Ayr Racecourse stages Winter Warmer Raceday

Ayr Racecourse stages its third January meeting on Monday 30 January with the Winter Warmer Raceday due off at 12.50pm with the opening race The BetVictor.com Novices’ Hurdle.


There will be eight races on the card and the feature race is the BetVictor.com Handicap Hurdle Race due off at 3.25pm.

Leading trainers at the track Jim Goldie, Lucinda Russell and Donald McCain should all have runners and the afternoon ends with the Best Odds Guaranteed At BetVictor.com Standard National Hunt Flat Race for conditional and amateur jockeys.

Ayr raced on Tuesday 17 January with Donald McCain and Jason Maguire teaming up for a double initiated by Lexi’s Boy (5/2) in the BetVictor.com Maiden Hurdle followed by Total Rebellion (16/1) in the Play Casino At BetVictor.com Novices’ Handicap Hurdle.

A hefty gamble was landed on Yes Tom (7/4 fav) in the Bet Mobile At BetVictor.com Novices Chase for County Antrim based trainer Roy Wilson and jockey Paddy Brennan. Biggest priced winner on the day was Shooting Times (25/1) for Dumfries trainer Andrew Parker and young jockey Robert McCarth.

Find out more about the Winter Warmer Raceday: CLICK HERE

Ayr Racecourse and the associated Western House Hotel are Founder Members of The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.

University of the West of Scotland and Scottish Agricultural College open £81 million Ayr Campus

University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) are officially launching their new £81 million Ayr Campus at a ceremony on Friday 27 January 2012.


Michael Russell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, together with Lord Jamie Lindsay, Chairman of the SAC Board, and Lord Robert Smith, Chancellor of UWS, will perform the formal launch.

The new 18,000m2 campus, which was developed by UWS in partnership with Scottish Agricultural College (SAC), is situated on the Craigie Estate, next to the River Ayr.

The new campus, part of University of the West of Scotland’s multi-campus £200million development programme, creates a truly innovative learning environment for students.

Developed in consultation with Historic Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, the new Campus, which was built by Lend Lease, provides Ayrshire with one of the UK’s most modern, environmentally friendly and sustainable Higher Education learning environments.

The new building is designed to the highest environmental rating – BREEAM Excellent (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) – adopting sustainable strategies within it design and operation.

Professor Seamus McDaid, Principal and Vice Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland, said: “We are delighted to officially launch our new £81 million Ayr Campus which is a landmark development for Scottish higher education and provides our students with an inspirational learning environment.”

Professor Bill McKelvey, Principal of SAC, said: “We are very proud of the new campus, which is the result of a strong partnership between SAC and UWS. By joining forces, the institutions have created a campus that brings great benefits and opportunities for the students who study here, to our staff, to the wider community and to the two institutions as a whole. SAC looks forward to the additional opportunities for collaboration with UWS that this campus opens up. There are exciting opportunities ahead for developing the curriculum and for developing and promoting the campus as a key resource for all of the communities of the West of Scotland.”

Cabinet Secretary for Education Michael Russell said: “Both the college and the university have had a long and fruitful relationship with the town of Ayr and this new development will see their presence greatly enhanced through even closer collaboration.

“This kind of joining up, which will have benefits for both institutions and their students, is precisely the kind of partnership we want to see as we reform Post-16 education in Scotland. And as someone brought up in the neighbouring town of Troon, it is a particular pleasure to see such innovation so close to my former home!”

Mark Batho, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said: “I’m delighted that SFC’s funding has enabled both institutions to come together in this collaborative approach to provide new educational opportunities in the West of Scotland. There is overwhelming evidence that new buildings lead to better learning. This wonderful new campus now gives staff and students from both institutions the opportunity to demonstrate that.”

The £81 million Ayr Campus development includes new student residences, situated adjacent to the Campus.

Scottish Government convenes new Council of Economic Advisers

A group of expert economic advisers to the Scottish Government has held its first meeting of the new Parliamentary session.



The first meeting of the new Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) – which includes two Nobel Laureates – focused on the Scottish Government’s priorities of jobs and recovery, internationalisation and economic levers during a six-hour session in Edinburgh.


Eight members of the council joined First Minister Alex Salmond and Finance Secretary John Swinney at Bute House. They were joined via teleconference from New York by Nobel Laureate Professor Joseph Stiglitz, who will also attend a special session of the CEA in Aberdeen next month.

Crawford Beveridge has been appointed to the post of CEA chair.

Mr Salmond said: “The Council of Economic Advisers includes some of the world’s foremost economists, academics and business people – including two Nobel Prize winners.

“They are giving their expertise free of charge to help us develop ways to grow the Scottish economy in the context of tough economic times across the UK and overseas.

