Most South Ayrshire Council offices and buildings will close for the festive period from 4pm on Friday 21 December 2012 and re-open from 8.45am on Thursday 3 January 2013.

Over the festive period, the Council’s Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 0900 will be open taking calls between 8.45am and 4.45pm on the 24, 27 and 31 December and between 8.45am and 4pm on the 28 December 2012. Cash payments close at 3.30pm.

The Christmas closures will include the improved Customer Service Centres in Troon, Prestwick, Maybole and Girvan, but opening hours during holiday times are currently being reviewed and may be subject to change during 2013.

During the closure period the Council’s automated telephone service will be available for customers wishing to pay rent, council tax and other council accounts, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To make a payment please call 0300 123 0900 ensuring you have your payment reference details available when you call.

You can also pay online at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/payments

Other festive closures include all schools from Friday 21 December 2012, re-opening on Monday 7 January 2013.

Ayr Housing Office, Riverside House, 21 River Terrace, Ayr will close on Monday 24 December 2012 at 4.45pm (Cash payments will close at 4pm) but will provide a Housing and Homelessness Service on Thursday, Friday and Monday 27, 28 and 31 December 2012 between 8.45am – 4.45pm.

The Council’s Housing Service (including emergency repairs) can be contacted on 0300 123 0900 and the homelessness service on 01292 611600. The out of hours homelessness standby service can be contacted on 0808 100 3151 and the social work standby service on 0800 328 7758.

The Citadel Leisure Centre will close from 4pm on Saturday 22 December to 7.30am on Thursday 27 December 2012 and from 4pm on Saturday 29 December 2012, reopening from 7.30am Thursday 3 January 2013.

Libraries will close on Saturday 22 December 2012 and reopen on Thursday 3 January 2013.

Rozelle House and the Maclaurin Galleries will close at 4pm on Sunday 23 December 2012 and reopen at 10am on Thursday 3 January 2013.

The McKechnie Institute in Girvan will close at 4pm on Thursday 20 December 2012 and reopen: from 1pm on Thursday 3 January 2013.

There will be no household or commercial waste collections on Tuesday 25 December 2012 and Tuesday 1 January 2013. Waste will be collected on Saturday 22 and 29 December respectively.

All other collection days remain the same although collection times may vary, so bins should be placed out by 6am on the normal day of collection and remember – local recycling points can be used throughout the festive period.

Recycling centres will be closed on Christmas and New Years Day and will be open 10am-4pm on weekdays, with the centre in Ayr open until 6pm.

The Council also operates a Christmas tree recycling service, free of charge.

To take advantage of this, please cut and put your real tree in your brown bin, if possible, remove any nails or wire and call 0300 123 0900 before Thursday 10 January 2013 to arrange a free uplift.

During the festive closures, the Council can be contacted in an emergency on the 0300 123 0900 number and a full list of office closures can be found on the Council’s website, www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk

Residents from across South Ayrshire are being asked to ’weigh-up’ their views on sports and leisure facilities and services throughout the area as South Ayrshire Council gets to work on shaping its very first Sport and Active Leisure Strategy. 

The Council is reviewing the way it provides sports and leisure in an effort to ensure facilities and services help South Ayrshire and its residents become healthier and fitter. It is seeking views on a number of areas that will feed into the development of the new strategy:

• the opportunities to take part in sport and active leisure activities across South Ayrshire;
• the sport and leisure facilities provided by the Council; and
• how the Council should deliver sport and leisure.

A consultation survey – which is now available online or in print form – asks questions about sport and leisure provision, how easy it is to participate in sports, the quality and quantity of sports facilities, the use of school sports facilities and whether key sports should be targeted for support and financial assistance.

Councillor Bill Grant, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, welcomed the consultation. He said: "Improving health and wellbeing is a key priority for this Council and we want to know what people think of our current sport and leisure provision – whether they use it or not – and what, if anything, we should be doing differently in the future. 

"We all know how important it is for us to get fit and healthy and we want to ensure our facilities and services themselves are fit for purpose and do exactly what we need them to. The development of a Sport and Active Leisure Strategy is a key step in that process so this consultation really does have an important role to play.

"I would urge as many people as possible to take part and give us their views, helping shape the future for public sport and leisure across South Ayrshire."

Surveys can be completed online. Printed copies of the survey, which must be returned using the Freepost address provided, are available from most Council buildings including sports and activity centres, swimming pools, libraries and customer services centres.

All surveys must be completed and returned by Friday 25 January 2013. 

"We were in for a penny and in for a £1" – that’s the exciting message delivered by South Ayrshire pupils and Council employees at a celebration event this week – after they raised nearly £19,000 in just 30 days for the charity Wildhearts in Action – all thanks to a range of small business initiatives.

The event celebrated the ’Micro Tyco challenge’ which runs every November, with teams of budding, ethically-minded entrepreneurs getting together, applying to WildHearts for ’seed capital’ (a loan of £1) which is used to kick-start their enterprise.

Once the clock started on 1 November 2012, Micro Tyco entrants from all over South Ayrshire had just one month to turn their pound into as much profit as possible – all to benefit good causes – with the team producing the most money winning the challenge.

Ventures as diverse as ethical pet foods to car washes and festive decorations were set up, all aimed at earning as much cash as possible – with profits reinvested back into the little companies, to earn even more money, with every penny going to benefit others.

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Bill McIntosh opened the awards evening welcoming teams and guest speakers, the founder of Wildhearts, Mick Jackson and Ian Steele senior partner from Deloittes, whose firm won the challenge in 2011, raising more than £19,000 from their £1 capital.

Councillor McIntosh said: "Micro-Tyco is a fantastic concept and gives us a flavour of what you can do with some imagination, hard work and some ethical business sense. It’s a simple, but powerful business model and Wildhearts have used it to enormous social and economic benefit all over the world.

"I’m immensely proud of our talented teams and all those members of the public, parents, pupils and employees alike, who gave so much support to help them succeed."

Wildhearts founder Mick Jackson added: "WildHearts enables poor entrepreneurs to set up small businesses to support their families and bolster their communities.

"Our micro-loans are repaid and recycled every four months and an average loan of £150 will fund three businesses a year, transforming many lives as the recipient will be able improve the lives of their families and employ staff.

"The money raised by the Council’s efforts will have a direct impact on hundreds of lives, now and into the future and I’m thrilled and moved to have been here to see how hard and how incredibly well the pupils and staff have taken on the Micro-Tyco challenge."

After a series of presentations on fundraising activity by the different teams, the awards were presented.

