Provosts Report
North Ayrshire Council · 20 May 2026
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 20 May 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION PROVOST’S REPORT For the period covering: 16 March – 10 May 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.
Page 2
PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 1 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION PROVOST’S REPORT For the period covering: 16 March – 10 May 2026 Since the last meeting of the Council, I have taken part in many events, including: North Ayrshire Duke of Edinburgh Awards Presentation Evening, St Matthew’s Academy, Saltcoats, 26 March On 26 March, I had the privilege of presenting the Gold Award certificates at the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Presentation evening in St Matthew’s Academy, Saltcoats. The recipients have dedicated their time to supporting their local communities, challenged themselves to push beyond their limits and encouraged one another along the way. Through their efforts they have grown in ways that will stay with them forever. HMS Dasher Commemoration Service, Dasher Memorial, Ardrossan, 29 March On 29 March, the Depute Provost attended the HMS Dasher Memorial Service in Ardrossan. HRH The Princess Royal attended this year’s event which honoured all those who lost their lives when the ship sunk in the waters between Ardrossan and Arran in March 1943. The event was arranged by the local branch of the British Legion. Cycling Without Age, Trishaw Launch, Largs Promenade, 30 March On 30 March, the Depute Provost attended the unveiling of Cycling Without Age’s second Trishaw in Largs. This was an excellent example of the amazing work that is carried out in our communities by volunteers. Local resident, Alwyn Watson, age 104, carried out the unveiling and it was encouraging to hear about how well used this facility is which encourages outings for those with mobility issues. The three-wheeled cycles are pedalled by volunteers.
Page 3
PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 2 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Skelmorlie Primary School 50th Anniversary Celebration, Skelmorlie, 1 April Skelmorlie Primary School celebrated its 50th anniversary on 1 April. The Depute Provost was delighted to be able to attend and help celebrate the occasion. Pupils enthusiastically took everyone on a journey through the decades, exploring the music, fashion and memories that have shaped the school from 1976 to the present day. It was a fitting celebration which highlighted the talents of the young people and the fondness they share for their school. Mr and Mrs Forbes Diamond Wedding Anniversary, Kilwinning, 1 April Also on 1 April, the Depute Provost attended the Diamond Wedding Anniversary celebration of Mr and Mrs Forbes from Kilwinning. The Depute Provost was delighted to present the couple with a special card and a bouquet of flowers to mark this special milestone. Since the visit Mr Forbes has sadly passed away and I offer our condolences to Mrs Forbes and the rest of the family. North Ayrshire Music Service Flagship Concert, Garnock Community Campus, 1 April On 1 April, the Depute Provost, attended North Ayrshire Music Service’s Flagship Concert in Garnock Community Campus. The entire event was excellent and the performances were outstanding. The Depute Provost got the opportunity to thank the young people for taking part and the staff for their invaluable support. Spirit of Brazil Launch, Scottish Football Museum, Hampden Stadium, Glasgow, 14 April On 14 April, I was delighted to attend the Spirit of Brazil launch in the Scottish Football Museum in Hampden Stadium, Glasgow. The event marked the official unveiling of the Spirit of Brazil. This is a unique Scotland-Brazil initiative rooted in shared football and cultural heritage. It was also an opportunity to show our support to Indie Menzies, from Largs Primary School, who came up with the design for a new Brazilian Tartan. Provost Visit, Eglinton Park, Kilwinning, 17 April On 17 April, I visited the Friday Maintenance Group in Eglinton Park during their well-earned tea break. It was a great opportunity to thank these people for the excellent work they do and have a chat about the benefits of spending time outdoors, enhancing the environment and wildlife. These volunteers receive great support from the Park Rangers.
