They’re green, lean and, thanks to their bright green livery, will be conspicuous on the streets of South Ayrshire from this week!

Using funding of £75,000 from the Energy Savings Trust (EST) on behalf of Transport Scotland, the Council has bought four electric Peugeot iOn vehicles for business use – and installed local charging points to keep them topped up and ready for use.

The colourful new super-efficient electric cars are a perfect fit with the Council’s drive to reduce its carbon footprint and to encourage the use of cheaper, more economic ways for staff to attend meetings, while promoting the Council’s commitment to energy efficiency and climate change.

Each vehicle costs about £2 per day to charge fully, has a range of almost 100 miles between charges – and offers an equivalent fuel efficiency approaching 200 miles to the gallon, with costs less than 3p per mile!

Councillor John McDowall, Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and the Environment said: "The move to providing electric vehicles for staff to use between sites is a big a step for the Council and we’re grateful for the support of the EST to make it possible.

"Our electric vehicles are cheap to charge, incredibly efficient and will allow us to make substantial savings and we’re already looking at options to possibly purchase more.

The eye-catching cars will allow quick and convenient journeys to be made by staff between different Council sites and, using the funding, four charging points were installed at McCalls Avenue, Walker Road and Wellington Square in Ayr and at Masonhill Crematorium, so the cars can be easily topped up and ready for their next journey.

Councillor McDowall concluded: "The cars are bright, fun, simple to drive, easy to park and, best of all, put out no emissions when being driven, which is great news for the environment and clearly shows our commitment to tackling climate change. 

"That’s the most important message here and I’m delighted we’re literally getting it out and onto the road with these superb little cars!"

South Ayrshire residents are being asked to help shape the future of older people’s health and social care services. A new booklet and DVD are now available which set the scene and offer a range of ways for people to tell us what they think.

In Ayrshire and Arran the number of older people aged 85 and over is expected to rise by 30 per cent between 2012 and 2022. As older people in this age bracket tend to use more health and social care services we need to ensure that services can change to cope with these future demands.

As part of the ’Reshaping care for older people’ programme in Ayrshire and Arran, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, East, North and South Ayrshire Councils, the independent sector (care homes and care at homes services) and the voluntary and community (third) sector have worked together as partners through the Community Health Partnerships to draft a vision for services for the coming ten years. 

Nationally and locally, older people have been telling health and social care services that they wish to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. This has helped form the local ten-year vision for joint services for older people – ’Older people in Ayrshire and Arran enjoy full and positive lives within their own communities’.

Jean Hendry, Joint Chair of the South Ayrshire Community Health Partnership Officer Locality Group, said: "It is widely accepted that health and social care support needs to respond to the needs of the increasing population of older people in the years ahead.

"We need to think about how communities can continue to support older people to live full and positive lives. So we need local people to help us think about and shape how support could be provided differently in the future. Anyone can get involved – after all, this is about our ten-year vision so these changes will affect everyone at some point. I would urge people to get in touch with us. We have produced a DVD and booklet and have lots of ways for people to tell us what they think."

Eileen McCallum, star ofRiverCity, visited Ayrshire to introduce the DVD about reshaping care. On her travels she heard about how telehealth has made a difference to patients’ lives in South Ayrshire. Telehealth is a way for a patient’s health to be monitored through a computer which is linked to a healthcare professional. Martin Duffield from South Ayrshire, who has taken part in a pilot project involving patients with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), says: "It works for me. It is 100 per cent better than not having it."

Councillor Hugh Hunter, Chair of the South Ayrshire Community Health Partnership added: "Growing older is a fact of life and it is vital we take the right approach now, bringing health and social care services together, to listen to and work with older people, so we can all plan for the future.

"Making sure the views and needs of older people are properly considered and reflected in this process will help us to continue delivering high quality, relevant and beneficial services, so older people can live healthy, fulfilling lives in the community and in their own homes, for as long as possible."

People can request a copy of the DVD and information booklet in lots of different ways:

• Send a letter to:

FREEPOST RRRZ-TYRA-LGCTOlder people’s services

 Patient and Community Relations

 Eglinton House, Ailsa Hospital

 Dalmellington Road

 AYR KA6 6AB

• Email: Reshapingcare@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
• Telephone free: 0800 169 1441

The booklet is also available on the following websites:

www.nhsaaa.net

www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk

www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk

www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk

www.cvoea.co.uk

www.tsinorthayrshire.org.uk

www.voluntaryactionsouthayrshire.org.uk

www.scottishcare.org

People can also request a copy of the draft ten year vision for joint services for older people, and the three-year plans for East, North and South Ayrshire, by contacting us using any of the methods above.

Wallace Lashbrook, MBE, known as Wally, has celebrated his 100^th birthday in style.  Wally was born in Chilsworthy in Devon, he is a retired Squadron Leader and the most highly decorated living veteran. South Ayrshire Provost Helen Moonie visited Wally, who now lives in Prestwick, to congratulate him on his very special birthday. Joining in the celebrations was Depute Lord Lieutenant David Dickson, a family friend, who delivered a card to Wally on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.

