Latest news with #AyrshireLive
Daily Record
39 minutes ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Aerospace firm powers up Prestwick with on-site solar energy
More than 1,400 solar panels have been installed on the roof of Prestwick Air Traffic Control Centre, marking a significant milestone in NATS' aim to be a net zero company by 2035. An aerospace firm has taken a giant step on the road to becoming a carbon zero company - by installing solar panels on their Ayrshire HQ. Ayrshire Live previously told in November how NATS Prestwick were given the green light to generate a chunk of their electrical needs from solar energy. Now more than 1,400 solar panels have been installed on the roof of Prestwick Air Traffic Control Centre, marking a significant milestone in NATS' aim to be a net zero company by 2035. The array went live on 28 April and has already generated over 128,000 kWh of renewable electricity - and expected to deliver around 600,000 kwh annually. The Prestwick Centre provides vital air traffic control services across Scotland, northern England and out into the North East Atlantic to more than a million aircraft per year and will receive approximately 10 per cent of its total electricity needs from the rooftop solar panels. Having already reduced electricity use across all NATS sites by 40 per cent since 2006, this marks the first phase of an extensive renewable energy rollout at the Prestwick site. The second phase, a ground-mounted solar array, is currently under construction following planning approval earlier this year. This will add nearly 800 extra panels, projected to generate a further 400,000 kWh of clean electricity per year. NATS has progressively increased its annual procurement of renewable electricity since 2018/9 and together with other emissions reduction targets it has been recognised as one of Europe's Climate Leaders for five years running by the Financial Times & Statista, topping the list in 2024. This special report names just 600 European companies that have achieved the greatest reduction in their Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions. Ian Lane, Carbon Manager, NATS, said: 'This is a big step forward in our plan to reduce indirect emissions from electricity use which makes up around half of our overall CO2 emissions. The results in the first month alone show the real potential of on-site renewable energy generation.' This was the second large-scale solar installation by NATS. In July 2024, 2,600 panels were fitted to the roof of its Swanwick air traffic control centre in Hampshire, producing 590,000 kWh of renewable energy so far. By the end of 2025, installations across roof, ground and adjoining land will take the count to 12,000 panels, generating up to 21 per cent of both centres' energy. Ian continued: 'While the solar installations are a vital part of our energy transition, we are also focused on improving overall energy efficiency and removing gas from our operations. This is an essential part of our transition to becoming a carbon negative company by 2040.'
Daily Record
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Ayrshire hotel offers local food and flavours with new restaurant
The Azalea, by Glenapp Castle, opened last month as the five-star hotel added another string to its bow. An Ayrshire hotel is offering up local food and flavours after opening up a new restaurant. The Azalea by Glenapp Castle, near Ballantrae, welcomed its first customers in May this year after the Victorian glasshouse and bothy were transformed. Dating back to 1832, the historic buildings have been carefully redesigned to create a kitchen, toilet block and intimate dining areas as the castle's owners look to welcome more locals to their venue. Acquired by Paul and Poppy Szkiler in 2015, the new restaurant marks the latest development in their tenure at the helm of the popular tourist destination and wedding venue. Ayrshire Live was invited to The Azalea to meet the team behind the scenes and try the new restaurant. On arrival, the sole car park adjoins the 1870s castle and is a short walk from the walled garden which predates it and hosts The Azalea. It may be slightly younger but the castle is no less historic after it hosted Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower