With Parliament being in summer recess, it has been great to get out into the constituency, across Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, over the past few weeks.
In Ayr, this included a visit to learn about the work of Harbour Ayrshire - a relatively new but exceptional charity, dedicated to helping and supporting anyone facing issues of alcohol or drug addiction.
In addition to a range of individual and group support, Harbour Ayrshire provide an out-of-hours telephone helpline for those struggling with alcohol or drug addictions. They can be contacted on 01292 623016, Monday – Friday 5pm-10pm, or on weekends 10am-10pm.
For further information about this caring and compassionate charity, please visit: https://harbourayrshire.co.uk/.
In Cumnock, I was recently invited to a tour and celebration of the outstanding Hedgerow Habitats Project, in Netherthird, and to attend the Netherthird Community Garden Activity Fun Day.
This was a great and informative afternoon where I was able to meet with many constituents, community, and voluntary groups from the local area.
These included firefighters from New Cumnock Fire and Rescue, representatives of the Coalfield Communities Landscape Partnership, Andy’s Man’s Club and two friendly alpacas from Wellwood Alpacas, Cumnock. My thanks to the volunteers who organised and took part in the events.
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with Tracy Flynn, chief executive officer of the Ayrshire Hospice. We discussed the challenges facing the hospice in relation to the cost of the new building, staffing, and running and energy costs in an extremely tough funding and fundraising environment.
As I write this, it is coming up to the weekend, where I will be taking part in the Ayrshire Hospice Shining Star Memory Walk on Saturday, August 19.
I am not seeking sponsorship but will make a personal donation and encourage others to make a donation directly to the hospice.
On a final note, I know constituents will be as pleased as I am to hear about the exciting plans for Ayr Cinema.
Merlin cinemas have bought the venue in Burns Statue Square and say the facility will open as soon as possible and will be known as the Astoria Ayr.
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