Work has started on the construction of South Ayrshire Council’s latest brand new rural school building to accommodate the pupils and staff of Kirkmichael Primary School. This new school shows the Council’s commitment to rural education. Councillor Margaret Toner, Lifelong Learning Portfolio Holder cut the first sod at a ceremony to mark the occasion.

In December 2012 a new school building for Colmonell Primary School was completed and now the Council is further investing in rural primary education with a new Kirkmichael Primary School building.

The Council has funded the whole cost of the project, £2.3 million, to meet the cost of constructing a new school on the site of the old school, which has already been demolished. Pupils and staff from the school have been decanted to the McCosh Hall in Kirkmichael, where they will remain until the new school is completed in October 2013. 

Pupils joined Councillor Toner, local Councillors, staff from the school and officers involved in the project to take part in the sod cutting ceremony. Councillor Margaret Toner said: 

"The financial investment in the new Kirkmichael Primary School building clearly demonstrates our commitment to rural education. The old school building was constructed in the 1970s and was no longer fit for purpose and it was decided that a new school building was the best option.

"Designed to include landscaped external areas, classrooms, lifelong learning facility, assembly/dining areas, changing facilities, nursery accommodation and multi-purpose areas the new school building is fit for the 21^st century.

"The new facilities within the school will be of great benefit when delivering education through the Curriculum for Excellence, which provides a coherent, more flexible and encriched curriculum for pupils."

Access to the school will be through a secure, controlled area, from which the community will be able to access the lifelong learning room separating them from the pupils during the school day.

"Schools are important to our communities, which is why I am really pleased that members of the local community will be able to use the school in the evenings. One room will be available for local people at any time. This additional accommodation will supplement the facilities already available in the village at the McCosh Hall.

The classrooms cluster around a multi-purpose open area with exits from each classroom to the external play area. The dining and assembly hall is at the end of the main corridor providing easy access for the pupils and staff and secure re access to community users in the evening.

Here is what some of the children think about getting a new school building:

Chloe Hodge P7 said: "I hope they build the school at the weekends so it gets built faster."

Lauren Limond P7 said: "I am looking forward to watching it being built."

Craig Hodge P5 said: "I hope it has big classrooms."

Kori Mullen P2 said: "I can’t wait because there is going to be a big playground and the school will look different."

Marah Muir P2 said: "I am looking forward to playing with my friends in the new school."

Amy Hodge P2 said: "I am looking forward to running across the big playground."

Katie Bryan P6 said: "We will have lots of new, fresh furniture and supplies."

Aimee Gardner P6 said: "More new computers to help me with my work."

James Blane P6 said: "I can’t wait to see what the classrooms look like. They will give us more space."

 Art exhibitions at the County Buildings and the Town Hall in Ayr, to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day 2013, will feature artwork of pupils from 20 schools across South Ayrshire working with professional artists. The work was inspired by the theme of Holocaust Memorial Day 2013 ’Communities Together Build a Bridge’.

Holocaust Memorial Day has been held in the UK since 2001 and was declared an international event by the United Nations four years later. It is held each year on 27 January – the date in 1945 when the largest Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated.

The exhibitions will showcase work created by the pupils in remembrance of the victims of the people who lives were changed by the Holocaust, Nazi persecution and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and the ongoing atrocities today in Darfur.

The free exhibition at the County Buildings will be open to the public from 29 January to 7 February 2013 from 9am to 4.45pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4pm on Friday.

The free exhibition at the old jail cells in Ayr Town Hall will be open to the public from noon to 4pm from 30 January to 7 February 2013.

Councillor Margaret Toner, Lifelong Learning Portfolio Holder said: "It is very important that our students are able to become involved in activities for Holocaust Memorial Day. The theme this year, ’Communities Together Build a Bridge’ will be well reflected in the art work that schools across South Ayrshire have produced.

"The exhibitions will be very thought provoking and a chance to see the outstanding artistic talents of South Ayrshire pupils."

A free Baby and Toddler Fair, to promote services for parents and young children in the area, will be held in Lochside Community Centre on Tuesday 29 January 2013.

At the fair, which has been organised by South Ayrshire Council, there will be a number of stalls with activities from local services including: 

• Baby arts and crafts
• Infant oral health
• Infant first aid
• Baby massage demonstrations and sessions
• Fire home safety
• Early years nutrition
• Peep (Parents Early Education Partnership)
• Home safety
• Smoking cessation
• Childcare information
• Demonstrations/session

There will be free face painting, arts and crafts, balloons samples of baby products with students from Ayr College giving beauty treatments. Refreshments will also be available.

Winnie Strang. from Lochside who has a baby daughter Rebecca said: "I am really looking forward to visiting the Baby and toddler Fair at Lochside Community Centre on Tuesday 29 January. I am especially interested in learning how to do baby massage and the infant first aid demonstration."

A raffle will be held with all the processed raised going to Crosshouse Hospital Neonatal Unit. The prizes for the raffle were kindly donated by local businesses.                                                              

The Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Team will lead the organisation of a pan-Ayrshire presence at the national tourism trade show, VisitScotland Expo, being held at the SECC in Glasgow in April 2013.

