7 h. ago East Ayrshire's most beautiful gardens recognised at awards ceremony

A special awards ceremony was held at the Council’s headquarters in Kilmarnock.

Events

4 d. ago New cafe plan for Kilmarnock town centre approved at former marriage suite

East Ayrshire Churches Homelessness Action, previously lodged a planning application, seeking permission for a change of use at the former marriage suite within the Civic Centre North building.

Politics

5 d. ago Hidden valley has stunning garden which is the only one of its kind in UK

The Painswick Rococo Garden is one of the most beautiful places in Gloucestershire - and it's perfect for an autumn day trip or weekend escape.

Politics

6 d. ago Bakery chain is named 'best in the UK' and praised for becoming 'part of every community'

The prestigious Baking Industry Awards recognised more than a dozen bakers across 14 categories.

Politics

7 d. ago One of the oldest Indian restaurants in Greater Manchester and city centre street food spot recognised at top awards

Greater Manchester has been recognised as amongst the best in the UK’s curry scene

Society

8 d. ago Carluke High Mill receives Gardening with Young People award from RHS Keep Scotland Beautiful

The majority of the work has been done in partnership with Street Level who are working collaboratively with Carluke High School and the Carluke Youth, Family and Community Learning team.

Events

1 week ago Gardeners should plant 1 bulb before November for beautiful spring flowers

If you want your garden to look its best next spring, there's one flower bulb you should be planting now in late October

Politics

1 week ago Children and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels

The healing power of gardens; celebrating an abolitionist; hope in the toughest times; a gladiator romantasy and moreThe Butterfly House by Harry Woodgate, Andersen, £12.99Miss Brown’s wild garden scares most people, but when Holly discovers her reclusive neighbour’s sadness, she decides to help turn the wilderness into a butterfly haven. A beautiful, moving picture book about the healing power of gardens and community.The History of We by Nikkolas Smith, Rock the Boat, £8.99Via rich, dynamic paintings and thoughtful pared-back text, Smith answers the question “What does the beginning look like?” with this powerful picture book, the shared story of humanity’s first ancestors in “the fertile cradle of Africa”. Continue reading...

Culture

1 week ago 10 essential gardening jobs that must be done by the end of October

If you want to give your garden the best chance of lush growth and beautiful blooms next year, make sure you've completed these 10 jobs by the end of October, say experts

Politics

2 w. ago The historic East Ayrshire mining village once named Scotland's 'most dismal'

It was previously criticised for its "derelict properties".

Politics

2 w. ago Robins and goldfinches flock to the garden if they see 1 pretty plant

Robins and goldfinches are two of the most beautiful birds you can spot in your garden, and there's one plant that can help attract them to your outdoor space.

Politics

2 w. ago Bodycam captures hero facing down sword killer who almost severed his thumb

Three courageous police officers who apprehended a drug-fuelled killer wielding a samurai-style sword are being recognised for their heroism with a Pride of Britain award

Events

2 w. ago Gramophone Classical Music Awards honour Simon Rattle for a second time; Raphaël Pichon’s Bach takes top prize

The awards also included a lifetime achievement honour for Sir Thomas Allen and two gongs for Spanish violinist María DueñasThe Gramophone Classical Music Awards 2025 were announced last night at a ceremony in central London in which Sir Simon Rattle made history as the first musician ever to win Artist of the Year for a second time, having first been awarded the title in 1993.The award recognises Rattle’s recent work with the London Symphony Orchestra (where he is Conductor Emeritus), the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Czech Philharmonic and a string of acclaimed recordings spanning the baroque to contemporary repertoire. In a video acceptance speech, the conductor said: “I was 10 years old when I started spending my pocket money on Gramophone magazine this is an extraordinary honour.” Video tributes to Rattle from fellow musicians included Barbara Hannigan, Peter Hoare, Thomas Quasthoff and composer John Adams, who said: “How c...

Events

3 w. ago UK households told to plant one tree in garden that robins will flock to 'all year round'

There is one particular tree that will attract these beautiful birds to your garden throughout each season

Politics

3 w. ago ‘It’s like a scene from a movie’: Christian Barroso’s best phone picture

On the 26th floor of a São Paulo skyscraper, the Brazilian photographer captured a stranger in a moment of solitudeAfter being recognised at the Mobile Photography awards 2020, Christian Barroso travelled from his home in Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo for the exhibition of winning images. He was joined by three friends and, after seeing his work on display, they headed to Farol Santander, a skyscraper in the city centre housing a museum, galleries and observation deck.“The exhibition was delayed until the summer of 2021 because of the Covid pandemic, so we were living in the first moments of ‘normal’ life at the time,” Barroso says. They stopped for a snack at a cafe on the 26th floor, and Barroso recalls the atmosphere as “somewhat melancholic. Despite the large space, the feeling was one of solitude, highlighted by this woman sitting alone, and the long shadows.” Continue reading...

Culture

3 w. ago Dunlop Primary and Early Childhood Centre earns gold award from UNICEF

The school is among nine primary schools in East Ayrshire to earn this prestigious award.

Events

3 w. ago Do Meghan and Harry deserve their Humanitarian of the Year award? VOTE NOW

THE Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been named Humanitarians of the Year at a glitzy awards bash. Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, jetted to New York to accept the gong, which recognised their efforts in mental health advocacy, yesterday. They were awarded the accolade for their work in building a safer digital world for families and...

Politics

3 w. ago Quaint Welsh town with 'beautiful' gardens and charming high street

The market town boasts a delightful high street, a weekly farmers' market, and a serene garden with a "glorious array of medicinal plants and herbs"

Politics

4 w. ago Homeowners warned of four garden plants that could seriously harm house price

A beautiful garden can add as much as 15% to the value of your home - but some plants can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage and even land you in legal trouble

Events

4 w. ago Charming country home near Cardiff with bonus in an outbuilding you won’t want to leave

Captivating garden packed with surprises and a beautiful home bursting with character

Politics