In total 12 awards were given, with the first nine were presented by Provost Moonie and Ian Steele of Deloitte and these were:

• Most Innovative Activity to raise funds– Coylton primary school (P7) who sourced donations of ingredients from suppliers to make 400 cakes and then organised a teddy bear’s picnic, so all children could buy a cake, take it to class and read a story witht heir bear at the picnic.
• Wisdom is Best– Girvan Academy, 6^th year who started as Santa’s little entrepreneurs, selling lemonade, making personalised baubles and decorations, running a tuck shop and a car wash.
• The Nippers– Barr primary school and nursery class where the average age of just 4 years old did not stop the children from getting involved in lots of different money spinning ideas!
• Most Innovative Team– Quid’s In, who raffled a parking place in the County Buildings courtyard for the month of December and sold tartan pins on St Andrew’s Day.
• Best Team Name– Moustache You a Question, South Ayrshire Youth Forum, who offered Council employees a chance to have their email profile picture changed to show them wearing a moustache, for £1.
• Best photo of Micro-Tyco Activity– St Patrick’s primary school, where a team member designed a very creative tee-shirt with the Micro-Tyco and Wildhearts logo on it.
• The Sunshine Award – Tarbolton Tycoons a group of boys aged 13 to 16 years from Tarbolton Friday Night Youth Club, who hosted various events in their own community, with two of them now coming forward to look at how they can undertake voluntary work in the local community.
• The Spirit Team Award – Sacred Heart primary school, whose efforts became a whole school activity – from a pyjama day to face painting, drawing, fun workouts at PE and baking.
• The Sustainability Award– Ayr Grammar, who started with a special assembly and followed up with a whole school event - a Fair Trade coffee afternoon. The money generated was then split between all classes to use and grow it in different ways and done is such a way the initiatives will keep on running and generating an income after November.

Three overall awards were then presented by Provost Moonie and Mick Jackson of Wildhearts and these went to:

• School Micro-Tyco Award– Forehill primary school (P5) who learned Makaton – a special language using shapes and symbols, aimed at improving communication for people who find this difficult. They used these skills to communicate with a pupil who has difficulty, greatly enhancing their understanding and making a positive impact on the pupil.
• Service Micro-Tyco Award– Pawsitive Products, who sold Pea-mutt Butter Cookies for four legged friends as well as offering Christmas decorations and A4 sized calendars for 2013 featuring a photograph of your pet.
• The Tycoon Award – Girvan primary school, who got involved in a wide range of activities from bag packing to selling pencils at breaktime, contributing almost 10% of the total figure of £18,707.

Councillor McIntosh concluded: "£18,707 is a sensational amount of money to come from such a short period of time and I’m incredibly proud of everyone for their unstinting efforts.

"I have no doubt this money will be invested by Wildhearts into some truly fantastic and deserving causes, enabling and empowering people in dozens of countries to achieve greater success in their own communities.

"That we’ve managed to play a part in making that happen is a real testament to the ethics and motivation of all those Micro-Tyco entrepreneurs who have risen to the challenge with such amazing spirit and commitment."

A range of images from the event can be viewed and downloaded here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/southayrshire/sets/72157631966971024/

Continuing to deliver key outcomes that improve and change lives in a tough financial climate was the theme at County Buildings in Ayr today (Tuesday) as South Ayrshire Council approved its budget for the next financial year.

The Council outlined its spending programme as members agreed the revenue budget and capital programme for 2013/14, with total planned revenue expenditure of £246.221 million including more than £1 million additional investment in specific spending priorities agreed by Councillors. Capital expenditure of £15.283 million was also agreed.

The budget figures take account of the transfer of more than £23 million in police and fire funding to the single Scottish forces which will be created next year. They are also based on the continuation of the Council Tax freeze – which benefits every household in South Ayrshire – for the sixth year in a row, maintaining Band D Council Tax levels at the 2007/08 level of £1,153.95.

The £246 million revenue budget for 2013/14, which was put forward by the Conservative, Labour and independent elected members, will fund the running costs of the Council’s operations, including employing more than 5,000 staff to deliver a wide range of services.

To achieve this, almost £5 million has been identified in efficiency savings, which will help the Council absorb unavoidable cost pressures such as contractual increases in electricity and gas prices as well as the impact of public sector reform changes.

Despite the financial challenges faced by the Council, additional investment of £1.118 million was approved by members to fund key priorities.

Communities are at the heart of these key priorities with £133,000 set aside for business support and capacity-building measures for communities and social enterprises, highlighting the growing contribution that communities will play in public services in the months and years ahead.

Reflecting South Ayrshire’s position as the home of golf, with some of the best championship courses in the world as well as some of the finest public courses in the country, £210,000 will be invested in supporting golf provision throughout the area and infrastructure development for the Open at Royal Troon in 2016.

The outdoors will be further supported with £100,000 additional investment in playparks, making sure children and young people across South Ayrshire will have the chance to play safely and take advantage of the local environment, helping them maintain a healthy lifestyle.

And doing the same for older people will be a £100,000 investment in allotments, to meet the demand from residents who want to make a real and sustained contribution to transforming how land and open spaces are used across South Ayrshire.

The Council’s commitment to arts and culture is also given increased support, with £50,000 to further enhance partnership working and increase opportunities for communities and young people to get involved in arts and culture.

Other additional investment includes £500,000 for the Central Repairs Account and £25,000 to support the introduction of residents parking schemes.

The £4.736 million of efficiency savings which will help make this additional investment possible include a reduction in staffing and administration costs, revised contractual arrangements, procurement efficiencies, continued service reviews and modernisations and changes to the assessment threshold for care packages for older people.

Councillor Bill McIntosh, Leader of South Ayrshire Council said: "While the challenging times continue for the public sector with an increased demand for services and less money available to deliver these services, I am confident we have today delivered the best possible budget for our residents.

"Even in these austere times, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Conservative, Labour and independent members, we will not only continue to do things smarter and better to help generate the millions of pounds of efficiencies we need to find, but we have actually earmarked extra money for some of the most important priorities for our residents – enhancing the role of our communities, building on our strong arts foundation and making the most of our outdoor environment to improve the health and wellbeing of our people.

"In such a tough financial climate, these are steps that will help create a lasting legacy that will deliver key outcomes that will improve and change lives, helping us to continue to raise our ambitions for South Ayrshire."

Councillor Robin Reid, the Council’s Portfolio Holder for Resources and Performance added: "Once again, thanks to prudent financial management and forward thinking, we are making every penny count for the people of South Ayrshire. And the fact we can continue to invest in services in these difficult times reflects just how far we have come as an organisation.

"We know these difficult times will continue and, with major public sector reforms underway that will transform many areas of how we work for our communities, we don’t just focus on the here and now in today’s budget, but make sure we are setting strong foundations for how we will deal with these issues as we move forward.

"It’s about using our resources in the best possible way for the best possible outcomes and that’s exactly what we’ve achieved."

Councillor John McDowall, Depute Leader of the Council, said: "Today we have highlighted our commitment to changing lives for the better, with communities at the heart of the spending priorities agreed. We’re investing in empowering our communities, improving the facilities and services available to them and helping them have a positive and sustainable future.

"The fact that we’re doing this in a climate of increasing demand, soaring costs and increasing funding pressures is testament to our collective commitment to making a difference for our residents and helping our communities grow from strength to strength."

Independent Councillors Alec Clark and Brian Connolly added: "Given the financial climate that prevails, we are glad to have been able to deliver on the priorities which will protect core services to residents during these testing times.

"It is our aim as independent Councillors to achieve the best outcome for the people of South Ayrshire and, given the existing financial parameters that we have to work within, we have gained the best outcome available."

The capital programme for 2013/14 to 2017/18 was also agreed at today’s Council meeting, with planned expenditure of £15.283 million agreed for 2013/14.

Councillor Reid said: "This capital programme is all about investment for the future, making sure our properties and facilities are fit for purpose and deliver for our communities. It’s a programme of works that offers something for everyone and will, in many cases, help transform the way we work and engage with our residents and customers."

