Country village pub and restaurant in Ayrshire Scotland for sale

KIRKMICHAEL ARMS (pictured below), a traditional inn dating back to around the year 1800 located within the picturesque village of Kirkmichael, 10 miles south-east of Ayr, is up for sale and on the market.


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Occupying a prominent corner position in the centre of the village on the junction of Straiton Road and Patna Road, the fully fitted accommodation comprises three linked restaurant areas, a public bar, a games room, a kitchen, customer toilets, store rooms, cellarage and two rooms at first floor level.

A spokesman for the selling agents said: “The Kirkmichael Inn is a long established village local pub which, though currently closed, previously enjoyed a good reputation for food, together with a local wet sales trade within the public bar and games room. The property therefore offers an opportunity to quickly re-establish a popular venue in an attractive village setting.”

The premises are fitted along traditional lines internally with separate access to both the bar and restaurant areas. The property has a gross internal floor area of 222 sq m.

Offers in excess of £229,950 are invited.

E-mail enquiries: editor@ayrshirebusinessnews.com

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Scottish Government delivers £100 million
for affordable housing in Scotland

By: Murdoch MacDonald

DELIVERY of affordable homes across Scotland will be accelerated, as a result of bringing forward up to £100 million of spending through the Affordable Housing Investment Programme, First Minister Alex Salmond (pictured below) announced today.


The First Minister delivered the annual Donald Dewar Lecture at the Edinburgh Book Festival this evening, in which he set out a package of Scottish Government actions to strengthen the Scottish economy.

In advance of the lecture, Mr Salmond published a new housing policy document responding to the changing economic climate.

The announcement builds on the package of major housing system reforms announced by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in June, which included additional support for first-time buyers, incentives for a new generation of council housing, and increased protection for home owners.

The full programme Mr Salmond detailed in his lecture - to help Scotland meet the immediate economic challenges, promote growth and support business confidence - follows an urgent review by the Scottish Cabinet of the Government’s policies and spending plans. It includes:

* Bringing forward up to £100 million of affordable housing investment to be spent this year and next, rather than 2010-11 as originally planned. Some £60 million will be committed from national government programmes and, in line with the Concordat, the Scottish Government is discussing a further £40 million from local government.

* New criteria for housing associations to purchase unsold stock or land to deliver houses where they are needed, at best cost to the public purse.

* European Structural Funds: on top of the £180 million that the Scottish Government has already committed to spend from the 2007-13 Programmes, front-load a high share of the remaining funds to support high-quality projects and provide a direct stimulus to the Scottish economy.

* Planning: postpone the review of the system of developer contributions in Scotland, to avoid placing new burdens on development at this time.

* Tourism: new steps to ensure Scottish tourism reaps the full benefit of Homecoming 2009.

* Energy: bulk purchasing of electricity to across the public sector to safeguard the public services, and make it easier for businesses to increase their energy efficiency through a range of government schemes.

* Financial services: bring together the key players - including the major mortgage lenders - to examine the scope for easing the supply of credit to households and businesses

Speaking during a visit to a housing development in Pitlochry earlier today, First Minister Alex Salmond said:

“The global economic downturn is affecting economies across the world, and clearly Scotland cannot be fully insulated from its effects.

“But there are two reasons why the economic outlook for Scotland is positive. First, the Scottish economy continues to show encouraging signs of resilience. Second, Scotland has a Government that, despite its limited economic powers, will take decisive action to strengthen our performance and prospects. We will not simply sit back and wait for conditions to get better.

“One of our highest priorities is taking action on housing in Scotland. That is why we have published the next steps for our housing policy, and why up to £100 million capital spending will be brought forward to support these efforts and help us to meet demand for affordable housing.

“These actions will help more people across find new housing of the right kind, in the right numbers, in the right places. The new development on Castle Dubh Loan in Pitlochry is a great example of high quality, rented accommodation giving people homes to be proud of.

“As part of the full programme we are announcing to meet the immediate economic challenges, promote growth and support business confidence, this investment will help us to maintain Scotland’s reputation as Europe’s place of the future.”

This accelerated investment is made possible by a wider reallocation of capital spending, which will be delivered within the existing Scottish budget.

The Affordable Housing Investment Programme is allocated mainly to RSLs (Registered Social Landlords). Approximately 70 per cent of the programme is spent on helping RSLs to meet demand for new social housing for rent, on average subsidising just over two-thirds of the construction costs of each new housing unit.

First Minister Alex Salmond visited a 10-unit housing development at Castle Dubh Loan in Pitlochry this afternoon. The development is comprised of six houses and four flats (two for older people), taken forward under the Larach Initiative by six Housing Associations working together.

www.scotland.gov.uk

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Culzean Autoclassica brings world motoring
heritage to Ayrshire next weekend

By: Les Hannah

ALL roads lead to Culzean Castle in South Ayrshire this coming Bank Holiday weekend 23-24 August, with the first annual international heritage motoring festival the Culzean Autoclassica attracting crowds of participants and spectators.


[Pictured: Morris Oxford and Aston Martin.]