Following on from the success of Ayrshire’s collaborative presence in previous years, the Tourism Team is co-ordinating an even bigger presence for 2013. Plans are underway to include up to ten of Ayrshire’s leading tourism operators who will come together on a custom-built stand designed to highlight the best of Ayrshire and Arran at Scotland’s flagship business to business event for the travel trade, which attracts hundreds of buyers from around the UK and worldwide markets.

Moira Birtwistle, Chair of the Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Leadership Group said: "I am delighted to support this initiative which showcases Ayrshire & Arran, stimulating interest and new business. It is a great opportunity and I would urge tourism operators to make the most of it."

"Expo is a fantastic opportunity to promote our wonderful area to buyers from around the world. The show returns to Glasgow this year and we are looking for industry partners to get on board and work with us to make sure that we have a strong presence to maximise new business for Ayrshire & Arran."

Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Team works in partnership with VisitScotland and industry representatives across Ayrshire to increase and development the tourism market, create jobs and encourage people to spend in the area.

Places are limited so interested businesses should contact Daniel Steel, Tourism Development Officer, at daniel.steel@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or call 01292 616197 to note interest and secure their place on the stand.

South Ayrshire Council has been gifted two needleworks, both depicting scenes from poetic works by Robert Burns.

’Auld Lang Syne’ and ’Tam’s Ride’ are superb examples of top class needlework and were given to the county by the Ayrshire Branch of the Embroiderer’s Guild – a handover that has been managed through the Ayr and Alloway Burns Clubs – and on behalf of the Scottish Women’s Rural Institute.

Receiving the artworks, Provost Helen Moonie said: "Firstly, I’m delighted to accept a work depicting a song we’re all familiar with: ’Auld Lang Syne’.

"The piece was created by Betty Rowan of the SWRI, is an exceptionally well crafted example of needlework and I’m proud to have it hanging here on the walls of Ayr Town Hall."

The second tableau showed the tale of Tam O’Shanter, the hero of Burn’s epic poem that appeared in the Edinburgh Magazine in March 1791.

Provost Moonie continued: "The moment where Nannie the witch catches hold of Meg’s tale, is preserved beautifully in this beautiful tapestry.

"The idea for this goes back to 1995, when Tom and Margaret Morrell, of Ayr Burns Club promoted the idea of a commemorative tableau to mark the 200^th anniversary of Burns’ death."

The piece was co-sponsored by Alloway Burns Club and Madeira Threads, with artwork by Elizabeth Baird. This was interpreted by Nita Richardson, then skilfully brought to life by the Ayrshire Branch of the Embroiderer’s Guild.

Provost Moonie concluded: "On behalf of the people of South Ayrshire and the Council, I’d like to say a big thank you for these gifts.

"In return, I offer my own commitment that both will be well looked after – and be made publicly available – so they can also be looked at (and fully appreciated) as truly stunning and important pieces of original artwork in their own right".

Caption: Pictured with Provost Helen Moonie (seated, centre) are Alison Tait, Chief Executive of Robert Burns World Federation, Jim Thomson, Junior Vice President of the Robert Burns World Federation, Councillor Bill Grant and representatives from Ayr and Alloway Burns Clubs, The Embroiderers Guild and Alloway Women’s Rural Institute.

South Ayrshire Council is making changes to its housing allocations policy as a result of welfare reforms being introduced by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) this year, which will affect Housing Benefit payments and the way housing applications are assessed.

From April 2013, Housing Benefit will be reduced for Council and housing association tenants who are classed as living in homes too large for their needs (under-occupation), using criteria defined by the DWP. The Council has changed its allocations policy to reflect the DWP criteria, and the number of bedrooms a housing applicant needs for their household will be reassessed using the same criteria.

Applicants for Council Housing will no longer have the automatic option of requesting an additional bedroom – and those who request this will have to confirm they understand the potential impact on the level of housing benefit they receive, payment of rent, and their position on the housing list.

Tenants who are currently living in 3 or 4 bedroom high-demand properties and who are willing to downsize by at least two bedrooms will be given priority for re-housing, subject to housing stock availability.

Councillor Philip Saxton, Portfolio Holder for Housing said: "The DWP changes are significant and far reaching and it is vital that all our tenants and those in the social rented sector fully understand what they might mean.

"We’ve already written to all our tenants and to applicants for Council houses, advising them of the changes we’ve made to make to our policy, when those changes take effect and how they might affect people’s benefits.

"We’ll also be outlining how to request an additional bedroom, should an applicant still require it and how to go about downsizing to an alternative size of property.

"South Ayrshire Council is fully committed to helping and supporting tenants and housing applicants through the DWP changes and for further information, or to organise a housing options interview, please telephone 0300 123 0900 or visit the Council’s website at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/housing."

The site of a former preparatory school that ’vanished’ in the 1960s has been formally marked and commemorated with a specially commissioned information board by some of its former pupils, local councillors and sponsors.

Built in 1853 Cambusdoon House as a luxurious mansion by wealthy businessman, philanthropist and MP James Baird. Baird had purchased the lands of Cambusdoon Estate in the mid-19^th century with a view to living there with his wife Charlotte, who he had married in 1852.

Tragically, Charlotte died in 1857 and was buried at Alloway Kirk – the first interment in the church the Bairds had endowed a short time earlier. Baird remained in the house until his death in 1876, when he was laid to rest next to Charlotte.