Education is once again at the heart of the capital programme with more than £7 million – almost 50 per cent of the funding available – dedicated to improvements in schools in the next financial year, including:

• £3 million to fund school refurbishment works throughout South Ayrshire including Kyle Academy and Queen Margaret Academy;
• £1.7 million towards a new-build Kirkmichael Primary;
• £1.27 million for a replacement dining hall at Annbank Primary (subject to options appraisal);
• £550,000 to refurbish Forehill Primary;
• £250,000 for ICT improvements;
• £250,000 towards the creation of a new primary school and community campus in Tarbolton;
• £230,000 to refurbish Braehead Primary; and
• £120,000 for an extension at Doonfoot Primary.

Other capital expenditure includes:

• £1.85 million to refurbish Council properties and improve Council depots;
• £1.685 million in golf clubhouse improvements;
• £500,000 towards the economic development of Girvan and South Carrick, as part of the Council’s overall commitment of £4 million;
• £500,000 towards window and roof replacements at schools and other facilities;
• £310,000 in bridge strengthening projects;
• £250,000 towards new generation broadband;
• £119,000 in cycling, walking and safer streets; and
• £60,000 to improve public toilets.

At today’s meeting, Councillors also confirmed the rent increase of 5.2 per cent for Council tenants in 2013/14 that was approved in November 2011; agreed the housing capital programme for 2013/14, which totals £11.292 million; and approved the 2013/14 revenue and capital budgets for Common Good Funds.

Councillor McIntosh concluded: "Overall, this is a great budget for South Ayrshire, delivered against a difficult backdrop. It invests in communities, in the arts, in education, in golf, in tourism and economic development, and in the great outdoors for adults and for children.

"I’m very pleased we are able to do this, particularly in the current climate – that’s a great achievement that shows we are raising our ambitions and getting our priorities right for our communities."

The revenue budget is subject to confirmation of the Council’s funding allocation from the Scottish Government, which is expected to be confirmed by the Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order 2013 in February 2013.

A new funding programme, aimed at helping the regeneration and economic development of former fishing communities is all set to benefit coastal communities in South Ayrshire by £133,000.

The funding, which is part of a wider initiative with Argyll & Bute Council, comes from the European Fisheries Fund and could now benefit many of the former fishing communities along the South Ayrshire coast.

All grants will be administered by Argyll & Bute Council and can be used to support a wide range of activities including the development of renewable energy, the redevelopment and recreational use of harbours, diversification projects linked to employment and training, cultural heritage, food tourism and processes that add value to seafood produce.

Welcoming the news, Councillor Bill Grant, Portfolio Holder for economic Development, Tourism and Leisure said: "South Ayrshire has a long, proud and rich heritage in the fishing industry and, not that long ago, you could stand on any shoreline locally and see fleets of boats bobbing up and down the Clyde, plying their trade.

"Changing tastes and diverse socio-economic factors have all affected our fishing communities, so I’m delighted the FLAG funding will help us support them to diversify and prosper ensuring that they can be successful and sustainable in the years to come."

The FLAG is now inviting applications from businesses, community groups and public sector organisations with an interest in securing funding by completing an initial ’Expressions of Interest Form’ by Friday 11 January 2013.

Successful applicants will be notified in the New Year and invited to submit a full grant application for consideration by the FLAG. Further funding rounds will be announced throughout 2013 with the last date for full applications currently scheduled for November 2013 - assuming that all funding has not been allocated before then.

For additional information, or to request an Expressions of Interest form, contact Chris Burrows, European Policy Assistant, Argyll & Bute Council on 01436 658960, e-mail europe@argyll-bute.gov.uk.

Provost Helen Moonie has presented prizes to three town centre retailers marking the annual Ayr Town Centre Shop Window Display Awards, supported by the Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown Community Council, Ayr Rotary Club and the Ayr and Prestwick Lions Club.

The judging panel for this year’s presentation were Councillor Bill Grant, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure, Norman McLean and Michael Hitchon of Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown Community Council, Alex Thomson of Ayr Rotary Club and Ross Robertson and Malcolm Wilson of Ayr and Prestwick Lions Club.

The winner of the Independent Retailer award was judged to be Cranberry Cottage, Florist, Cathcart Street, a new trader in the town centre. The Trophy was accepted by David Brodie on behalf of Catriona Hastie. The natural and environmental element of the display and its attention to detail caught the judges’ eyes.

The Multiple Retailer award this year went to the management of Ayr Central Shopping Centre for bringing alive the environs of the Centre and the Mall with most attractive panel lighting and the corner display featuring illuminated and enlarged details of the Kiddies’ Competition entries, all of which helped to engender the Christmas spirit.

The Trophy was accepted by Gary Melnitschuk, Deputy Manager on behalf of Peter Clark, the Manager.

A new category this year was Best Charity Shop display and the inaugural Trophy was won by Shelter UK for their High Street shop. The Trophy was accepted by Fiona Clelland on behalf of Sharon Russell, the manageress.

The winning Trophies were donated by Fort Seafield & Wallacetown Community Council, Ayr & Prestwick Lions Club and Ayr Rotary Club and were presented to winners by Provost Helen Moonie.

Pictures show:

Cranberry Cottage: David Brodie, centre, accepts the Independent Retailer award from Provost Helen Moonie. Also pictured are Councillor Bill Grant, Norman McLean and Michael Hitchon of Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown Community Council, Alex Thomson of Ayr Rotary Club, Ross Robertson and Malcolm Wilson of Ayr and Prestwick Lions Club.

Shelter: Fiona Clelland of Shelter accepts the Best Charity Shop award from Provost Helen Moonie Also pictured are Councillor Bill Grant, Norman McLean and Michael Hitchon of Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown Community Council, Alex Thomson of Ayr Rotary Club, Ross Robertson and Malcolm Wilson of Ayr and Prestwick Lions Club.

Ayr Central: Provost Helen Moonie presents the Best Multiple Retailer award to Gary Melnitschuk, Deputy Manager at Ayr Central. Also pictured are Norman McLean of Seafield and Wallacetown Community Council, Ross Robertson and Malcolm Wilson of Ayr and Prestwick Lions Club.

A host of stars are lining up to celebrate the Bard as part of the annual Alloway 1759 Festival which runs 23-27 January 2013 and, if you’re stuck for something to spend your Christmas money on and want a fantastic way to welcome in the New Year, why not buy a ticket to one or more of the exciting events on offer?

Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the event will see artists such as John Murtagh, Joyce Falconer, Carl MacDougall, James Robinson and Alistair McDonald all taking part. A packed programme will also boast some brand new events including an Auld Alloway Ghost Walk (limited tickets available). 

Scots singing sensation Eddi Reader, will be headlining a celebratory concert at Ayr Town Hall on 26 January 2013 in honour of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award. Tickets are priced £18 (downstairs seated) and £20 (gallery seating) and are available by calling the Citadel Box Office on 01292 269793 or from www.ticketweb.co.uk.

In addition, a unique Burns Birthday Feast (a free event) will welcome people to a unique tour of the village and a cookery demonstration to help Rabbie celebrate his 253rd birthday. 

Ayr’s Gaiety theatre is also hosting two brand new events – a production of ’A Man’s a Man’ and a unique Burns Supper – both boasting stars of the screen and stage and, again a ticket to either event would be a superb treat for yourself, or a brilliant gift for someone special!

