We’ve put together some of the headline highlights from the second half of the year below – let us know in the comments what your most memorable Herald article has been… and check out part one here – in case you missed it.
July
(Image: Staff)
The beginning of July brought with it a general election – and a new MP for North Ayrshire and Arran.
With votes counted into the early hours of July 5, Irene Campbell was named as the winner.
The Saltcoats woman won the seat from the SNP’s Patricia Gibson, who served as MP from 2015, with a majority of more than 3,000 votes.
FULL STORY: Labour’s Irene wants to make a splash as new MP for North Ayrshire and Arran
(Image: Billy Duff)
July brought with it some sadness in Stevenston, with the town to lose one of its longest-running businesses.
Billy Duff announced that Duff’s Newsagents and Tobacconists would be closing the following month.
The shutter coming down for the final time brought to an end decades of incredible service to the community.
FULL STORY: Family-run Stevenston shop to close after decades serving community
August
(Image: The Flask)
August brought with it plenty of excitement – including the return of one of Saltcoats’ most popular venues.
Iconic pub The Flask officially re-opened that month – several years after its most recent closure.
It has been a welcome return with thousands heading back since for nights of entertainment, great food and great drinks!
FULL STORY: Take a look inside The Flask as opening date is confirmed for venue’s return
(Image: Richard Sellers/PA Wire) (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
The month also brought with it change for two of the areas biggest footballing talents as both Billy Gilmour and Ben Doak were on the move on transfer deadline day.
For Dalry teen Doak it was a loan move from parent club Liverpool to Middlesborough – a switch which has proved a major hit already.
While it was a complete change of scene for Gilmour as he moved away from the British Isles to join Napoli.
The 2022/23 Serie A champions paid a reported €14 million for the Scottish International, who linked up with a fellow national team player in Scott McTominay in Naples.
FULL STORY: Fresh challenges for North Ayrshire pair after deadline day transfer moves
September
(Image: GRO Coffee)
September was an exciting time for residents of Ardrossan – as one of Ayrshire’s most popular businesses announced they would be coming to town.
GRO Coffee owner and founder Gordon Rennie revealed that the popular organic café chain had purchased a new premises in Ardrossan – adding to their existing portfolio which includes Irvine and Ayr.
The business snapped up the former Rowan Tree restaurant and garden centre on the A78 with the takeover confirmed shortly after the venues closure was announced.
FULL STORY: All systems GRO: Iconic Ayrshire business confirms Ardrossan expansion plans
(Image: Billy Windsor Kinnen)
The month also brought some disappointing news – with a further delay to the opening of the new Ardrossan Campus confirmed.
North Ayrshire Council revealed that construction work on the site next to the town’s North Shore would now begin next spring – pushing the completion date back to 2027.
The campus, which will replace the current Ardrossan Academy and Winton Primary School, was supposed to open in August 2026.
FULL STORY: Opening of new Ardrossan Campus will be delayed until 2027, council confirms
October
(Image: Submitted)
A familiar face to many made an exciting appearance on our TV screens in October – even if it was one year after filming!
Stevenston woman Claire Wolff appeared on an episode of ITV’s popular quiz show The Chase in what she described as a surreal experience.
She said the episode was “a good laugh” and it is still available to view via the STV Player.
FULL STORY: Well-known North Ayrshire woman to make TV appearance on ITV’s The Chase
(Image: Staff)
October also saw the launch of Save Ardrossan Harbour – as the campaign group held their first public meeting.
The group was set up after years of problems surrounding the facility – and thus, the future of the town as the main port for the Brodick ferry.
Hundreds turned out at the town’s Civic Centre and issued the rallying cry: “This is just the beginning.”
FULL STORY: ‘This is just the beginning’: Hundreds attend Save Ardrossan Harbour meeting
November
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November proved to be a successful month for one Saltcoats business woman who had plenty to celebrate.
Animal Zone, based in Dockhead Street, was named best new business in Ayrshire at the regional edition of the Scottish Business Awards earlier in the year, qualifying for the Scottish finals.
And owner Shirley Aitken, who launched the business in 2022, said she “couldn’t believe it” as she went on to claim the national title.
FULL STORY: Three Towns pet store named best new business in Scotland
(Image: Staff)
The month also brought some rather unusual news – the planned opening of what appeared to be an illegal ‘swingers’ club’ in Kilwinning.
Reports and posts online had advertised the alleged launch of a members only ‘social club’ on the town’s Main Street – with plans set out for an opening weekend.
Devil May Cry Social Club said they were a “specialist-themed members only social club in Kilwinning” which would be “tailored to bring your fantasies to life” for individuals over the age of 18.
However, after the authorities were made aware, the club has yet to come to fruition.
FULL STORY: Police informed of plans for ‘illegal opening of swingers’ club’ in Kilwinning
December
(Image: Submitted)
At the start of December, a very worthy Three Towns woman was able to celebrate incredibly well-earned award success.
Amy Nolan was left blown away after she was named Pharmacy Technician of the Year at the Scottish Healthcare Awards.
It capped off a superb year for the 31-year-old whose recent accomplishments also extend beyond her pharmaceutical role – having set up the Community Hub of Hope in the Three Towns earlier this year.
FULL STORY: Major national success as Stevenston’s Amy named Pharmacy Technician of the Year
(Image: Submitted)
The month also brought celebrations for a couple who can only be described as “Three Towns legends”.
Alan and Anne Pettigrew marked 50 years of marriage – celebrating the occasion with a party in their home town of Ardrossan.
The pair will be familiar to many in the local area, having played a key role within the community for much of their lives.
FULL STORY: ‘Three Towns legends’ Alan and Anne celebrate 50 years of wedding bliss