The house remained privately owned until 1926, when it was sold to the Reverend Harry Horton and converted into the Cambusdoon Preparatory School for Boys.

The school remained in service until 1967, with the school and land being sold to Ayr Town Council in 1968 – with many options explored for possible future use. However, when the full extent of damage to the building from the elements was known, the preferred option of demolition (the building had been deemed unsafe) was implemented, leaving only a stone archway as a reminder to what once had been.

Robert Knox, son of the school’s last groundsman, still lives in the former gardener’s cottage on the site and suggested to local Councillor Bill Grant, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure that the school might be commemorated in some way.

Councillor Grant explained: "Unknown to us, at the same time a local resident, Brian Williamson had been researching the ’mysterious’ stone archway he had walked past as a child and wondered what it was and how a building containing such a grand archway could simply vanish from public life.

"His extensive research put him in touch with Robert and myself, along with ex-pupil, David Paterson who now lives in Thurso, who had established an internet forum for Old Cambusdonians.

"The idea of marking the life of James Baird, together with the history of Cambusdoon House and School, with an information board, was born and Brian managed the overall project, including the historical research, the design, build and installation of the board, which now stands proudly in front of the stone arch."

Along with a number of proud former pupils and local Councillor Allan Dorans, the new board was officially unveiled by Councillor Grant, David and Brian, with a dedication being read by the Reverend Neil McNaught, Minister of Alloway Parish Church.

Councillor Grant concluded: "I’m thrilled that a slice of history in Alloway is now properly and professionally recorded and am delighted with the level of interest and support this wee bit of local detective work has resulted in.

"Even within living memory, it’s amazing how quickly history can be lost to us and it’s thanks to the efforts of Robert Knox, Brian Williamson and the support of David Paterson that we’ve been able mark the site of the old mansion house, record the life and times of James Baird and commemorate the site of the Cambusdoon Prep School.

Photo caption: Proud former pupils of Cambusdoon Prep School are pictured with local Councillor Allan Dorans, Councillor Bill Grant, David Paterson and Brian Williamson as the new information board is unveiled. A dedication was read by the Reverend Neil McNaught, Minister of Alloway Parish Church.

Historical notes:

The Cambusdoon Estate

In the mid 19^th century the Ironmaster James Baird of Auchmedden purchased the small estate of Craigweil and the farmland of Greenfield. It is believed he then commisioned the celebrated architect David Bryce to build an imposing mansion-house of Scots Baronial style. The building was completed in 1853 and was named "Cambusdoon House".

James Baird

James Baird was born in December 1802 in the run-down farm of Kirkwood in Old Monklands, the fourth of ten children, he initially worked on the farm but, with the advent of the industrial revolution, began sinking mine shafts on the land. James then followed his two brothers, William and Alexander, into the coal industry. Later the whole family set up the iron works, Bairds of Gartsherrie, which employed many thousands.

Later still, Baird was to move into the textile business, supplying the early Marks & Spencer stores. Always concerned that his employees had good working conditions and proper housing, the Bairds also endowed many schools and churches.

James Baird was also a Director of the Forth and Clyde Canal Company, a magistrate for Lanarkshire, and a deputy-lieutenant for the counties of Ayr and Inverness and represented the Falkirk group of burghs in the House of Commons from 1851-57.

After retiring from parliament he devoted much of his time to religious and educational questions, In 1873 he set up his own charitable trust to counter "the mitigations of spiritual destitution among the population of Scotland and secure the upbringing of the young". Baird set the trust up with £500,000 – a staggering sum in those days and over £250,000 is still paid out every year.

Baird died on 20 June 1876, here at Cambusdoon and was buried at Alloway Church. His widow, Isabella Agnew continued to occupy the mansion until her death in 1904.

Alloway Parish Church

In October 1856 a meeting took place at Cambusdoon House when, "the want of a church, in the vicinity of Alloway, and the best means of supplying that want" were considered.

James Baird insisted that a church and session house be provided on a piece of land at Alloway Croft gifted from part of his Cambusdoon lands. He also gave generously to both the building fund and endowment fund. The church building cost £1785 to build and the foundation stone was laid on 30th June 1857 by Baird’s wife Charlotte Lockhart who tragically was buried within its grounds only months later.

After Baird’s death plans were presented for an extension on his behalf to provide space for 80 more "sitters" It was whilst this work was being undertaken that subscriptions were raised by the people of Alloway to commemorate James Baird and a grand new window installed.

Cambusdoon Preparatory School
After the death of James Baird’s widow in 1904, the county valuation rolls suggest the fine mansion house was mothballed until 1925 when the estate including the mansion house, a lodge, two cottages, kitchen gardens, glass houses, policies grounds and lawn extending to 20 acres was sold to the Rev Harry Horton.

By 1926 Cambusdoon School Ltd had been formed and the Mansion House began its new life as a Boys Preparatory School, a role which ended when it closed in 1967. At this time the house and the remainding grounds were purchased by Ayr Town Council who explored various uses for the building before deciding to remove the roof, doors, windows and internal features and turn the building into a landscaped ruin. By the mid 1970’s the elements had penetrated the internal wooden lintels and the building was considered unsafe. The building was then demolished, leaving the remaining stone arch as a memorial to its fascinating history.