See www.alloway1759.com for more information and details on how to book your tickets, but please remember the events are always popular, so book early to avoid disappointment!

In the first co-location of its kind in Scotland by the DWP Jobcentre Plus in Girvan has relocated to South Ayrshire Council’s Carrick Buildings in the town’s Henrietta Street. This has ensured a local office for people in Carrick which is convenient and easy to access.

To mark this very special working partnership a small ceremony was held within the Carrick Buildings.

Welcoming everyone to the event Councillor John McDowall, Depute Leader of South Ayrshire Council and local member said: "Jobcentre Plus took a groundbreaking decision to move to offices within the Carrick Buildings and co-locate with existing services and activities already on offer.

"They are an asset to the Carrick Buildings, working alongside others they make it possible for those using their services to easily access those of others there such as further education. This could be to improve a client’s job prospects with a further education course or learning a new skill.

"I am positive that the success of this project will inspire others to consider co-locating and sharing facilities for the benefit of their community."

Jobcentre Plus helps people to find work through its database of local, national and overseas vacancies.

The expert team can help people find out what type of work would suit them best and highlight those schemes and resources to help someone find employment.

Retraining programmes can be explained and assistance is available to anyone, from single parents, to those with a disability, or who may be considering self employment.

In addition, assistance will also be given with completing application forms, preparing for interview and advice on employment benefits.

A member of the Jobcentre Plus team will draw up a tailored plan for each client to assist them in their quest to find employment.

Richard Cornish, Jobcentre Plus Work Services Director for Scotland said: "We have a great record of working together with local authorities, including outreach services and this new Ayrshire service is the first Jobcentre to deliver our full range of customer services from a partner location.

"It will make best use of resources for all parties and, importantly, improves services for our customers as, crucially, we can now provide digital services, including internet access, so people can build up their CV, look for jobs and contact employers, all online, in what is an ever increasing electronic recruitment age."

Ends

Pictured at the new at the new Jobcentre Plus offices in the Carrick Buildings, Girvan are: Richard Cornish, Work Services Director for DWP Scotland, Sandra Osborne, MP, Councillor Bill McIntosh, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor John McDowall, Depute Leader South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Margaret Toner, Portfolio Holder for Lifelong Learning and local councillors Alec Clark and Alec Oattes, DWP staff, service users and Council Officers.

A children’s charity worker who has made a difference to hundreds of children and families; a couple who have dedicated their lives to others, both at home and abroad; and an aid worker who was kidnapped and killed while working to make a difference for people wounded in conflict are revealed today (Thursday 20 December) as the three shortlisted finalists for a prestigious global humanitarian award, named after the Scots Bard.

Selkirk-based Margaret Mills MBE, the very Reverend Dr John and Mary Miller from Glasgow, and the late Khalil Dale MBE – who was born in York but made his home in Scotland – made the shortlist after a record number of nominations were received for the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2013.

The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award (RBHA) – supported by South Ayrshire Council and EventScotland – is part of Scotland’s Winter Festivals, which celebrate our nation’s rich culture and heritage from St Andrew’s Day until Burns Night.

The Award recognises a group or individual who has saved, improved or enriched the lives of others or society as a whole, through personal self-sacrifice, selfless service or ’hands-on’ charitable work. Winners receive the equivalent of 1759 guineas – a sum which signifies the year of the Bard’s birth and the coinage then in circulation – as well as a specially commissioned award handcrafted in Scotland.

A total of 42 nominations were received for the 2013 Award, with 37 different groups and individuals being put forward for recognition. Whittling the list down to the final three fell to the RBHA Judging Panel, chaired by David Anderson, Chief Executive of South Ayrshire Council.

Joining David on the panel were broadcaster Kaye Adams; actor, writer and painter John Cairney; Nat Edwards, Director of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum; former RBHA winners Habib Malik and Guy Willoughby; Robert Stewart, President of the Robert Burns World Federation; and STV Chief Executive Rob Woodward.

David said: "We were overwhelmed with the nominations for the 2013 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award and I would like to thank everyone who helped make this a record year. Not only was the number of nominations much higher than in previous years, the calibre of the nominations was, quite simply, outstanding.

"Choosing only three to make the final shortlist was extremely difficult as every single nominee would have been both a worthy finalist and a worthy winner. However, we had to make some tough decisions and I’m honoured to announce Margaret, John and Mary, and Khalil as the finalists for the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2013."

"Margaret has spent her life working to secure brighter futures for vulnerable children, achieving success where others have failed; John and Mary have worked tirelessly to make a difference in communities across the world – from Castlemilk in Glasgow to Murambinda in Zimbabwe; while Khalil paid the ultimate sacrifice, quite literally giving his life while working to help others less fortunate than him.

"These are four extraordinary people who epitomise all that a humanitarian should be and we now have the unenviable task of selecting just one finalist to become the recipient of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2013. It certainly won’t be easy."

Minister for External Affairs Humza Yousaf added: "Since 2002, the Burns Humanitarian Award has recognised individuals and groups who enrich the lives of others through personal self-sacrifice. The 2013 nominations are certainly no different.  Reading the biographies of the three finalists is truly humbling. Their work and dedication are an inspiration, and should encourage us all to act more charitably, selflessly and with a greater care for others.

"For decades, Burns has been globally recognised as a pioneer of humanitarianism, and a voice of people facing hardship, and these Awards are a fitting legacy to our National Bard."

Margaret Mills MBE is a project worker with Children 1^st (formerly the Royal Scottish Society for the Prevention for Cruelty to Children – RSSPCC) and has spent her life working to secure brighter futures for vulnerable children, including those recovering from sexual, emotional and physical abuse and trauma. Making a difference where others have failed, she was one of the first female inspectors at the RSSPCC and has been instrumental in changing lives. Whether through setting up family centres or establishing support groups and mechanisms for children and families, she has worked to provide support where it is most needed.

Margaret said she was totally surprised to be nominated for such a prestigious award, adding: "I am both honoured and humbled to be recognised in this way for the work I carry out on a day-to-day basis, without looking for reward or acknowledgement.  

"From an early age, I have been privileged to work with young people who have experienced abuse and trauma in their lives. In the course of my work, I find that I am continually rewarded by those children who choose to engage with me and put their trust in this relationship. I am also rewarded by seeing the resilience that young people have and their ability to move forward with their lives, some after very traumatic and abusive experiences. In addition, there are some young people who reward me by continuing to keep in contact after work has ended, sharing milestones as they move into adulthood, become parents or start to work or study. Some of them have done this for years and express that they value this contact and this recognition from young people themselves in itself is a huge reward for me.

"It is my belief that every young person affected by sexual, physical and emotional abuse and trauma has the right and opportunity to access a recovery service. As one of the three finalists of this prestigious award, I am really pleased that this serves to raise the profile of Children 1^st as a charity and of the work that we do."

The Very Reverend Dr John and Mary Miller are an inspiration to many and have dedicated their lives to others both at home and abroad. For 36 years, John served the people of Castlemilk in Glasgow as minister while Mary founded the well-known Jeely Piece Club for local families and served as its Director for many years. In 2007, they moved to Zimbabwe to work with HIV/Aids victims in Murambinda Mission Hospital and help work towards violence reduction and peace-building in that part of the world. In 2008, John became only the second living person to have a Glasgow school named after him.