“Next week the Scottish Government will publish our consultation on holding an independence referendum, which we will stage in autumn 2014. With independence we will gain the full economic powers required to stimulate the economy on Scotland’s terms.

“But until then we will keep working day and night on job creation and wider economic growth. The Scottish Government is making progress by investing in infrastructure now to stimulate growth and unlock a virtuous cycle of investment, growth, jobs and taxation revenue.

“That approach has helped Scotland weather a recession that was shorter and less sharp than elsewhere in the UK. The advice and experience of the CEA helps enormously to progress these priorities for Scotland.

“Our discussions today will focus on helping grow our economy, encourage job creation and seizing the opportunities available to Scotland internationally. These will continue to be our focus as we move forward.”

Advice from the Council of Economic Advisers has already resulted in a positive impact for Scotland’s recovery – for example, contributing to the Scottish Government’s Economic Recovery Plan and endorsing the government’s approach to capital expenditure as a stimulus for economic growth, which helped Scotland to a recession that was shorter and shallower than in the rest of the UK.

Mr Beveridge said: “The Council of Economic Advisers brings together academics, economists and entrepreneurs to advise the Scottish Government on how to place Scotland among the world’s most competitive economies.

“Today we have discussed the country’s top three priorities as identified by the First Minister – jobs and recovery, internationalisation and economic levers.

“In the coming days the Scottish Government will publish its consultation on holding an independence referendum in autumn 2014, but we are in complete agreement with the First Minister that work goes on day and night until then on these economic priorities.

“My colleagues and I on the CEA look forward to working with the Scottish Government in the coming weeks and months to help grow the economy and give Scotland the best possible competitive edge internationally.”

Music and racing at Ayr Racecourse in aid of STV Appeal

A spectacular Charity Racenight combining horse racing and music will be staged at Ayr Racecourse later this year.

The STV Appeal Racenight on Friday 22 June will be the biggest and most glamorous event of its type in Scotland in 2012.


[Pictured: Alan Macdonald, Chairman of Ayr Racecourse.]

Six races will be followed by a live performance from a still to be named headline musical act who will play on an outside stage.

It is hoped a huge amount of money will be raised for the STV Appeal, working to help children affected by poverty in Scotland. Launched in 2011 in association with The Hunter Foundation last year, the STV Appeal raised a fabulous £1.2 million.

Working closely with six major Scottish charities – Aberlour, Action for Children, Barnardo’s Scotland, Children 1st, Save The Children Scotland and One Parent Families Scotland – The STV Appeal now has the platform of Scotland’s premier racecourse.

Welcoming the announcement of the STV Appeal Racenight, Alan Macdonald, Chairman of Ayr Racecourse said: “We are delighted to be working with such a worthwhile cause as the STV Appeal, and I’m sure the racing and non racing public will join forces to make this a night to remember.

“In the past we have attracted major acts like Alexandra Burke, Deacon Blue and Status Quo to the Racecourse, and it’s anticipated the act who will be here in June will be an even bigger name. We are in for a very exciting and successful Charity Racenight.”


Rob Woodward, Chief Executive of STV and Trustee of the STV Appeal (pictured above) said: “We’re thrilled that Ayr Racecourse is planning what promises to be a brilliant night on behalf of the STV Appeal. Events such as this truly help make a difference, and every pound raised at this exciting event will be used to help vulnerable children and young people in Scotland.”

Ayr Racecourse and the associated Western House Hotel are Founder Members of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.

LINKS:

www.stv.tv

www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk

www.eliteayrshire.com

South Ayrshire Council welcomes Prestwick International Enterprise Area announcement

The Leader of South Ayrshire Council today (Tuesday) welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of Enterprise Area status for Prestwick International, which will boost the area’s potential to create new employment opportunities, stimulate investment and boost economic growth within the aerospace industry.

Prestwick International – together with Creative Clyde in Glasgow – will form one of the first Enterprise Areas in Scotland from April 2012, covering manufacturing and growth sector opportunities.


This means Prestwick International will benefit from specific incentives such as a possible reduction in business rates – the details of which have yet to be finalised – to encourage private investment at the site, which currently accommodates 12 companies in the Scottish aerospace industry.


Councillor Bill McIntosh, Leader of South Ayrshire Council (pictured above) said: “This is a fantastic boost for Ayrshire, and fully recognises the infrastructure, people and potential we have in our area to continue to grow the aerospace industry as it benefits from this new status.

“Improving access to employment and investment opportunities for people and businesses alike and stimulating economic growth are key commitments for our Council as we continue to work to become the best place for business, tourism and leisure. Enterprise Area status for Prestwick International will be an important factor in helping us achieve that.

“Prestwick International is already home to a number of world-class companies, and Enterprise Area status will make it even more attractive for other businesses to invest in this area. This in turn will help deliver very real benefits that will have a positive impact on our communities, and further contribute to sustained economic growth, not just for South Ayrshire but for the whole of Ayrshire.