Following the successful premier of Tam O’Shanter – The Mornin Eftir’ in December 2012 RecoveryAyr are delighted to perform the show again as part of the Alloway 1759 Festival.  

The original script takes Robert Burns’s famous poem and imagines things the day after Tam’s famous ride. His long-suffering wife, Kate, has had enough of Tam’s wild lifestyle and has dreamt up a scheme that promises to give Tam a ’reality check’ and cure him of his bad habits once and for all!

To do this Kate engages the services of the Devil himself! Nannie the witch (and Maggie the horse) in order to give Tam the fright of his life - but watch out... everything in this spooky supernatural play is not what it appears to be..!

Come along and watch RecoveryAyr’s original panto which is part of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum ’Independent Mind project’. Shows are taking place on Sunday 27January at 1.30pm and 3.13pm in the Red Room, Burns Cottage. 

Find out more and see the full programme of events at: www.alloway1759.com

Tennis Scotland is the governing body for tennis in Scotland who work closely with the Lawn Tennis Association and sportscotland to develop the sport across the country in clubs, schools and parks and by providing the best coaching and facilities for the next generation of Scottish tennis stars.

A brand new wheelchair tennis club has been set up at Prestwick Tennis Centre, thanks to the successful partnership working between South Ayrshire Council, Prestwick Sports and Leisure, Tennis Scotland and the Tennis Foundation.

Four new wheelchairs, designed for wheelchair tennis players, will make a real difference to the lives of some disabled sportsmen and women in South Ayrshire.

The Tennis Foundation is Great Britain’s leading tennis charity whose vision is to make tennis inclusive and accessible to every kind of community. The Tennis Foundation provides opportunities to encourage people to both play and enjoy tennis, as well as to maximise their personal potential through the sport.

The wheelchair tennis club started when four tennis wheelchairs were donated to Prestwick Sports and Leisure by Tennis Scotland and the Tennis Trust following a successful application to the Dan Maskall Trust. Six adult wheelchair users currently attend regular weekly training sessions.

Councillor Bill Grant, Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure Portfolio Holder for the Council said: "Through partnership working we have been able to extend opportunities to people with disabilities to learn wheelchair tennis or to improve their existing skills.

"The new wheelchairs are specially designed to play wheelchair tennis, they are lightweight, easy to handle, non-tipping and very manoeuvrable.

"We were all mesmirised by the Paralympian wheelchair tennis players in 2012 and I am sure that they have left a lasting legacy, inspiring many people with disabilities to take up the sport."

An additional four new adult tennis wheelchairs will be delivered in February 2013 following another successful application to the Dan Maskall Trust through local charity South Ayrshire Access to Sport.

Andrew Raitt from Tennis Scotland said: "This is a great example of successful partnership working between Tennis Scotland, South Ayrshire Council and Prestwick Sports & Leisure.   Tennis Scotland is committed to making tennis an inclusive sport for everyone to enjoy. Hopefully these tennis wheelchairs will enable disabled people who were inspired by the Paralympics an opportunity to try wheelchair tennis in South Ayrshire."

Janice Rogerson from Prestwick Sports and Leisure said: "Prestwick Sports & Leisure is delighted to be associated with such a worthwhile initiative. We are a community based sports club, and it is a real benefit to our tennis programme to be able to provide wheelchair tennis."

Connor McQuade, aged 25, one of the existing wheelchair tennis players was delighted to see the new wheelchairs, he said: "The wheelchair tennis sessions at Prestwick are trenendous fun. Not only have they allowed me to learn a new challenging but rewarding sport, they’ve also given me the chance to get the exercise I need to boost the quality of my health and also my self confidence."

In 2013 the Council and the Tennis Trust will be running a healthy living programme in selected mainstream and supported education schools in South Ayrshire during February and March and also with the assistance from the Tennis Trust it is anticipated that the tennis programme will be extended in the future to juniors and individuals with learning needs.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about wheelchair tennis in South Ayrshire should contact Prestwick Sports and Leisure on 01292 474700, fax 01292 473030. If you have an enquiry about additional support needs please contact Colin Duthie, South Ayrshire Council, Additional Support Needs and Performance Officer on 01292 617651 colin.duthie@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

South Ayrshire Provost Helen Moonie has today (25 January 2013) unveiled a large oil painting of Robert Burns at County Hall at County Buildings in Ayr, to mark the Bard’s 254^th birthday.

The painting, originally from a collection of exhibition artworks at Rozelle House in Ayr, is a good copy by an unknown artist and is thought to date to at least the 19^th Century, capturing Scotland’s national poet in a relaxed pose, aged about 28.

Provost Moonie explained: "There are two schools of thought on the origins of our painting, with some believing it is copied from an engraving by John Beugo, a friend of Burns, from February 1787 and commissioned for the publication of Burns’ book: ’Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect’ published that year by William Creech.

"As the engraving was made during Burns’ lifetime by someone who knew him well it is likely that this is the best likeness of the Bard, a claim given further credibility in that Burns subsequently wrote to Beugo to congratulate him on the image."

