Provost Report
North Ayrshire Council · 16 September 2026
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 16 September 2026 and its agenda
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OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION PROVOST’S REPORT For the period covering: 15 June - 6 September 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: 15 June - 6 September 2026 Since the last meeting of the Council, I have taken part in many events, including: School Show, Garnock Community Campus, 17 June On 17 June, it was a delight to attend the fantastic production of Sister Act, in Garnock Community Campus. The show was a great success filled with plenty of laughs, wonderful singing and some truly memorable performances. It was clear how much hard work and dedication had gone into bringing this brilliant production to life. North Ayrshire Commonwealth Baton Relay Closing Event, Irvine Royal Academy, 18 June On 18 June, I attended the North Ayrshire Baton Relay closing ceremony in Irvine Royal Academy. It was really uplifting to hear how many people were inspired by the Commonwealth Games theme in art and through the focus in sports. Many young people tried out new activities and looked forward to the start of the Games. Beith Citizen of the Year Awards, Beith Bowling Club, 19 June I attended Beith and District Community Council’s Citizen of the Year evening on 19 June in Beith Bowling Club. The evening was full of fun and highlighted the fabulous nominees who have contributed so much to the town over the years. It was a pleasure to present this year’s award to Ian Broughton who is the stalwart behind Garnock Valley Pipes and Drums. Fundraising Concert, New Parish Church, Kilbirnie, 21 June On 21 June, I attended a fundraising concert arranged by Barrmill Jolly Beggars in the New Parish Church in Kilbirnie. A great afternoon of entertainment took place featuring Irvine and Dreghorn Brass Band and the Kilbirnie Parish Choir. The event raised over £1000 for the Kilbirnie Auld Kirk Future Group.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 2 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Mr and Mrs Chow’s Diamond Wedding Anniversary, Irvine, 22 June I visited Mr and Mrs Chow at their home in Irvine to help mark their Diamond Wedding anniversary on 22 June. It was fascinating to hear their story of the 60 years of married life. Armed Forces Day Gathering, Irvine, 27 June On 27 June, I attended and Armed Forces Day service in Irvine. The event commemorated the service men and women serving in our Armed Forces. Veterans, along with the town’s civic groups attended to mark the occasion. Rev. Jamie Milliken led the short service. Ayrshire Film Company – Community Film Screenings, Take a Bow, Kilmarnock, 1 July On 1 July, Ayrshire Film Company premiered four films by three different groups at Take a Bow in Kilmarnock. It was fascinating to hear about the mixture of fun, creativity and challenges involved in taking an initial idea and developing it through all the stages of production to create a complete film ready for an audience to enjoy. Duke Of Edinburgh 70th Anniversary Awards, Palace of Holyrood, Edinburgh, 3 July I attended the Duke of Edinburgh 70th Anniversary Awards at the Palace of Holyrood in Edinburgh on 3 July. It was a very proud day for some of our Gold Award achievers in North Ayrshire and their families and support team. North Ayrshire Open Art Exhibition, Eglinton Country Park, Irvine, 3 July I attended the North Ayrshire Open Art Exhibition, which is now in its 30th year. The event, which took place in the Raquet Hall in Eglinton Country Park, attracted a great number of entries and showcased the talents of many local artists. The Exhibition run entirely by volunteers has become a key event for artists in the area, providing an important opportunity for them to display and celebrate their work. Davd Muir Book Launch, Largs Library, 6 July David Muir from Brisbane Australia visited Largs Library on 6 July to launch his latest book. He met with local groups to promote and develop the links between Brisbane and Largs and the connection with Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane, born in Largs for whom the city of Brisbane is named.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 3 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Mrs Catherine Sloan 100th Birthday, Irvine, 8 July I was delighted to help mark Mrs Sloan’s 100th birthday on 8 July. Friends and family gathered in Irvine Golf Club to celebrate this milestone. Film Screening, Island Gem Shines Again, Millport Town Hall, 18 July On 18 July, in Millport Town Hall, I was delighted to attend the screening of Island Gem Shines Again, by Kay Starr TV. The film captured the excitement and achievement of the trustees at the opening of the newly restored Millport Town Hall. Clan Hunter Gathering, Hunterston Castle, Hunterston Estate, West Kilbride, 24 July On 24 July, I attended the Clan Hunter Gathering at Hunterston Estate in West Kilbride. Various ceremonies took place on the day including the appointment of a new chieftain and new Depute Macer Venatorus as well as the rededication of the Hunter Bearing Sword and the signing of a bond of friendship with the clans McEwan, Irving, Grant and Carruthers. Provost’s Visit, Carers Gateway, Irvine, 29 July On 29 July, I paid a visit to Carers Gateway for North Ayrshire at their new office. The new premises are spacious, and versatile for many activities as well as adding to the wellbeing of staff. With many challenges being faced it was great to hear of the positivity as to how to support carers. Licensing Service, St Columba’s Episcopal Church, Largs, 29 July On 29 July, I attended the licensing service of Reverand Sean McEwan by the Rt, Reverand Dr Bundock at St Columba’s Scottish Episcopal Church in Largs. This was a joyful service in a stunning church which was welcoming to all. Three Towns Growers Open Day, Elm Park, Ardrossan, 1 August On 1 August, I attended the Three Town Growers Open Day at Elm Park Ardrossan. The event was full of fun, food and celebration, providing a wonderful opportunity to recognise the achievements of the Group. It was fantastic to see the event continuing to grow in popularity and confidence each year.