Provost Report
North Ayrshire Council · 18 December 2024
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 18 December 2024 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: 28 October – 8 December 2024 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: 28 October – 8 December 2024 Since the last meeting of the Council, I have taken part in many events, including: Housing Development, Former Garnock Academy site, Kilbirnie, 29 October On 29 October, I was delighted to officially mark the construction of fifty new homes on part of the former Garnock Academy site in Kilbirnie. The £12m development, supported by a £5m Scottish Government grant, will provide a mix of general needs houses, amenity bungalows, and homes suitable for wheelchair users. Air Training Corps, 1138 Ardrossan Squadron, Formal Dinner, Riverside Lodge Hotel, Irvine, 2 November On 2 November, I attended the Air Training Corps Dinner in the Riverside Lodge Hotel, Irvine. It was great to hear about the variety of opportunities for the young people, the training they receive and the number of volunteers supporting these activities. This was a very enjoyable and informative event. Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra, Clark Memorial Church, Largs, 3 November The Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra held a concert in Clark Memorial Church, Largs on 3 November. Once again, the skills of the young musicians and the enthusiastic leadership in the Orchestra made for a very entertaining event. I was happy to attend and show support to these talented young musicians. World of Work Week, St. Bridget’s Primary School, Kilbirnie, 5 November On 5 November, as part of World of Work Week, I visited St. Bridget’s Primary School in Kilbirnie. It was thoroughly enjoyable to speak to the young people about my role as Provost and the work associated with being a local councillor. I fielded their various questions afterwards and hopefully offered some inspiration for the future.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 2 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Remembrance Sunday, 10 November On 10 November, North Ayrshire remembered the service and sacrifice of those who lost their lives in various wars. People from our towns and villages across North Ayrshire stood together to show their respects. I attended the Remembrance Parade and Service in Largs this year and the Depute Provost attended the Services in Irvine and Stevenston. Armistice Day Service, Garden of Remembrance, Irvine, 11 November On 11 November at 11am, a special Armistice Day Service took place in the Garden of Remembrance in Irvine, led by Fr. Mark Kelly. The local community gathered to show their respects and observed a two-minute silence. Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire Awards, Saltcoats Town Hall, 15 November On 15 November, along with the Leader of the Council I was delighted to attend the Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire Awards. The Awards celebrated the achievements of those who have taken part in the Council’s employability programmes. There were many inspirational nominations, and it was a privilege to celebrate the success of the finalists. Kilwinning Abbey Church 250th Anniversary, Kilwinning, Irvine, 17 November I attended the 250th Anniversary thanksgiving service at Kilwinning Abbey Church on 17 November. Many guests attended the service and celebrated the church’s history and its importance in the local community. Ardrossan Winton Rovers Open Day, Winton Park, Ardrossan, 17 November On 17 November, the Depute Provost officially opened the new facilities at Winton Park in Ardrossan, and I visited later in the day. We were extremely delighted to highlight the excellent work that goes on in the Club and the positive impact it has on the local community. Irvine Royal Academy, Young Musician of the Year, Irvine, 19 November On 19 November, I attended Irvine Royal Academy’s Young Musician of the Year event. There was enthusiasm, talent and variety a plenty, which made it a challenging task for the judges. I never fail to be impressed at events like these and it is great to see our talented young people develop their musical skills.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 3 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION 10-year Celebration of Greenwood Academy’s Nail Bar, Dreghorn, 22 November On 22 November, I attended the 10-year anniversary of Greenwood Academy’s in-house nail salon, Lovilicious. It was a wonderful opportunity to thank everyone involved in this inspiring employability programme. The School’s enthusiasm and willingness to pilot this project, suggested by a pupil, is most commendable. It was heart-warming to learn just how much of an impact Lovilicious has had on former pupils’ lives. 