With 50 automobile clubs being represented at the event, around 400 vehicles and exhibitors will be on show on Saturday, building up to 700 for the main event on Sunday.


[De Dion Bouton 1899.]

Over one hundred years of motoring heritage will be on display throughout the weekend, with entrants travelling from all corners of the UK, bringing vehicles ranging from an 1899 De Dion Bouton through to the latest high performance and super cars from the likes of Ferrari, Aston Martin and Jaguar.


[Ferrari F40.]

An added attraction will be the many historic and classic motor sports and race vehicles that will be taking part in driving demonstrations and convoy drives around the estate, allowing visitors to view and hear the vehicles in motion.

Included in the paddock line-up will be cars once driven by Ayrton Senna (F3 Van Diemen) and James Hunt (Hesketh).

Many of the single vehicle and club entrants present will be dressed in the appropriate apparel to reflect the age of their vehicle, and entrants with post-70s vehicles will be arriving in period dress of the 40s to 60s.

Visitors to the event are also being invited to join in with the theme and help create a surreal spectacle that will be unique to a classic vehicle gathering in Scotland, and spot prizes will be awarded over the weekend to the best retro dressed entrants and visitors.

Other attractions being held during the weekend include a Soap Box Grand Prix, a Concours d’Elegance, fashion shows and live 50s-style music accompanied by appropriately dressed dancers who will entertain visitors relaxing in the castle’s magnificent courtyard.

The Autoclassica promises to be a great day out for all the family, and with free parking on site the admission prices are as follows.

Saturday 23 August: Adults £8; Concessions £5; NTS Members £2.
Children under 14 Free (accompanied by an adult).
Sunday 24 August: Adults £10; Concessions £5; NTS members £5.
Children under 14 Free (accompanied by an adult)

For further information please visit the website at www.culzeanautoclassica.com or www.culzeanexperience.org
E-mail: info@culzeanautoclassica.com
Telephone: 01655 880045 or 01465 811151.

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Ladies Night attracts thousands to Ayr Racecourse

By: Iain Ferguson

OH what a night! That was Ladies Night at Ayr Racecourse last Saturday as the rain stayed away and glamorous girls turned out in their thousands.


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There were hats in all shapes and sizes, dresses designed to brighten up even the dullest evening, and heels that should have carried a health warning.


A crowd of more than 6,300 enjoyed a great night’s racing followed by entertainment from Counselled Out playing in the Ayrshire Suite and Midnight performing in the Horseshoe Bar.

The night got off to a great start for hundreds of girls enjoying Hen Nights at the course when the aptly named Almost Married romped home in the first race at odds of 14/1.

The champagne lawns were buzzing as the girls took advantage of a bright dry evening to sit outside and soak in the atmosphere of what is fast becoming THE social event of the year in Ayr.

And at the end of the night, nine lucky ladies bagged a silver coin and a place in Ladies Day Final on 19 September when the top prize is a silver Alfa Romeo Spider 2.2 JTS convertible worth £25,000 courtesy of sponsors Kerr & Smith/Iveco Trucks, suppliers of commercial vehicles in South West Scotland.

Second prize is a £3,000 white gold Vivienne Westwood necklace and ear-rings set with diamonds and pearls and is provided by Oghams the Jewellers of Ayr and Edinburgh. And third prize is a seven night Ocean Village cruise for two plus flights courtesy of Stewart Travel of Prestwick.

Overall Best Dressed Lady on Saturday was Wendy Rattray of Glasgow who won a complete Beauty Makeover from KZ Hair. Other silver coin winners were Ann Marie Murray, Irvine; Linda Reynolds, Glasgow; Sharri Parker, Crosshouse; Yvonne Brown, Gourock; Gwen Cochrane, Kilmarnock; Audrey Thomson, East Kilbride; Alana Montgomery, Kilmarnock and Kate Godfrey of Dorset.

Ayr Racecourse marketing manager Lindsey Smith was delighted with the night. “We were so lucky with the weather”, she admitted. “All the ladies made a huge effort and a lot of thought was put into the various outfits, meaning the standard was the highest ever and our judges had a difficult time picking the winners.

“Now everyone is looking forward to Ladies Day Final when more silver coins will be won and 27 girls will then draw a horse running in the Silver Cup and have a chance of winning a terrific prize.”

www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk

OTHER LINKS:

Kerr & Smith

Ogham Designer Jewellery

Stewart Travel

Stewart Corporate Travel

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Scottish Education Minister Fiona Hyslop
visits South Ayrshire Council

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Fiona Hyslop visited South Ayrshire Council Headquarters for a business meeting with chief executive David Anderson and a group of councillors and chief officers.


[Pictured at the County Buildings in Ayr are (left to right) councillors Hywel Davies and Brian Connolly, deputy leader of the Council Margaret Toner, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Fiona Hyslop, South Ayrshire Council chief executive David Anderson and councillor Ian Douglas.]

The minister then visited Queen Margaret Academy in Ayr to meet participants of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Pilot Project, part of the recognition of wider achievement within the Curriculum for Excellence.