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 4 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Irvine Burns Club Bi-Centenary Exhibition, Wellwood Burns Centre, Irvine, 6 August On 6 August, at Wellwood Burns Centre and Museum, Irvine, I was delighted to attend Irvine Burns Club’s Bi-Centenary Exhibition. It was fantastic to see Robert Burns in this digital age where his life and works were being brought back to life. It was a pleasure to meet Jimmie MacGregor, who kindly gifted etchings of some of Burns poems to the Museum. New Marks and Spencer Food Hall Opening Event, Largs, 13 August On 13 August, I was delighted to cut the ribbon and officially open the new Marks and Spencer store in Largs. There was great excitement at the event as we welcomed the very first customer through the doors. Marymass Festival, Irvine, 13-24 August This year’s Marymass Festival was an overwhelming success with a fantastic range of events taking place from 13 -24 August and attracting thousands of people from across the area. I was delighted to officially open the festival at a special ceremony on 13 August at Irvine Townhouse. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the start of what proved to be a fantastic programme of events. On 17 August, the Marymass Queen and her Marys visited me in Cunninghame House. I enjoyed hearing about their ambitions for the future and learning more about what the festival means to them. On 22 August the Depute Provost and I welcomed guests to a special reception held in the Townhouse, followed by a luncheon reception on Irvine Moor. All of Irvine’s civic organisations were represented, alongside a number of community organisations and dedicated volunteers. The event was a chance to celebrate the festival and most importantly the many community organisations and volunteers who give their time freely to help make Marymass Festival such a success. Over £800 was raised for the Marymass Committee on the day, which will go towards the costs of next year’s event. Trindlemoss Graduation Ceremony, Riverside Lodge Hotel, Irvine, 20 August On 20 August, I was delighted to attend the Trindlemoss Graduation Ceremony in the Riverside Lodge Hotel, Irvine. The graduates certainly celebrated in style marking the end of a successful year. It was wonderful to see their work and achievements recognised.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 5 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Author Event, Silver Guide of Sadie Grey, Barony Centre, West Kilbride, 21 August On 21 August, I attended an author event in the Barony Centre, West Kilbride where Franzeska Ewart launched her new novel, The Silver Guide of Sadie Grey. We heard all about the story, which is set in Lanzarote, and it was wonderful to hear more about the inspiration behind the book. This was a great opportunity to celebrate and promote local talent. Official Steel Signing Ceremony, New Ardrossan Community Campus, 27 August On 27 August, I attended the steel signing ceremony at Ardrossan Community Campus. The setting was stunning and the design of the new campus is already looking very impressive. It was exciting to see the progress being made and to see the reality of this important project taking shape. The new campus will provide a significant boost to teaching facilities and community space, creating opportunities for pupils, staff and the wider community for many years to come. Largs Viking Festival Opening Ceremony, Largs, 29 August It was pleasure to attend the opening of this year’s Viking Festival in Largs on 29 August. This marked the start of an exciting eight-day event programme filled with entertainment and special events. The celebrations culminated on 5 September with the spectacular Festival of Light, featuring a battle re-enactment, the dramatic burning of a longship and an impressive fireworks display. I was delighted to host a reception to mark the beginning of the festival and more importantly to recognise and thank the Festival Committee. Their hard work and commitment are what make this wonderful event possible year after year. Official Opening of the Robert Burns Garden, Eglinton Park, Irvine, 30 August I attended the unveiling of the new Robert Burns Garden in Eglinton Park on 30 August to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the formation of Irvine Burns Club. Located within the courtyard the garden has been inspired by the life and works of Robert Burns and contains flowers and plants that Burns refers to in his poetry and songs. RSNO Event, Montgomerie Park Primary School, Irvine, 2 September On 2 September, I had the pleasure of attending a delightful musical event at Montgomerie Park Primary School, Irvine. The event featured the animated adventures of Yoyo, accompanied by members of the RSNO, creating a truly memorable experience. Primary 3
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 6 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION classes from schools in Irvine were invited along to the event and it was great to see the pupils so engaged and enthusiastic as the music and animation brought the story to life. Woodland View 10th Anniversary, Exceptional Service and Recognition Awards, Irvine, 2 September On 2 September, I had the pleasure of taking part in the celebration of 10 years of Woodland View at their awards ceremony for exceptional service and recognition. We celebrated a decade of support, compassion and progress recognising the people who make Woodland View what it is today. The event showcased the fantastic work of frontline staff, volunteers, and those behind the scenes, whose dedication and commitment has made such a positive difference over the past ten years. DYW Ayrshire Innovative Project Launch, Auchenharvie Academy, Stevenston, 4 September On 4 September, I was delighted, alongside the Lord Lieutenant, to launch a new DYW Ayrshire initiative at Auchenharvie Academy. The initiative is a roofing project designed to provide young people with valuable hands-on experience, develop their employability skills and give them an insight into the construction industry. We heard about the impact of the Innovative Projects Fund and how the fund has now supported over two hundred projects across Ayrshire. Following the launch, we visited Lockhart Campus to see first-hand the wide range of innovative projects funded through the programme. Councillor Anthea Dickson Provost North Ayrshire Council