John and Mary said they were honoured and delighted about their nomination: "We feel both excited and humbled to be nominated, though we feel we scarcely deserve it for what have been very happy and fulfilling years living and working with many, many people who have shown us the true meaning of humanity.

"We have always been proud to be Scottish, and feel particularly proud to be associated in this way with the immortal memory of Robert Burns, whose poetry and songs, and humour, have often been an inspiration and indeed a consolation to us in life.

"We especially appreciate being jointly nominated, as although we’ve worked separately, we have had the privilege of discovering our lives and work to be complementary and intertwined. We feel very lucky indeed."

Khalil Dale MBE was devoted to helping others and started his career as a casualty nurse before joining the Red Cross in 1981. He spent many years working to make a difference in war zones and famine regions, including Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Iraq, Kenya, Somalia and Sudan, before returning to Dumfries in 1998 to care for his mother, who was in failing health. He took up a post with a Red Cross programme in Pakistan in early 2011, providing healthcare and physical rehabilitation for people wounded in conflict. He was kidnapped at gunpoint in January 2012 while working in Pakistan for the Red Cross. His body was found in April 2012.

Speaking from his home in New Zealand, Khalil’s brother Ian, said: "I am honoured and also humbled that my brother Khalil has been nominated for this prestigious award.

"Khalil was loved and respected by many people and I feel this is a fitting tribute to a man who profoundly affected and touched the hearts of everyone he met. He will leave a deep and lasting legacy.

"Khalil always had a deep affinity with Scotland and Scotland was always his home. The news of his nomination for the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award is both uplifting and refreshing."

 Margaret, John and Mary, or Khalil will be named winner of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2013 at the awards ceremony in the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum on Saturday 26 January 2013.

 This will be followed by the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award Celebration Concert by Eddi Reader at Ayr Town Hall. Eddi will host an intimate celebration of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award with materials from her internationally-acclaimed ’Songs of Robert Burns’, as well as tracks old and new. She will be joined on stage by musicians Boo Hewerdine, Alan Kelly, John Douglas and Kevin McGuire. Tickets cost £18-£20 and are available by calling 01292 269793 or online at www.ticketweb.co.uk.

According to literary legend, Christmases past, present and future hold important messages for us all - not just Mr Scrooge – and in terms of educational lessons, nowhere could that be more appropriate than at South Ayrshire Council’s Marr College in Troon.

Successive Head Teachers at the school have all kept logs of their time there, written up into beautifully bound books, which now form a remarkable – and important – legacy in the school’s rich history.

That responsibility now falls to Elaine McGregor-Sloman, who became Head Teacher in February 2012 and it’s a tradition she’s determined to continue.

Ms McGregor-Sloman said: "Respecting and honouring the past is essential as so much of what happens in the present day has its roots there.

"Although we live in an age of technology, computer screens and keyboards, I’m determined to ensure key times and moments in our present are written down, enshrined, and preserved in the logbooks, for future generations to read."

Named after Charles Kerr Marr, the school was opened on 2 September 1935 and by the Honorable Marquess of Lothian. The first Board of Governors is recorded in the logbook as being:

New Board of Governors:

Sir Alexander Walker, KBE, Chairman

Ex Provost Alexander Muir

Rev Robert Smith, DD

Maurice J Bell, Esq, OBE

Provost Walter Donald

Rev James Hamilton, DD

Mrs C McNab Shaw

Rev James Adams, MA

David McQueen, Esq

Clerks to the Board:Robert Young and George T Adam

Rector:Dr AR Murison, MA, PhD.

Writing the following day, the first official day of the new school’s term, the school’s Rector, Dr Alfred Murison, penned: "The pupils assembled in the main hall this morning, where they were addressed by certain members of the governing body.

"Sir Alexander Walker introduced the staff and counselled the pupils to aim at mental, moral and physical perfection."

Initially, Marr had seven Principal Teachers but Dr Murison’s log goes on to note: "the transfer of fourteen teachers from Troon High School had been agreed."

Among the first pupils through the doors on 2 September that year was the father of future Scottish Minister for Education, Mike Russell MSP – who was also a pupil at the school between 1964-70 

Mr Russell visited Marr College to celebrate exam results day with pupils in summer this year and wrote in the log book: "I was very pleased to visit my old school – and the school where my father was in the very first intake – to celebrate this Head’s excellent SQA exam results."

The logbooks chart a fascinating history, with many world events recorded from a school perspective, including the outbreak of World War 2, with many teachers recorded as serving in the Armed Forces.

The arrival of evacuees from Glasgow is also noted and in September 1939 pupils and teachers were excused class to practice building dug-outs (in case of air raids by the Germans.)

The death of King George VI is noted – the school held a memorial service on 6 February 1952.

The coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is listed on 2 June 1953, with Dr Murison present in Westminster as an invited guest at the ceremony.

The day-to-day routine of school life is also recorded, from staff discussions on corporal punishment to exam successes, parents’ evenings, fundraising activity and pupils entering university.

A serious fire in the English room, which caused £30,000 of damage is recorded on 8 November 1981.

John Taylor’s selection to play schools rugby is mentioned as is Gordon Brown’s selection for Scotland (Broon fae Troon).

Former pupils, actresses Susannah York and Ronni Ancona are listed along with footballers Steve Nichol and Alan Hutton.

In addition, among the school logbooks, are glimpses into life at Marr College from a pupil’s perspective.

Poignantly, a small red pocket diary, which belonged to Joan Manson, presented on her first day of term, on 3 September 1935, chronicles her own thoughts of life and times at the new school, including the following entries:

31 December 1935: "Hogmanay. Had a good time, but was not intoxicated."

29 February 1936: "Leap Year! Did not propose to anyone. Nobody good enough."

12 May 1936: "Grandma died at 2.10am."

Joan’s timetable also looked very similar to the modern Marr College one, with English, Algebra and Science as core subjects, but two notable classes included Latin and Elocution.

Commenting on the archive, Councillor Margaret Toner, Portfolio Holder for Lifelong Learning said: "There is something remarkable about the written word that sets it apart from emails, texts and instant messages, making it somehow seem more human and relevant.

"The logbooks give us a fascinating insight into school life from the past, giving us a chance to reflect on the present and us take us forward into the future.

"Joan’s diary is especially moving and makes us realise that these historical records are all about real people, our grannies and parents, their families and aspirations for the future after school.

"It is a fantastic historical narrative and I’m thrilled the school has kept hold of all of these books and memoirs from its grand opening almost 80 years ago.

It all helps to show that while the college is enjoying the present as it gears up to meet the educational challenges of the future, it’s certainly not writing off its past."

South Ayrshire Council’s Housing Co-ordinator, Kevin Anderson, has been honoured nationally by housing charity Shelter Scotland, for his outstanding work on getting empty homes back into use for tenants.

Kevin won the inaugural ’Special Mention’ award during the Scottish Empty Homes Conference 2012, hosted by Shelter Scotland, where he was a guest speaker, with his colleague Fiona Campbell, showcasing the Council’s Empty Homes Loan Scheme – the first of its kind in Scotland.

Supported by £414,000 of funding from the Scottish Government the scheme offers interest free loans to owners of empty properties in specific areas of housing need, allowing them to upgrade otherwise unused accommodation to an acceptable living standard.

The Council rents the property from the owner, undertaking to manage and maintain it for a period of three to five years.