Page 4
PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 3 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Royal Visit, Millport Field Studies Centre, Isle of Cumbrae, 23 April On 23 April, HRH The Princess Royal, as Patron of the Field Studies Council, visited the Millport Field Studies Centre on the Isle of Cumbrae. I was delighted to attend and welcome HRH The Princess Royal to North Ayrshire. I thoroughly enjoyed finding out more about the Centre, the excellent research and outdoor education available to all. Official Opening of Kildonan Community Cafe and Shop, Kildonan, Isle of Arran, 24 April On 24 April, I officially opened the new community café and shop in Kildonan on the Isle of Arran. It was excellent to see this new facility and meet the enthusiastic teams behind it. It is always a pleasure to visit the Island and witness first-hand the tremendous amount of work that is carried out by volunteers. Barrmill Jolly Beggars Concert, Beith Parish Church, 26 April On 26 April, I attended the Jolly Beggars’ Concert in Beith. Glasgow Phoenix Choir performed wonderfully, presenting music from a wide range of genres. Garnock Valley Pipes and Drums were also present playing at the interval. Funds were raised on the day for the Garnock Valley Disability Forum. It was great to see a fine example of community networking. Provost Visit, Irvine and District Pipe Band, Vineburgh Centre, Irvine, 27 April On 27 April, I visited Irvine and District Pipe Band during their Monday practice in the Vineburgh Centre, Irvine. It was wonderful to see so many people actively involved, and the experience gave me an invaluable insight into what happens behind the scenes and what is required to keep the band running. The tutors’ passion for traditional music was both inspiring and encouraging. The band also plays an active role in a variety of community events. Provost Visit, Café Solace, Fullarton Connexions, Irvine, 28 April I visited Café Solace in Fullarton Connexions, Irvine on 28 April. It was a real pleasure to meet up with the volunteers. It was inspiring to see such strong teamwork, mutual support and genuine engagement and integration. I am always encouraged by the incredible work happening in communities across North Ayrshire and Café Solace is a shining example of this.
Page 5
PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 4 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION The John Galt Day Society Lecture, Irvine, 1 May On 1 May, I attended the annual John Galt Society Lecture in Wellwood Burns Centre and Museum. Dr Robert P Irvine from the University of Edinburgh, delivered the talk on the theme “John Galt and Scotland’s Forgotten Revolution.” It was an engaging event that combined education with entertainment, offering valuable insights into the development of our electoral system. The lecture was supported by Irvine Burns Club and proved to be both informative and enjoyable. John Galt Day, Irvine, 2 May On 2 May, I attended an event, organised by Irvine Burns Club, to commemorate the birth of John Galt, who was born in Irvine on 2 May 1779. Galt became the Club’s first Honorary Member in 1828. A short ceremony was held outside his birthplace at 167 High Street, Irvine to mark this significant occasion. Scottish Maritime Impressions - Photographic Exhibition and Concert, Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine, 3 May On 3 May, I visited the Scottish Maritime Museum for the opening of Scottish Maritime Impressions, a photography exhibition by Polish photographer Mariusx Bartosik, the event also featured a live concert by the Waldek Mieczkowski Band. It celebrated the enduring cultural and historical ties between Poland and Scotland. Ayrshire Recording Services, “Celebrate our Listeners” event, Park Hotel, Kilmarnock, 6 May On 6 May, I attended Ayrshire Recording Services, “Celebrate our Listeners” event in the Park Hotel, Kilmarnock. The event honoured the visually impaired community. The event also celebrated the many volunteers for their incredible dedication and for ensuring that the Talking Newspaper service is possible, which ensures that local news and community life remain accessible to those who need it most. Irvine Incorporated Trades Burgh Ball, Riverside Lodge Hotel, Irvine, 9 May On 9 May, the Depute Provost attended Irvine Incorporated Trades’ Annual Ball in the Riverside Lodge Hotel, Irvine. During the event, the Depute Provost delivered the reply to the toast to the Royal Burgh and took the opportunity to recognise the valuable contributions of the Incorporated Trades. In particular, the Depute Provost, highlighted the significant role they play within the local community, as well as their commitment to preserving the historical traditions deeply rooted in the Town.
Page 6
PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 5 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Councillor Anthea Dickson Provost North Ayrshire Council