“Enterprise Area status will confirm Prestwick International’s place as the home of the Scottish aerospace industry, and we look forward to getting to work with the other key partners involved to make this happen.”


Glasgow Prestwick Airport’s chief executive Iain Cochrane (pictured above) said: “We’re delighted to be part of this important Scotland-wide initiative, as aerospace is one of the UK's highest value-adding manufacturing sectors, and is particularly important to Ayrshire. We look forward to playing our part in boosting the economic growth, both of Ayrshire and Scotland.”

South Ayrshire Council is a Founder Member of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.

CKD Galbraith offer superb extended farmhouse with outbuildings, commercial premises and landscaped gardens

Burntshield Farm is a fabulous equestrian country property sitting in a tranquil rural location about 3 miles from the picturesque village of Sorn, East Ayrshire.


Originally a working farm dating back to mid 1800s, Burntshield has been extended and refurbished to create a most attractive farmhouse with 12.56 acres. There is an adjoining one-bedroom cottage providing a high standard of accommodation, which could be used as a self-catering holiday let or granny annexe.


There are first-class equestrian facilities including stable yard and all-weather riding arena and turnout paddock, and a useful commercial yard area with workshop (3600 sqft). There is a further stone workshop adjoining the farmhouse.

The farmhouse comprises 4 spacious family reception rooms and 4 bedrooms (2 en-suite) and a large farmhouse breakfasting kitchen. For entertaining, the balcony and patio below provide ideal outdoor space.


Finished to the highest standards, there are many fine features including wood panelling, exposed stone walls in the living room and lounge and luxury bathroom fittings. Adjoining the house from the sun room is a former byre with huge potential for extending the house or other uses. This includes a store and office. There are beautiful sheltered landscaped garden grounds with colourful herbaceous borders.

Burntshield Farm is an outstanding property for purchasers with equestrian interests, and will also be of interest to buyers who require workshop or storage space for home working or other commercial purposes in a private situation.

Offers over £725,000 are being sought.

PDF available on www.ckdgalbraith.co.uk

About CKD Galbraith

CKD Galbraith is an independent property consultancy specialising in serving the needs of private clients. It employs over 200 people in offices in Edinburgh, Perth, Stirling, Cupar, Inverness, Aberfeldy, Castle Douglas, Ayr, Elgin, Galashiels, Kelso and Peebles.

The partnership provides the full range of property consulting services across the commercial, residential and rural sectors throughout Scotland. The company enjoys a successful relationship with its associate firm in London, CKD Kennedy Macpherson.

CKD Galbraith
7 Killoch Place
Ayr KA7 2EA
Ayrshire, Scotland

Contact: R A Cherry BSc MRICS
Tel: 01292 268181
Fax: 01292 292300
E-mail: bob.cherry@ckdgalbraith.co.uk
Web: www.ckdgalbraith.co.uk

CKD Galbraith’s Ayr Office is a Founder Member of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.

CKD Galbraith offer former Victorian coach house requiring complete refurbishment

Leading independent property consultancy CKD Galbraith’s Ayr Office is marketing a fine substantial Victorian coach house now requiring complete refurbishment, close to the pretty village of Fairfield by Mauchline in Ayrshire.


An imposing property, Nether Failford is an impressive 4 bedroom family house standing in about 2.7 acres. The house surrounds a central courtyard with stabling and garaging with potential for a variety of uses – stabling, studio, a restorer’s workshop or valuable storage.

The house has suffered water damage due to burst pipes and there is also extensive rot problems, as a result the interior of the building requires comprehensive restoration. The accommodation is extensive with about 2066 sq ft on two floors including sitting room, living room, 4 bedrooms (1 en suite), kitchen and utility. There is garaging and stables which can easily be converted to create a substantial country house. Planning permission has been obtained for the conversion of the house and outbuildings to 4 houses for redevelopment.


From the grounds there are fabulous views over rolling countryside. The sides and rear of the house are enclosed by mature gardens, including rhododendrons and a range of mature trees including beech and conifer providing shelter and privacy. There is also a small paddock.

In the late 1800s, the coach house had 2 upper floor flats which were used as living quarters for staff and farm workers working on the estate. Towards the rear of the house, a ewe shrubbery avenue previously lead to the walled garden of the original Failford House.


The impressive Mauchline gorge viaduct over the River Ayr is nearby, and the award-winning public house “The Failford Inn” is just on the doorstep.

The house will attract considerable interest and Nether Failford is an outstanding opportunity to re-create what will be a superb country house.

Offers over £180,000 are being sought.

For further information: Contact Bob Cherry 01292 268181.