The award was presented by the Scottish Government Minister for Housing and Welfare Margaret Burgess, MSP, who told a stunned Kevin he had been chosen because of "his pioneering spirit in paving the way with the first empty homes loan fund in Scotland and his overall willingness to be involved in other aspects of empty homes policy."

Kevin said: "I thought I was going to the Empty Homes Conference to promote what we’d been doing in South Ayrshire and had no idea I’d been selected to receive any sort of award.

"I’m thrilled to have been recognised in such a special way and would like to share the honours with my colleagues and team who have worked with me to make sure we deliver a quality service to those residents who need it the most."

Welcoming the news, Councillor Philip Saxton, Portfolio Holder for Housing added: "Kevin has done a fantastic job in developing our empty homes policy and his enthusiasm, commitment and dedication are infectious.

"He has led from the front on this pioneering piece of work and I’m delighted other local authorities are now choosing to follow the blueprint for the scheme – all thanks to the hard work and effort he has put in developing and promoting the policy.

Kristen Hubert, coordinator of the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, which is hosted by Shelter Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government, said: "Kevin was selected by the judging panel for his superb spirit and for his willingness to share the lessons he’s learned along the way to others across Scotland who are working to bring empty homes back into use. 

"He was one of the first members of the Scottish Empty Homes Officer Network when it began in 2010 and has been involved in various aspects of empty homes work in Scotland since then. 

"The entire empty homes community in Scotland is better off when we have people like Kevin sharing best practice and getting involved in discussions about how we can work more effectively to bring back into use some of the 23,000 private sector long-term empty homes across the country."

Councillor Saxton concluded: "Kevin’s award is a thoroughly well deserved accolade and, on behalf of the Council, I’d like to congratulate him warmly on this prestigious recognition."

Arty youngsters joined Councillors this week to mark the official openings of South Ayrshire Council’s improved customer service centres in Girvan, Maybole and Prestwick.

The improved centres are part of a new ’family’ of customer service centres being established by the Council across South Ayrshire, with four improved centres in Girvan, Maybole, Prestwick and Troon being joined by a brand-new customer service centre based within the Wallace Tower in Ayr, which is scheduled to open early next year.

Staffed by a dedicated customer services team, the aim of the centres is to provide ’one-stop-shop’ facilities in the heart of our communities where customers can access information, assistance and advice on a full range of Council services.

The centres are also expected to become community hubs – a focal point for local people who want to find out what’s happening within their communities – with locally-created artwork and photography on display and information on local events and activities.

Six school pupils will be the first people to have their artwork displayed within the Girvan, Maybole and Prestwick centres after winning a schools art competition based on the theme of ’Your town in winter’. 

The competition ran in local schools in all four towns with improved customer service centres. Around 200 entries were received in total, making it difficult for the judges to choose the two winners in each area. The winners for the three centres officially opened this week are:

Girvan

Eva Rennie (6), Sacred Heart Primary

Austeja Konstantinaviciute (8), Sacred Heart Primary

Maybole

Dani Struthers (10), Saint Cuthbert’s Primary

Eden Wallace (5), Minishant Primary

Prestwick

Lucy McNally (7), Kingcase Primary

Luca Pieroni (5) Kingcase Primary

As winners in their areas, Eva and Austeja, Dani and Eden, and Lucy and Luca were invited to help cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of their local customer service centre – where their winning designs are on display – and they were each presented with a certificate and voucher prize. The pupils were all delighted to have won:

Eva said: "I love winter and wanted to draw Stumpy Tower, which used to be a jail, in the snow. It’s good to see my picture on the wall."

Austeja said: "I’m very excited to have won the competition and very proud to have my work on display for everyone to see."

Dani said: "It was good to see something I created on display. I hope people recognise the town and like the sparkle I put on the picture!"

Eden said: "I felt excited when Mrs Cairns told me I had won. I was really excited because I liked my picture on the wall. I was very happy because I opened my prizes and got a card with money on it and a certificate."

Lucy said: "I’m happy to see my picture up in the centre. I like playing in the snow and thought the robin looked wintery so that’s why I painted it."

Luca said: "I like winter, playing in the snow and having snowball fights so that’s what I put in my picture."

Councillor Philip Saxton, South Ayrshire Council’s Customer First Portfolio Holder, said: "The works carried out to improve our customer service centres are just fantastic and have truly transformed these premises into first-class customer facilities and community hubs. It’s not just about the new look and layout of the centres – it’s also about the services provided and making sure we are here to meet our customers’ needs – and that’s what we’re working to achieve every day.

"My congratulations to Austeja, Dani, Eden, Eva, Luca and Lucy. These designs are great additions to our improved centres and give each centre something that’s just for their area and their customers. I’m sure this will prove popular with our customers, providing a local and individual touch that’s special to Girvan, Maybole and Prestwick.

"These children will be the first of many local people to give a very special town touch to their customer service centre and I hope as many people as possible take the time to pop in and see their winning designs for themselves."

The improved customer service centres are open from 8.45am-4.45pm (Monday-Thursday) and 8.45am-4pm on Fridays at the following locations:

• Girvan: 17-19 Knockcushan Street, Girvan, KA26 9AG
• Maybole: 64 High Street, Maybole KA19 7BZ
• Prestwick: 2-6 the Cross, Prestwick KA9 1AN
• Troon: Municipal Buildings, South Beach, Troon KA10 6EF.

For information on our customer service centres, visit www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/hereforyou.

RecoveryAyr, a group organised by the South Ayrshire Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (ADP) recently held a family fayre and panto at Ayr Town Hall – and it proved to be a festive fun-filled hit!

Some 30 stalls, selling a wide range of arts, crafts and home baking were on offer and Christmas music filled the hall thanks to Ayr Grammar Primary School Choir & the Salvation Army Brass Band performing seasonal favourites.

However, the highlight of the fayre, attracting rave reviews and critical acclaim in equal measure was the group’s hilarious pantomime, "The Mornin’ Eftir" loosely based on Robert Burns’ poetic hero Tam O’Shanter.

Both shows had full houses and it was literally standing room only as crowds flocked to learn exactly how Tam’s tale unfolded, once he’d woken up the day after he’d fled the clutches of the witches on that fateful night in Alloway!

The groups were stunned by the success and have had so many requests they are now working to put on additional special performances to link in with Burns night in 2013, and these will be advertised nearer the time.

Kenny Leinster, South Ayrshire Council’s Head of Community Care and Housing and chair of the ADP commented: "Not only was the fayre an outstanding success, the volunteers also managed to raise a staggering £1,200 on the day for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

"This is a superb sum of money for a very worthwhile cause and I’d like to acknowledge all the hard work and efforts of the volunteers and staff, before and during the event, because this simply could not have happened without their dedication and commitment."

You can keep up to date with the latest ADP news and information and learn more about their work by visiting www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/ADP which also has links to the group’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

An Ayr shopkeeper has been fined a total of £990 at Ayr Sheriff Court after he was found guilty of offences relating to the sale of falsely described cashmere sweaters.

Alexander Lowther, trading as Mrs L’s, misled customers at his shop  at Burns Statue Square, into believing that cashmere sweaters being sold by him had originally cost £195 and were ’100% pure cashmere.’ 

Sweaters in the shop were advertised at discounted ’sale’ prices of £45, but Lowther could not provide any evidence to suggest that the higher original price had ever applied.