16 Days of Action Campaign On 25 November, I raised the White Ribbon flag at Cunninghame House to mark the start of this year’s 16 Days of Action campaign. This is a global campaign that works to end violence against women and girls. The North Ayrshire Violence Against Women Partnership, who are at the forefront of the campaign, bring together partners that have a role in tacking gender-based violence and support those affected by it. During this year’s campaign, everyone was being asked to “Imagine a Scotland without violence against women and girls.” On 3 December, as part of the campaign, I attended a pan-Ayrshire event on commercial sexual exploitation in Auchinleck. This event was hosted by the Violence Against Women Partnerships in North, South and East Ayrshire along with the Women’s Support Project. On the evening of 3 December I took part in the annual Reclaim the Night Walk. This year we walked from the Portal in Irvine to Fullarton Connexions. The walk helps to raise awareness about the dangers to women and girls from sexual violence. It promotes a safer environment for women and girls to walk without fear after dark. Many joined the walk showing their support for victims of gender-based violence. Former King’s Arms Construction Works, Irvine, 27 November On 27 November, along with the local members, I visited the site of the former King’s Arms Hotel in Irvine. Six amenity properties are under construction and will provide much-needed homes for council tenants. The landmark building is being completely redeveloped whilst retaining its façade and will bring back to life an important location in the heart of Irvine.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 4 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Lauch of Innovative Schools Project, Auchenharvie Academy, Stevenston 29 November On 29 November, I visited Auchenharvie Academy to launch their new Innovative Schools Project – Harvies Precision Craft, supported by the Developing the Young Workforce Team. Led by the Technical Department, the school will deliver a National 5 course tailored to the aerospace industry. I encouraged the participating pupils to make the most of this opportunity, embrace the chance to learn new skills, and position themselves for future success when seeking employment. Scottish Maritime Museum Christmas Market, Irvine, 29 November I took part in a seasonal light parade to celebrate the opening of the Scottish Maritime Museum’s Christmas Market. The parade made its way from Cunninghame House Car Park to the Museum via the Harbourside. On arrival, there was a range of festive entertainment and a projected light show. The Christmas Market was opened for three days and included a showcase of Ayrshire produce, chef demonstrations and crafting. Long Lost Portrait of Robert Fergusson, Irvine Burns Club, Irvine, 29 November On the evening of 29 November, I attended a special event at Irvine Burns Club and Museum. A portrait of Burns's predecessor-poet, Robert Fergusson (1750 - 74) was unveiled. There were several theories to explain what the painting was exactly, and by whom it was painted. A talk by Professor Gerry Carruthers of the University of Glasgow addressed these matters in the highly appropriate setting of Irvine where Burns first discovered and read Fergusson. Jolly Beggars Christmas Concert, Kilbirnie New Parish Church, Kilbirnie, 1 December On 1 December, it was a pleasure to attend the Christmas concert at Kilbirnie Parish Church arranged by Councillor Donald L Reid and the Barmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club. The fundraising event featured the wonderful Irvine and Dreghorn Brass Band and local performers. A thoroughly entertaining event which was enjoyed by all.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 5 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Official Introduction of Sheriff Morag Fraser at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court, 4 December On 4 December, I was pleased to attend the formal introduction of Sherriff Morag Fraser at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court with Provost Claire Leitch, East Ayrshire Council and Lord Lieutenant Iona MacDonald. Sheriff Fraser brings with her a wealth of experience to the bench having been a specialist in Family Law for many years and a previous part-time experience as a summary sheriff. Irvine Lasses Burns Club, St. Andrew’s Night Celebration, Wellwood Burns Centre & Museum, Irvine, 5 December On 5 December, I attended the St. Andrew’s Night celebration, hosted by Irvine Lasses Burns Club, in Wellwood Burns Centre and Museum. This traditional event was well received, and I was extremely happy to propose the toast to Scotland. Events like these showcase our communities at their absolute best and highlight the sterling work of volunteers. Councillor Anthea Dickson Provost North Ayrshire Council