as the pair planned the D Day landings in 1944. Paul, accompanied by hotel manager Jill, provided a tour of the groups and the gardens as they highlighted what they hoped guests would take from an evening or an afternoon dining at The Azalea. It is a stunning setting with beautifully tended grounds and picturesque scenes around every corner. Upon entering the walled garden, you are presented with the fruits and vegetables that will one day become dinner. Part of the ethos of executive chef Peter Howarth and his team is sustainability and approximately 80 per cent of the menu's herbs have gone from seed to service within the gardens. A refreshing mocktail of the day was presented upon entry, hand-crafted by Jennifer who takes inspiration from the different ingredients grown and hand-picked in the gardens. The historic nature of the glasshouse has not been lost with grape vines that have grown there for over 100 years have been retained in the setting and the old coal-fired heating system have been lovingly restored to ensure it stays warm in the winter. Starters included baked west coast lobster freshly caught from the Firth of Clyde near Ballantrae, Glenapp's garden pea risotto and the splendid grilled fillet of west coast mackerel, spiced aubergine, chilli and garlic oil - who knew aubergine could taste so nice? The menu does change regularly to ensure the chefs can take advantage of what is currently in season. Mains included roast rump of Scottish lamb, Roscoff onion and fennel Tarte Tatin and the perfectly cooked Summerisle four per cent beer-battered west coast cod - the crispy and flavoursome batter is a result of the mixture being left to mature for a couple of days before it meets the freshly-caught cod. For dessert, champagne and rhubarb trifle, chocolate marquise - made with bespoke Glenapp 69 per cent Valrhona chocolate - or the delightful Scottish strawberry pavlova - a perfect seasonal dish with juicy fresh strawberries taken straight from the gardens. It's not just dinner that Glenapp Castle hopes to sell you, its an experience as diners are encouraged to come for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea before - or after - exploring the grounds and all Glenapp has to offer.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Record
First Minister John Swinney calls Ayrshire drug statistics 'concerning'
First Minister John Swinney made the comments on a visit to Harbour Ayrshire yesterday, Wednesday, June 18. First Minister John Swinney has said that recent trends in drugs-related hospital admissions and suspected deaths in Ayrshire are "concerning". Statistics published by the Scottish Government last week revealed an increase in suspected drugs-related deaths in Ayrshire in the first quarter of 2025. NHS Ayrshire & Arran have also previously warned of an increase in drugs-related hospital admissions. Speaking exclusively to Ayrshire Live, Mr Swinney said the Scottish Government was supporting "many" community projects in Ayrshire to help people facing addiction, including the Ayr -based Harbour Ayrshire. He said: "The level of drug deaths and circumstances of addiction in Scotland is far too high and our strategy is aimed at reducing that. "There are a number of different ways in which we do that, some of which will be direct health care support when people are in moments of crisis. "There will also be community projects that we support to enable them to make a significant impact on people's lives. "Harbour Ayrshire is one example of that. There will be many others around Ayrshire and we are constantly identifying what are the most effective ways in which we can act and intervene to support people to be able to make better choices in life. "That is the focus of the government's strategy. The statistics are far too high but the government is determined to continue to make sustained progress. "Of course, statistics like that are concerning and that is why there is such a focused approach within government. "I have just appointed Marie Todd as the new drugs and alcohol minister. She will take forward the government's strategy which remains very focused on supporting people to be able to be free of addiction. "What I have seen here today is a very good example of how that can be delivered in practice."