Additionally, in a copy of the book given to a friend Burns wrote:

I send you a trifle, a head of a Bard
A trifle not worthy your care;
But accept it, good sir, as a mark of regard
Sincere as a Saint’s dying prayer.

However, another school of thought suggests that the painting is actually based on the portrait of Burns by Alexander Nasmyth, also from 1787, which now hangs in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Provost Moonie concluded: "What we can say is that our painting is very similar in style to both the Buego and Nasmyth portraits and as both of these date to the same year, it suggests very strongly that we have a very good and early likeness of Robert Burns gracing the wall here at County Hall."

The painting – and other artworks at County Buildings – can be viewed by the general public during office hours and visitors are asked to report to reception to sign in on arrival.

Work is progressing on the regeneration of Ayr’s Lochside community, as part of a £9 million pound project to regenerate parts of the community.

The project includes the development of 58 new Council homes on the land at the former greyhound stadium, and new high quality homes to replace nine unimproved blocks of maisonette flats on Ferguson Street and Sloan Street.

Most tenants have been rehoused, however a small number of South Ayrshire residents  in the maisonettes in Lochside which are going to be demolished will be given priority for rehousing.

Councillor Philip Saxton, Housing and Customer First Portfolio Holder said: "The multi million pound housing project in Lochside is being progressed, and the demolition of these maisonettes is another important phase.

The Council’s Local Housing Strategy aims to: 

• Ensure people in South Ayrshire can find a place to stay
• Build sustainable and better communities which local people can be proud of.
• Prevent homelessness across the Council as far as possible.  

Councilor Saxton concluded: "By awarding priority to a small number of people who are at risk of homelessness as a result of the planned demolition, will ensure that the Lochside transformation continues."

A talented green-fingered shop worker who admitted she ’got in a guddle’ when it came to figures and maths is celebrating 2013 with some great news!

Diane Brockie got in touch with South Ayrshire Council’s Learning Shop in 2011, having approached staff there for help with numeracy because she felt her lack of confidence with measurements, figures and sums was holding her back from being promoted in her job.

Now, not only has she scooped the Learning Shop’s ’Learner of the Year Award’ for last year, Diane has also got her promotion – along with a very welcome pay rise!

Diane explained: "At first I was terrified, as I felt I was going to have to go back to school, but the Learning Shop was completely different to what I expected.

"For a start, it’s not a classroom, which was a big reassurance for me and I soon discovered it’s a fantastic warm and friendly place where the emphasis is on enjoying learning.

"What a difference! I felt I had failed at school by not learning the basics of maths and numbers but my tutor, Kay, was superb, starting with the basics of simple addition and subtraction, moving on to multiplication and more.

"In fact, because I was enjoying my learning so much, it all seemed so much easier second time around and as I quickly moved on to more complex things, such as fractions, area and percentages, my confidence rocketed!"

Councillor Margaret Toner, Portfolio Holder for Lifelong Learning commented: "Diane’s achievements in learning and at work are superb and she has worked hard to be successful, with a determined and positive approach.

"Her story is very typical of many adult learners who really want to fill a gap in their reading, writing or numeracy knowledge, but feel awkward about coming forward to do this.

"The first step is always the most daunting one to take and staff at The Learning Shop completely understand this.

"Their approach is flexible, friendly and tailored exactly to the needs of the new learner, whatever their level of confidence. Just popping in for a quick chat, or lifting the phone for some friendly advice could turn out to be life changing."

Julia Wooley, senior Literacies and Development Worker at the Learning Shop added: "We also understand that some people may not have enjoyed school and coming back to learn may seem a bit like returning to the classroom.

"However, learning methods have changed and we offer a completely different environment with a relaxed atmosphere, all aimed at supporting people, helping them achieve success!"

Diane concluded: "At long last I’m able to help my customers with their paving stone, wallpaper and laminate floor measurement enquiries.

"In the gardening section, I can work out sizes of planters and the amount of soil each requires.

"I’ve got such a buzz from my new found skills I’m even thinking about starting my own business of filling and selling plants in planters and troughs and I’ve even started designing garden furniture!

"From being scared out of my wits, I now love learning and have a real thirst to continue. My tutor Kay has been a great inspiration and motivator and, if I can learn new things, anyone can!

"I’d really encourage anyone who is worried about reading, writing or maths to get in touch with the Learning Shop because, with their help support, it’s a combination that really does add up!"

If you would like to learn more, phone The Learning Shop on 01292 263304 or drop in for a chat on the corner of New Bridge Street, Ayr.  

Seven outdoors spaces in South Ayrshire have been submitted as the local nomination for the Queen Elizabeth Fields Challenge run by the Fields Trust. If successful these outdoor spaces will be dedicated for recreational use in the future. 

Councillor John McDowall, Sustainability and the Environment Portfolio Holder for the Environment said: "We have a duty to do all we can to protect outdoors spaces, so that they can be enjoyed by residents and visitors in South Ayrshire.

"Being outside, whether it is for a gentle stroll or for something more energetic such as playing rugby, is good for mental and physical health. 