The matter came to light when a customer bought two sweaters from the shop with a label stating ’100% Pure Cashmere’.

However, as well as this label, the customer later noticed a second one sewn into the seam, which stated the garment was 55% wool, 25% cashmere and 20% silk.

The customer was so concerned they got in touch with the Council’s Trading Standards office, which led to an undercover test purchase of sweaters being carried out.

These were then tested to see if they were 100% cashmere – and results showed they contained less than 20% Cashmere.

On Monday 17 December 2012, Lowther pleaded guilty to five charges relating to offences under pricing legislation, breaches under the Companies Act and failing to provide information to investigators.

Not guilty pleas relating to four other charges of supplying mis-described cashmere articles were accepted by the Sheriff.

Councillor John McDowall, Portfolio Holder for Trading Standards said: "I welcome this conviction and trust this sends out a very clear message that we will protect our reputable businesses in these difficult economic times by cracking down on rogue traders.

"This type of practice not only damages the local economy it unfairly dupes members of the public into parting with their hard earned cash for inferior quality merchandise offered at misleading prices."

If anyone has a concern about any trading practice they consider unfair, they can contact Trading Standards office at River Street, Ayr, on 01292 616060 or visit the Council website at: www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards which has a wealth of information and further contact information.

"Puffed out, but proud!" That’s the message from pupils from schools in South Ayrshire who have represented the area in the recent Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships held at the Concert Hall in Perth.

Performing as the South Ayrshire Youth Band in the novice section (ages 14 and under), nearly thirty pupils were thrilled to scoop a prestigious silver award.

Also at the event were pupils Rebecca Wilson and Lynsey Brown from Ayr Academy, with Rachel Jones, Erin Jones and Rachel Murray from Kyle Academy, who were playing with the Dalmellington Brass Band – going on to be crowned Scottish Champions!

Councillor Margaret Toner, Portfolio Holder for Lifelong Learning commented: "This is a superb achievement from our pupils whose musical medleys mesmerised the judges and were warmly received by a hugely enthusiastic audience at Perth Concert Hall."

"To win a silver award was a fantastic effort, but to have five more pupils play a part in winning the national title was outstanding.

"All the pupils have done us and themselves proud and I’d like to add my congratulations to them for putting us firmly on the musical map."

Speaking on behalf of the pupils, Conductor and music instructor Scott Walker said "I thoroughly enjoy rehearsing with these young people every week and all their hard work and commitment has paid off.

"I’m enormously proud of the silver award and we all recognise it is a great stepping stone towards bigger and better things next year!"

Performing in the novice section at the Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships were:

• Ayr Academy: Laura Paton and Bethany Bell
• Ayr Grammar: Kathryn Meddings
• Belmont Academy: Ethan Coston and Rory O’Hara
• Carrick Academy: Craig Reid
• Coylton Primary: Aimee Wilson
• Kyle Academy: Ellen Harper, Lara Thomson, Scott Brown, Pip Abramson, Erin Jones and Rachel O’Connor
• Prestwick Academy: Jack Beadle and Gregor Cairns
• Queen Margret Academy: Erin Clark, Sarah Hainey, Gemma New, Rebecca McCardie, Francesca Long, Hannah Pettigrew, Daniel Roseblade, Lesley-Ann Ofei, Joseph Hutchison, Matthew Gray, Tamzin Scott, Jack Cassidy
• St Ninians Primary: Rosie McCardie

Councillor Toner concluded: "These results are superb news for us, whether a pupil was representing the Schools Band in securing silver, or instrumental in the success of the Dalmellington Brass Band.

"I’d also like to say a huge thank you to all the teachers, family and friends who came along and cheered them every note of the way!"

With Christmas just around the corner and children at the forefront of many of our thoughts, a new way to spread the message that we all have a responsibility to make sure children in our communities are safe and well has taken to the streets of South Ayrshire.

A total of 39 South Ayrshire Council vehicles – 24 vans and 15 minibuses – are now out and about in communities across South Ayrshire, promoting child protection messages and highlighting what people should do if they suspect a child is in danger.

The vehicles all carry adverts from South Ayrshire’s Child Protection Committee highlighting that, if anyone suspects a child is being abused or neglected, they need to let someone know.

The adverts highlight the contact numbers for both social work (01292 267675) and police (01292 664000) but also remind people that, if they believe a child is in immediate danger, they should call 999.

David Anderson, Chair of the South Ayrshire Chief Officers’ Group (COG) which comprises the Chief Officers of NHS Ayrshire & Arran, South Ayrshire Council and Strathclyde Police, said: "We want all children in South Ayrshire to be safe at all times and, particularly at this time of year, able to enjoy Christmas. However, it’s a sad fact that for some this won’t be the case so it’s vital we all know what to do if we believe a child is vulnerable to harm or neglect because – if we don’t act – who’s to say anyone will?

"It doesn’t matter whether you’re a parent, family member, friend, neighbour or member of the public – it’s your job to help keep our children safe. And if you suspect that a child isn’t safe, make sure you follow the advice on our Council vehicles and talk to us."

Child abuse or neglect can take many forms – such as physical, sexual or emotional abuse or not looking after a child properly – so make sure you know the signs to look out for. Children who have been abused rarely tell, but there are signs which may make you worry that a child has been abused:

• The child may have unexplained bruising, or bruising in an unusual place, seem afraid, quiet or withdrawn, be afraid to go home, or seem hungry, tired or unkempt.
• You may be concerned if a child is left alone or unsupervised, has too much responsibility for their age, is acting in a sexually inappropriate way or is misusing drugs or alcohol.
• You may also see behaviour in an adult which makes you worry about any children they care for. For example, an adult may be acting violently or sexually towards a child or someone else, misusing drugs or alcohol while caring for a child or be verbally abusive towards a child.

Councillor Rita Miller, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Social Services, added: "Our aim is to keep all children as safe as possible and, with the help and support of our local communities in following the advice on our vehicle adverts, we can all do our bit to ensure we try to achieve exactly that this Christmas."

For further information on child protection in South Ayrshire, visit www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/childprotection.

South Ayrshire Provost Helen Moonie has awarded a rare Provost’s Medal to Wallace Galbraith MBE, founder of the acclaimed Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra (AFO).

The surprise award took place towards the end of a Christmas concert the AFO were giving at Ayr Town Hall on Saturday 22 December 2012, which also marked their 30^th anniversary, having been formed in 1982, two years after Wallace had formed the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra with the late John Mason.

With three numbers left to play on the programme, Provost Moonie took to the stage and delighted the audience by calling Wallace to the front.

She said: "Wallace is a fantastic man and loves nothing better than getting folks up on stage, in front of an audience to pay their hearts and souls out – and he does it very well.

"Tonight, I’m thrilled to be able to turn the tables and get Wallace in front of an audience to present a Provost’s Medal to him.

To warm applause, Provost Moonie continued: "The Provost’s Medal is awarded on very rare occasions to mark an exceptional individual in local life, who has made a truly outstanding to their local community.

"This is the first time I’ve had the honour to award a Provost’s Medal and Wallace has been unstinting in his contribution to music, arts and culture in South Ayrshire.

"At this festive time of year, when giving is better than receiving, Wallace embodies those qualities and values better than anyone I know – whether it’s his time, a helping hand, a friendly ear or a word of well timed advice.

