns with an enjoyable evening of celebration with great speakers, outstanding performances and excellent company. ASIF IGNITE, Welding Skill’s Launch, J&D Pierce, Beith, 19 January On 19 January, I was delighted to launch the “IGNITE” welding academy at J&D Pierce. The course provides a unique opportunity for six unemployed people to be trained to the international welding standard. The course is being delivered by industry leaders J&D Pierce and has been funded through the Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund as part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal. Police Scotland Divisional Awards Ceremony, Ayr Town Hall, 20 January On 20 January, I attended Police Scotland’s Divisional Awards Ceremony in Ayr Town Hall. It was great to hear about the excellent work that has been carried out by officers in Ayrshire. I was delighted to present the “Serving our Communities Award” to PC Guy Jenner for his excellent partnership working in North Ayrshire to reduce the supply of illegal vapes and tobacco and his personal initiative which has led to increased intelligence being gathered. His educational presentation has also been well received pan-Ayrshire and there is national interest in an animated presentation to raise awareness of the dangers of vape usage. Beat the Street Celebration Event and Prizegiving, Irvine Townhouse, 23 January The Beat the Street 6-week programme was celebrated on 23 January in Irvine Townhouse. There were some great overall performances and congratulations go to Glebe Primary School, Dreghorn Primary School and Lawthorn Primary School for their fantastic efforts. Irvine Burns Club Annual Celebration, Volunteer Rooms, Irvine, 24 January On 24 January, I attended Irvine Burns Club’s 200th annual celebration in the Volunteer Rooms, Irvine. It was a truly fitting occasion, with great food, wonderful company, inspiring speakers and exceptional performers. The event highlighted the incredible work carried out by volunteers and the strength of our community.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 3 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Kirking of Irvine Burns Club President Elect, Irvine Old Parish Church, 25 January On 25 January, I along with a number of local civic organisations gathered at Irvine Townhouse, before parading to Irvine Old Parish Church for the Kirking of Irvine Burns Club President elect. Later that afternoon, I, along with others, laid a wreath at the Burns Statue on Irvine Moor to commemorate the birth of Robert Burns. Afterwards, in Wellwood, Peter Latham was officially installed as President of Irvine Burns Club and Rosemary Murdoch the Vice- President. St. Palladius Primary School Burns Supper, Dalry, 29 January On 29 January, I attended the St. Palladius Primary School Burns Supper. It was a delight to witness the pupils’ enthusiasm for Scottish culture and history as they celebrated the birth Robert Burns. Dreghorn Primary School Burns Supper, Dreghorn, 30 January Dreghorn Primary School held their Burns celebration on 30 January. I was delighted to be invited to join the pupils for what proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable event, featuring excellent performances, all strongly supported by the staff. Councillor Anthea Dickson Provost North Ayrshire Council