"I believe that the places we have nominated for the Queen Elizabeth Fields Challenge are all worthy contenders. There will be a plaque placed at all of the successful locations saying that they have been designated as a Queen Elizabeth field.   

 The South Ayrshire fields nominated for consideration are: 

• Corsehill Gardens, Monument Road, Ayr.
• Recreation Ground, Main Street, Colmonell.
• Kirkmichael Playing Field, Boleastyle Cresent/Straiton Road, Kirkmichael.
• Symington Playing Field, Brewlands Road, Symington.
• Orchard Gardens, The Avenue, Girvan.
• Straiton Playing Field, Main Street,/Knockbreck Road, Straiton
• The Deer Park, Belleisle Estate, Ayr              

The National Playing Fields Association, operating as Fields in Trust, a registered charity, is undertaking the Queen Elizabeth Fields Challenge to protect 2012 playing fields and spaces across the country. 

This project is being undertaken to build on lasting legacy from the Diamond Jubilee, the London Olympics and Paralympics 2012 and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014. The patron of the challenge is His Royal Highness Prince William, Earl of Strathearn. 

Given the Commonwealth Games in 2014, Fields in Trust has set a target of 214 protected spaces in Scotland as a contribution to this challenge.

Two young South Ayrshire Council employees, Kristofor Breingan an apprentice plasterer and Michael Smith an apprentice joiner, have been announced as finalists in the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Scotland building and housing apprentice of the year awards.

APSE is a not for profit organisation working with local authorities throughout the UK. Their awards recognise apprentices and the local authorities they are employed by, who have shown a commitment to developing apprenticeships and building skills within Scotland.

Winners in each category will be decided following an interview of all shortlisted apprentices by a panel of independent judges. The awards will be held during the APSE Scotland Building and Housing Seminar at Peebles Hydro on Thursday 21 February 2013.

Councillor Robin Reid, Resource and Performance Portfolio Holder for the Council said: Kristofor and Mark are outstanding examples of apprentices who have shown a commitment to learning their trade and delivering high quality services to people across South Ayrshire.

"Apprenticeships give people the opportunity to learn practical skills, while undertaking courses at college. The Council continue to invest in our young people by extending the range of apprenticeships on offer.

"To make it to the finals of the APSE awards is indeed a triumph. I am positive that Kirstofor and Michael ill be an inspiration to others who are thinking about becoming an apprentice."

The Council currently has 14 craft apprentices who are studying to be plasterers, slaters, plumbers, joiners, electricians and bricklayers.

On hearing the news that they had been selected as finalists in the awards Kristofor Breingan, aged 20, said: "I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship as a plasterer with South Ayrshire Council and always work to the best of my abilities. To be nominated for the APSE Awards is a great honour and now that I have found out I am a finalist I am ecstatic and feel that all the hard work has really paid off."

Michael Smith, aged 21, said: "I am very happy to have been presented with this opportunity to be nominated for the final stages of the APSE Awards. Both myself and the team at South Ayrshire Council have put in a lot of effort for me to compete for this prestigious award as APSE Apprentice of the year where I will be up against modern apprentices from all over Scotland."

Kristofor Breingan joined the Council as a skill seeker and then successfully applied for an apprenticeship. He attends college in Glasgow and after his first year gained the Apprentice of the Year award. During his second year Kristofor has been studying ornamental plaster work and once again he was named Apprentice of the Year. He was named Inspirational Young Employee of the Year at the Council’s Outstanding People Awards in 2011. During the third year of his apprenticeship he continues to enhance his knowledge and practical skills.

Michael Smith, during his time as an apprentice has acquired a high level of skills as a joiner and has also developed his communication and customer service skills. This has been done through studying at college and using his practical skills on a wide range of projects. Michael carries out a varied range of tasks in Council buildings and properties occupied by Council tenants. Learning to work with other tradespeople has been a crucial part of his development, particularly when working as part of the Emergency and Urgent Squad. A dedicated employee he is keen to develop his career in future years.

Improved performances in education and significant successes in youth development, community safety and housing are some of the key highlights in South Ayrshire Council’s Children and Community fourth annual report (2011/12) published this week.

Building on the consultations and focus group exercises in the previous year, the annual report also provides some excellent feedback on how local residents feel about the way Council services have been delivered to them in areas such as home care, additional support needs, child protection, museums and galleries and community learning.

Overall, the report shows improvements in almost all areas of operation, with particular success in youth development – with almost half of all young people who achieve a prestigious national Platinum Youth Award coming from South Ayrshire.

The Council has also maintained its position as the leading Scottish local authority in delivering the Duke of Edinburgh Award, with 387 pupils gaining the award – a superb increase of 60% on the previous year.

Impressively, 811 pupils achieved the junior development award (an increase of 10% on last year) and 851 pupils achieved the John Muir Award for conservation and outdoor learning – an increase of almost 40% on 2010/11.

Encouraging young people to take an active part in their local community also saw 10,401 sign up to take part in youth work programmes which included youth literacy support through groups such as young Mums and the Skills Towards Employment Project (STEP). 