"I’m delighted to present this to him, on all our behalves, with our thanks, gratitude and admiration to you for all your excellent work."

Provost Moonie then presented the Medal to Wallace, who received a rapturous ovation from the Orchestra and audience alike.

Wallace Galbraith

Wallace Galbraith began his career as a baker with the family firm WC Galbraith & Sons, but the lure of music took him into teaching the violin in South Ayrshire Schools.

In 1980, the late John Mason invited him to become a founder member of the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra and Ayrshire Junior Fiddle Orchestra was born, performing its first concert in August 1982.

Success followed and, in addition to a huge local following, the AFO enjoyed international success with trips to France, Canada, Australia, America, China, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Italy, Switzerland and Spain.

He was awarded the MBE for services to music through the Fiddle Orchestra in 2000 and retired from teaching in 2004. Since then, he has devoted his time to the development and growth of the AFO.

Residents across South Ayrshire have just two weeks left to put forward their views on sports and leisure facilities and services throughout the area and help shape the Council’s first Sport and Active Leisure Strategy.

 The Council is reviewing the way it provides sports and leisure in an effort to ensure facilities and services help South Ayrshire and its residents become healthier and fitter. It is seeking views on a number of areas that will feed into the development of the new strategy:

• the opportunities to take part in sport and active leisure activities across South Ayrshire;
• the sport and leisure facilities provided by the Council; and
• how the Council should deliver sport and leisure.

Hundreds of people have already had their say since the consultation got underway and there’s still time to make sure you don’t miss out.

Complete the consultation survey – available online or in print form until Friday 25 January – and us know what you think about sport and leisure provision, how easy it is to participate in sports, the quality and quantity of sports facilities, the use of school sports facilities and whether key sports should be targeted for support and financial assistance.

Printed copies of the survey, which must be returned using the Freepost address provided, are available from most Council buildings including sports and activity centres, swimming pools, libraries and customer services centres.

All surveys must be completed and returned by Friday 25 January 2013.

 For those of us entering 2013 with a resolve to get fit, or to try something new, why not consider golf – particularly in South Ayrshire, the birthplace of Open golf?

The Council’s Golf South Ayrshire team are hosting a superb series of lessons for adult beginners who want to take up the sport – and for parents and their children who would like to learn together.

Classes run for 10 weeks and cost £30 (for adult classes) and £45 (for the parent and child classes and only one of the pair needs to be a beginner).

The programme is delivered from Muirhead Activity Centre in Troon and the Citadel Leisure Centre in Ayr from 20 January 2013 and fees are payable on booking. All equipment can be supplied if required.

Councillor Bill Grant, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure said: "We’re offering a sensational package to residents with ten one-hour sessions, two sessions on a golf course and coaching from a PGA Professional all included in the price.

"When you consider the average cost of a single lesson is at least £30, the classes represent extraordinary value for money, especially when you consider the tuition on offer comes from qualified PGA golf professionals.

Adult classes run at Muirhead Activity Centre on Tuesdays(10.30-11.30am, 8-9.00pm and 9-10pm) and on Wednesdays (12-1pm and 1-2pm)

Parent and child classes run on Saturday (10-11am, 11am-12pm and 12pm -1pm).

The Citadel Leisure Centre, Ayr offers classes on Sunday between 11am-12pm (parent and child) and 12pm-1pm (adults).

Monday: 10am-11am, 11am to 12pm (adults) and 5-6pm, 6-7pm (parent and child).

Thursday: 10am-11am, 11am to 12pm (adults), 4.30-5.30pm, 5.30-6.30pm (parent and child) and 6.30-7.30pm, 7.30-8.30pm (adults).

To book classes, call the Murihead Actiity Centre on 01292 318541 or the Citadel Leisure Centre on 01292 294707. Alternatively, for more information, contact Catherine Malcolm, South Ayrshire Council’s Golf Development Officer, on 07889 850 074.

Councillor Grant concluded: "Golf is a brilliant way of getting out into the fresh air and enjoying the wonderful South Ayrshire scenery. With eight superb municipal courses to play, offering something for every level of golfer, you’re bound to find something to suit you to a tee in 2013!"

Scots all over the world will be celebrating the life and times of Rabbie Burns this month and, locally, the celebrations will last a full five days, as Alloway 1759 returns, marking its fifth anniversary between 23 and 27 January 2013.

Rapidly becoming accepted as THE way to celebrate the Bard in South Ayrshire, Alloway 1759 again offers a packed programme of entertainment and events, headed up by Scots singing sensation Eddi Reader MBE, performing a concert in celebration of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award, at Ayr Town Hall on 26 January 2013.

Eddi will be singing materials from her internationally acclaimed ’Songs of Robert Burns’, as well as tracks old and new. She will be joined on stage by musicians Boo Hewerdine, Alan Kelly, John Douglas and Kevin McGuire and the evening promises to be a fitting and first-class tribute to Burns ­- and the humanitarian award that bears his name.

Tickets are priced £18 (downstairs seated) and £20 (gallery seating) and are available by calling the Citadel Box Office on 01292 269793 or from www.ticketweb.co.uk.

Councillor Bill Grant, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure said: "Alloway 1759 has grown year on year to become a fantastic five days of family fun – appealing to all ages across Scotland and far beyond."

"We’re also delighted a host of stars have committed to the programme and we look forward to welcoming renowned artistes including John Murtagh, Joyce Falconer, Carl MacDougall, James Robinson and Alistair McDonald."

Alloway 1759 boasts some brand new events including an Auld Alloway Ghost Walk! The local poacher from 1759 has returned from the dead to roam the streets of Alloway and tell terrifying tales of Robert Burns’ birthplace.

Dare you walk with him to explore local landmarks and their haunting history? Discover new paths and old, uncover deep dark hidden secrets and expect the unexpected on this unique journey through Scotland’s centuries. From Murdoch’s Lone to Brig o’ Doon with lots of grave and sinister surprises in between! (Limited tickets available).

Other mouth-watering treats include a unique Burns Birthday Feast (a free event). While his family prepare for his 37^th birthday, Burns is banished from the house and so heads out to reminisce on days gone by and to relive the adventures which inspired the words he wrote.

Join him and his faithful friend Alexander Cunningham around the village, meeting other characters who influenced his heart and his life, before returning to the cottage to watch (and sample) some traditional Scottish fayre – all prepared by Jean Armour.

Look out too for the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra, the Ayrshire Farmers Market, horse and cart trips through the village and even haggis hurling!

Ayr’s Gaiety theatre is also hosting two brand new events – a production of ’A Man’s a Man’ and a unique Burns Supper – both boasting stars of the screen and stage and, again a ticket to either event would be a superb treat for yourself, or a brilliant gift for someone special!

Councillor Grant concluded: "The life, work and times of Robert Burns have a special place in our hearts and his stature on a global platform is well known, attracting tourists from all over the world to this corner of Scotland and Alloway 1759 sits alongside the superb Burns an’ a’ that! festival weekend, coming up between Friday 24 May and
Sunday 26 May 2013.

"Alloway 1759 builds brilliantly on Burns’ legacy and I’d encourage people to come along, get involved and sample a slice of life and South Ayrshire hospitality – in true Burns tradition!"

See www.alloway1759.com for more information and details on how to book your tickets, but please remember the events are always popular, so book early to avoid disappointment!