23 h. ago Prestwick swimming pool to be refilled in latest phase of leisure centre refurb

South Ayrshire Council is embarking on the five-day task of filling the pool at Prestwick Leisure Club as refurbishment nears completion.

Politics

3 d. ago RFK Jr has slashed vaccine research. You need to know how perilous that is for the world | Devi Sridhar

The avian flu virus is now just one mutation away from easier transmission among humans. Donald Trump’s health chief is a grave risk to world healthProf Devi Sridhar is chair of global public health at the University of EdinburghYou’d be hard-pressed to find many public health experts who have positive things to say about Donald Trump’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic in the United States. Alongside his numerous policy failures, one Cornell University study found that he was the biggest source of Covid-19 misinformation. But if there’s one redeeming feature to Trump’s pandemic record, it has to be his leadership on Operation Warp Speed – a massive, government-funded initiative that played a pivotal role in fast-tracking Covid-19 vaccines.“Operation Warp Speed stands as one of the most remarkable scientific and humanitarian achievements of the past half-century,” the former US surgeon general Jerome Adams said. It directed billions of dollars into vaccine development and manufactur...

Politics

4 d. ago Staff at UK’s top AI institute complain to watchdog about its internal culture

Whistleblowing complaint warns Alan Turing Institute is in danger of collapse due to government threats over fundsStaff at the UK’s leading artificial intelligence institute have raised concerns about the organisation’s governance and internal culture in a whistleblowing complaint to the charity watchdog.The Alan Turing Institute (ATI), a registered charity with substantial state funding, is under government pressure to overhaul its strategic focus and leadership after an intervention last month from the technology secretary, Peter Kyle. Continue reading...

Politics

5 d. ago Council unveils new proposal to build extension at Troon Swimming Pool

South Ayrshire Council say they want to provide “improved fitness, leisure, and community facilities,” with the aim of “delivering a better, more inclusive visitor experience.”

Events

5 d. ago Ayrshire farm's tourism plan is blocked by East Ayrshire Council

Owners at Blackstone Clydesdales, based at Blackstone Farm, Rigg Road, Cumnock, previously lodged proposals with East Ayrshire Council for consideration.

Politics

5 d. ago Former watering hole in Ayrshire to be turned into hot food takeaway after plans are approved

Plans were previously lodged with South Ayrshire Council, seeking permission for a change of use, alterations and the erection of a flue at the old watering hole.

Politics

5 d. ago Brazen Ayrshire carer withdraws more than £6000 from supported person's account

Caroline Nimmo took around £6,680 from the supported person’s account while employed as a personal carer by East Ayrshire Council in Kilmarnock.

Economics

8 d. ago Moldovan regional leader sentenced to seven years in prison over Russian funding

Gagauzia governor Yevgenia Gutsul funnelled undeclared funds to now-banned political party, prosecutors saidEurope live – latest updatesA court in Moldova has sentenced the pro-Russia regional leader Yevgenia Gutsul to seven years in prison for funnelling Russian money to finance a political party, in a landmark case that will further fuel tensions with Moscow.Prosecutors said Gutsul systematically funnelled undeclared funds into Moldova between 2019 and 2022 to finance the now-banned pro-Moscow Șor (Shor) party, founded by Ilan Shor, a pro-Russia businessman living in exile who was convicted of fraud in Moldova. Continue reading...

Events

8 d. ago Tesla’s UK sales fall almost 60% in July; Trump attacks ‘woke’ JLR as it announces new boss – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsNewsflash: The UK’s financial regulator has decided to fine former star fund manager Neil Woodford and his investment management company nearly £46m, over the collapse of his popular equity fund.The Financial Conduct Authority says it has decided to fine Woodford £5,888,800 and ban him from holding senior manager roles and managing funds for retail investors.‘Being a leader in financial services comes with responsibilities as well as profile. Mr Woodford simply doesn’t accept he had any role in managing the liquidity of the fund.The very minimum investors should expect is those managing their money make sensible decisions and take their senior role seriously. Neither Neil Woodford nor Woodford Investment Management did so, putting at risk the money people had entrusted them with.’ Continue reading...

Economics

3 w. ago East Ayrshire Council confirm timescale for demolition after Kilmarnock fire

Phase one of the demolition started yesterday and East Ayrshire Council are hopeful that King Street can reopen this weekend.

Events

3 w. ago More families blast East Ayrshire Council for axing of ASN transport

Despite having used ASN transport for a decade, Pamela Golightly's son is among those to have lost an appeal.

Politics

4 w. ago More than £7.5 million spent by North Ayrshire Council on emergency accommodation

The bill revealed North Ayrshire Council's emergency accommodation spend.

Economics

4 w. ago ASN transport appeal rejection leaves Willowbank parents in crisis

Parents fear that vulnerable children will be at risk following East Ayrshire Council's decision to remove school transport.

Events

4 w. ago Airshow benefits 'outweigh costs' insist new South Ayrshire Council leaders amidst funding concerns

Brian Connolly and Alec Clark agreed that officers should have budgeted for an increase in airshow costs, but remain firmly behind the event.

Politics

4 w. ago Treating South Ayrshire Council services like a business is key say leadership duo

New Independent Leader, Brian Connolly, and depute, Alec Clark, say a business approach is the only way forward amid cash crisis.

Politics