In education, SQA exam performances in 4^th and 6^th years were outstanding with pupils recording the best set of results in eight years. Improvements were also noted in reading and mathematical attainment in primary schools. 5^th year performances have remained reasonably consistent over the last four years, with minor fluctuations both upwards and downwards (around 1%) year-on-year.

Commenting on the results, Councillor Margaret Toner, Portfolio Holder for Lifelong Learning said: "There is no doubt we are delivering Curriculum for Excellence in a way that ensures our pupils get the best possible chances to succeed, reach their full potential and achieve their own ambitions.  

"The Children and Communities annual report for this year shows we are delivering high quality services and a superb programme of education to our pupils and children which, in some cases, see us out in the lead at a national level.

"From exams to exclusions, additional support to extra-curricular activity, the report is clear evidence of ongoing and continuous improvement in service delivery and how people respond to what we are trying to achieve.

Other educational and learning successes included:

• A significant reduction in school exclusions with 5 in primary and 38 in secondary schools, reductions of 45% and 53% respectively on last year and an increase in the numbers of pupils in S4 and S5 staying on in school.
• An improvement in the number of people with learning disabilities in education, with 27% in further education (national average is 10%).
• 1,043 adults helped with literacy and skills improvement in reading, writing and counting.

From a community perspective the report also highlighted:

• An increase of 13% in the number of weeks respite offered to adults and older people who care for others.
• High profile campaigns run to improve community safety awareness included support for the white ribbon campaign, against violence towards women, the development of a Fire Safety Project to help prevent fires at home, particularly among vulnerable residents and a Risk Free Steps initiative for older people, designed to prevent injuries caused by falls.
• All homeless people presenting for accommodation are now treated as a priority and the Council’s now has 70% of all housing advice staff trained to national standard levels – up from 42% last year. Further work needs to be undertaken in respect of repairs to rented properties and speeding up the time it takes to process some homeless applications and we’re working hard on those areas.
• An Olympic Torch ’Air’ written and performed by a choir of 120 school pupils and 40 senior musicians and a DVD of the event, providing a legacy for future reference.
• Community engagement continuing with enterprise, regeneration and care projects in Wallacetoun, Newton, Lochside, Girvan, Maybole, Mossbown, Troon, Kincaidston and Glendoune.
• The development of strong links with the Armed Forces through the Firm Base group covering all of Ayrshire.

Councillor Rita Miller, Portfolio Holder for Social Services added: "I’m delighted we have been able to deliver improved services to our communities, particularly to our most vulnerable residents and especially as we have has less to spend.

"We’re continuing to listen carefully to what our residents want and will work hard to deliver on those expectations.

"Working together in partnership with our communities and other agencies is really producing some positive results and the level of support and commitment to our aims and ambitions from residents and communities as we move forwards, is absolutely superb.

"I’m confident we can build on these excellent outcomes as we work to make things better for all children and residents in every one of our South Ayrshire communities."

A video clip of Minister for External Affairs and International Development, Humza Yousaf, commenting on the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award is available athttp://bit.ly/148rDsC.

Sailors from around the globe, as well as the local community in South Carrick, are set to benefit from significant improvements to facilities at Girvan Harbour. New pontoons, updated security and services will modernise the harbour area.

South Ayrshire Council has appointed Varis Engineering Limited to replace the pontoons at Girvan Harbour with 35 new pontoon berths for a range of vessel sizes. Each pontoon will have an electricity and water supply secure quayside access and CCTV security cameras to provide a modern, yacht safe haven. 

This £0.5 million investment in Girvan has been funded by the Council, Scottish Enterprise and the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund – INTERREG IVA Cross-Border Programme through the Sail West Project.

The Sail West Project is a collaborative initiative led by Donegal County Council on behalf of 20 funding partners, and comprises a programme of investment in an agreed series of infrastructure improvements and product development. It also includes a joint marketing campaign under the MalinWaters brand umbrella to promote marine tourism between the West of Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Councillor John McDowall , Sustainability and Environment Portfolio Holder said: "This investment demonstrates South Ayrshire Council’s commitment to Girvan Harbour and recognises its valuable role in supporting fishing, local business, tourism and leisure. The installation of modern pontoons is the beginning of the realisation of our longer term vision to improve the harbour for all users."

Moira Birtwhistle, Chair Ayrshire Tourism Leadership Group said: "Sailing is a key asset to Ayrshire and Arran’s tourism offering. The new fully serviced pontoons will complement the excellent leisure boating facilities along Ayrshire’s stunning coastline and help reposition Girvan as a not-to-be missed port of call for yachts exploring the lower Clyde and beyond."

Michael Wright from Scottish Enterprise said: "Sailing tourism is a growing market for Scotland and the investment at Girvan will help attract more touring boats into the Clyde and the West Coast sailing waters beyond. The new facilities at Girvan very much compliment the recent investment in sailing instrastructure made up and down the coast in places such as Stranraer, Largs and Greenock."

Frank McGrogan, the Sail West Project Manager employed by Donegal County Council, said: "The upgrade of the yacht haven is a vital element in the Sail West strategy due to Girvan’s strategic location. The improved facility will undoubtedly strengthen the sailing product in the Malin Sea region by facilitating the movement of vessels travelling on both a north south Irish Sea axis and the east west Ireland to Scotland axis."