Scottish Government Ministers have been visiting local authorities during the summer to discuss various aspects of Curriculum for Excellence as well as other education and social matters that can affect young people in their home environment. It has also been an opportunity to highlight the work being carried out by the Council through a range of initiatives to address the needs of those being educated in South Ayrshire schools.

South Ayrshire Council deputy leader Margaret Toner said: “By working with the Scottish Government, we can shape the future of education in South Ayrshire and provide young people with the necessary foundation stones for a good education.”

Curriculum for Excellence challenges all those involved in education to review the curriculum for children and young people between 3 and 18 years of age. It encourages everyone engaged in educational activity to take responsibility for developing the capacities, attributes and capabilities necessary for children and young people in the 21st century. It also encourages a fresh look at creative, innovative approaches for organising learning to offer experiences that are more personal, provide greater choice and appropriate challenges.

While at Queen Margaret Academy Fiona Hyslop also met Duke of Edinburgh’s Award director for Scotland Barry Fisher, head teacher Moira Gray, Carrick Academy deputy head Jamie Wilson, Duke of Edinburgh Award project co-ordinator Louise Speedie, and South Ayrshire Council award officer Bruce Harris.


[Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Fiona Hyslop is pictured with representatives from organisations and volunteers who have supported The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Project at Queen Margaret Academy and Carrick Academy, and councillors and young people who have participated in the project.]

Fiona Hyslop said: “I am delighted to meet with the council today to discuss important local and national issues, and to have the opportunity to meet young people who are involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Curriculum for Excellence pilot.

“Taking part in projects such as this helps young people develop their personal and social potential, and makes an important contribution to active citizenship, active communities and social inclusion.”


[Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Fiona Hyslop (right) met Derek Dorrans, 15, (left) from Carrick Academy and heard about the Beekeeping Club from him and Lyndsay Baillie (centre) principal PE teacher Carrick Academy.]

Bronze Award participants, Poppy Murray (15) and Sean Pieper (15), who have been involved in a Graffiti Art Project as part of their Skills Section, were at the school to show the Minister what they have been involved in and to answer any questions. Poppy and Sean are the first pupils from the S3 year group participating in the Curriculum for Excellence Pilot Project to achieve their Bronze Award. After presenting them with their certificates, the Minister congratulated them on their achievement.


[Pictured after the Minister presented Award certificates are (left to right) Barry Fisher, award director for Scotland, Poppy Murray (15) Queen Margaret Academy, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Fiona Hyslop and Sean Pieper (15) Queen Margaret Academy.]

Councillor Hywel Davies, the Council’s Portfolio Carrier for Learning and Prosperity said: “The visit to Queen Margaret Academy highlighted the participation of young people in South Ayrshire in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Pilot Project that enhances their existing skills and teaches them new ones. The experience helps to make them well rounded citizens, to take part in community activities, and to use their leisure time constructively.”

www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk

www.scotland.gov.uk

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Provost Sloan visits ‘Inside Out Garden’ at Ayr Flower Show

SOUTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL Provost Winifred Sloan visited a show garden at Ayr Flower Show that was specially designed to illustrate how easy it is to home compost both garden and household waste.

The creation known as the ‘Inside Out Garden ‘was designed and built by the home compost team at Waste Aware Scotland. The garden works on the basis of placing ’interior’ rooms directly into a garden setting, showing people they can easily compost garden and household waste at home. The resultant compost is a key ingredient in sustaining a healthy garden while helping reduce the amount of waste which ends up in landfill sites.


Provost Sloan (pictured above) said: “Composting household waste has never been easier. There are many containers of different sizes available, so everyone could quite easily fit one into their garden. It’s quick, easy and convenient just to pop items suitable for composting into a container and leave them to work their magic. The end result is some wonderful free compost that can be used to enhance your garden. I think the Inside Out Garden is a fun display that will attract lots of people and hopefully encourage many other residents to start home composting.”

Visitors to the ‘Inside Out Garden’ were able to see a kitchen area complete with a turfed worktop and shelves crammed full of herbs. The ‘kitchen’ features home-compostable waste such as vegetable peelings, eggshells, kitchen roll, fruit peelings, cereal packets, tea bags and coffee grounds.

There was also a bedroom area with a ‘flower bed’ with a turf quilt and two standard bay trees mimicking bedside lamps. A living room area featured a turf chair and a planted rug. Compostable materials featured in these rooms included natural-fibre clothing, facial tissues, cardboard boxes, unwanted mail and pet bedding.

During its residence at the Ayr Flower Show, members of the Waste Aware Scotland home compost team were on hand to offer visitors advice on the environmental benefits of home composting. Surrounding the entire show garden was a frame on which was written all the items that can be composted, and there was also lots of advice on how to make good use of compost in the garden.

For information and advice on home composting visit: www.wasteawarescotland.org.uk or call the Home Composting Helpline on 0845 600 0323 or e-mail homecompost@wasteawarescotland.org.uk

Compost bins can be ordered via the Waste Aware Scotland website www.wasteawarescotland.org.uk or by calling the order line on 0845 077 0756.

www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk

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