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
First Minister visits Ayr to launch new job scheme for people recovering from addiction
First Minister John Swinney launched new guidance to support people with their recovery from addiction while on a visit to Ayr. First Minister John Swinney was in Ayrshire as he launched a new toolkit to help make it easier for people affected by problematic substance use to gain and keep a job. Harbour Ayrshire, a charity dedicated to helping people recovering from addiction, based in Ayr, hosted the launch on Wednesday, June 18 after playing an integral part in the development of the toolkit. Mr Swinney spoke with staff and volunteers at the charity during the launch and poignant, real life stories were shared highlighting the difference that the right support can make to an individual with an addiction. The guidance has been published as part of the Scottish Government 's National Mission and brings a range of information and advice together. It includes specialist advice for potential employers on how to attract, recruit and support staff who have experience of problematic substance use as well as information for people with lived and living experience of problematic substance use on how to pursue a career in the drug and alcohol sector. Best practice has been shared within the guidance providing advice for effective support to staff who have lived or living experience of problematic substance use. Speaking to Ayrshire Live about the new toolkits, Mr Swinney was confident it would make a difference on the ground. He said: "Today marks the launch of guidance that the Scottish Government is setting out about supporting individuals with addiction as part of their route to recovery to be supported into employment. "What I have seen here at Harbour Ayrshire is an incredibly powerful example of how that challenging journey can be undertaken and undertaken really effectively. "Some of the life stories that I have heard today, I will never forget. "I think what today is an opportunity to do is to set out the approach that we think can be taken to provide purpose and focus in people's lives when they face addiction or suffer from addiction but then to be able to see that put into practice. "I have seen this very vividly at Harbour Ayrshire. "In practical terms, what this will do is it will give a template of how individuals can move from addiction into employment and to have a more positive life making a more positive contribution to society. "The guidance explains the approach that can be taken. What I have heard from Harbour Ayrshire is that the guidance is essentially reflecting the approach they are taking. "I've heard a number of case studies of really outstanding practice that have made an impact on people's lives. "The work that we are doing on drug and alcohol addiction is about trying to help people to overcome that addiction and to make positive choices in life and positive approaches. "I'm confident from what I have seen here today that the guidance the government has developed will support that" Eddie Gorman, project manager for Harbour Ayrshire, said: 'These resources offer practical guidance grounded in lived experience and will be vital in helping organisations create safer, more inclusive support for those affected by trauma, addiction, and adversity. 'They provide a clear framework to build trust, foster resilience, and ultimately support people to rebuild their lives.'
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Walkers raise almost £600 for Ayrshire coastal path
A group of 50 walkers took on the Ayrshire Coastal Path Discover Series and raised hundreds of pounds to support the upkeep of the popular route A group of walkers have raised almost £600 to support the Ayrshire Coastal Path. Through a series of 12 Discovery Series walks, the group of 50 walked the full 100-mile route from Glenapp to Skelmorlie over the course of a year, raising £570. The popular Ayrshire Coastal Path Discovery Series is organised by Gillian's Walks - run by professional walk guide and volunteer with the path's management board Gillian Craig. Each walk offered participants the opportunity to meet new people, discover hidden gems, and enjoy a supportive group atmosphere while ticking off a bucket list challenge. Alongside the donation, 18 official guide books were sold bringing the total amount to £740. The funds will be used to support the maintenance and promotion of the long-distance trail. Speaking to Ayrshire Live, Gillian said: 'The Discovery Series gives walkers the chance to complete the full Ayrshire Coastal Path in manageable monthly stages, with everything organised for them. 'I'm thrilled to be able to donate part of the ticket income to support the ongoing work of the Ayrshire Coastal Path volunteer team, who rely on contributions like this to keep the route safe and enjoyable for everyone.' Carol, one of the walkers who took on the challenge said: 'I couldn't have been made more welcome. I was new to the area and nervous about the distances, but everyone was so friendly and the walks are relaxed and full of laughs.' Shelagh added: 'I see it as an investment in my health and wellbeing — I've made lovely friends, I'm fitter, and there's always plenty of laughter along the way.' Claire said: 'I knew if I had paid and someone else was organising, I wouldn't back out. Walking with Gillian's group gave me the motivation to show up — and I've loved every step.' Ron Ireland from the Ayrshire Coastal Path Management Board said: 'Over the past 12 months, 50 enthusiastic walkers took part in the Discovery Series, which explored the entire 100-mile route from Glenapp to Skelmorlie in monthly, fully guided stages. 'The guided series was led by Gillian, a professional walk guide and active volunteer with the Ayrshire Coastal Path Management Board. 'Gillian shared fun facts along the way and ensured an unforgettable experience for all who took part. The format made it easy for people to walk this long-distance coastal trail without the usual logistical challenges, such as transport and tide times.'