PDF available on www.ckdgalbraith.co.uk

About CKD Galbraith

CKD Galbraith is an independent property consultancy specialising in serving the needs of private clients. It employs over 200 people in offices in Edinburgh, Perth, Stirling, Cupar, Inverness, Aberfeldy, Castle Douglas, Ayr, Elgin, Galashiels, Kelso and Peebles.

The partnership provides the full range of property consulting services across the commercial, residential and rural sectors throughout Scotland. The company enjoys a successful relationship with its associate firm in London, CKD Kennedy Macpherson.

CKD Galbraith
7 Killoch Place
Ayr KA7 2EA
Ayrshire, Scotland

Contact: R A Cherry BSc MRICS
Tel: 01292 268181
Fax: 01292 292300
E-mail: bob.cherry@ckdgalbraith.co.uk
Web: www.ckdgalbraith.co.uk

CKD Galbraith’s Ayr Office is a Founder Member of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.

Derek Mair tells Elite Ayrshire Business Circle how to prosper in downturn

Please join us for the first meeting in 2012 of The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle hosted by Derek Mair of ActionCOACH Business Coaching.


The meeting will be held on Friday 27 January in the Kitchen Showroom Premises of J.S. Geddes, 10-12 West Netherton Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 4BU from 12noon till 2pm and will include:

· An introduction to Business and Leadership Coaching from Derek Mair, where he will share:

· How to succeed in a slow economy and turn the downturn into an opportunity.

· How to massively grow profits, plus improve productivity and commitment of employees.

· How to get more done in less time; strategies to work ON rather than IN your business.

· What is modern leadership and the 6 keys to a winning team

· Questions and Answers

· A brief kitchen showroom tour and talk from Jim Geddes

· A cooking demonstration by a Top Miele Chef with lunch time portion food tasting and refreshments.

· Business Networking

Please respond to: murdochmacdonald@hotmail.c​om confirming your attendance.

Parking is available in J.S. Geddes customer car park to the right of the Showroom or in Tesco car park behind the showroom.


A new member of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle, Derek Mair (pictured above) has lived and started multi-million pound business operations across three continents. He has over twenty years corporate experience in various senior global positions including operations, corporate trouble shooting and business development roles. Now a business owner, investor and multiple award winning business and leadership coach, Derek helps empower business leaders to maximise potentials, accelerate results, achieve business excellence and create sustainable wealth.

Tel: 01292 319799
Mob: 07760 754601
E-mail: derekmair@actioncoach.com
Web: www.actioncoach.com/derekmair

Ayr Racecourse book Human League for Scottish Grand National Festival

By: Iain Ferguson

ICONIC 80s band The Human League are to play at Ayr Racecourse after racing on Friday 20 April, the opening afternoon of the Coral Scottish Grand National Festival.


The band comprise Philip Oakey, Joanne Catherall and Susan Ann Sulley and they will play a full concert in the Ayrshire Suite at the track.

Human League are best known for the 2 million selling single ‘Don’t You Want Me’ which reached Number 1 at Christmas 1981 and contains the classic line ‘You were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar.’ In total the band have worldwide record sales in excess of 20 million.

Their most recent album Credo was released to critical acclaim last March and in addition to appearing at Retro Fests and 80s concerts the Human League continue to tour and the Ayr gig is sure to attract a large crowd.

Ayr Racecourse Sales and Marketing Manager Lindsey Smith commented: “We are looking forward to welcoming The Human League to the Coral Scottish Grand National Festival.

“Their hits are instantly recognisable and they are still touring all over the world which and are a very popular live act – I’m sure this will be a night to remember.”

For further information please contact Iain Ferguson on 01292-294972 or 07795-565691.

Ayr Racecourse and the associated Western House Hotel are Founder Members of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.

Mafiz Ali announces Burns Supper at Ayr Spice Indian Restaurant

Celebrity TV chef Mafiz Ali is delighted to announce that he will be holding his very first Burns Supper at Ayr Spice Indian Restaurant in Minishant, Ayrshire, Scotland on Tuesday 24 January 2012.


Master of Ceremonies and reciter of Tam O’ Shanter will be Donald Kay, the leading interpreter of Rabbie Burns and his songs and poems.

Piper: Bryce McCulloch

Address to the Haggis: Captain Graham Reith

Immortal Memory: Charlie Weir, past-president Alloway Burns Club

Toast to the Lassies: Archie Thom, past president Mauchline Burns Club

Reply: Catriona Thom

Musical entertainment: Susan Docherty

All the traditions of Burns Suppers will be observed, including the entertainment and the menu of haggis, neeps and tatties, but Mafiz Ali may be adding a few twists and surprises of his own!

The whole evening is very reasonably priced at £24.95 per person, and you can book now by telephoning 01292 441413. .

Mafiz Ali
Ayr Spice Indian Restaurant
The Old Minishant Memorial Church
22 Ayr Road
Minishant
Ayrshire
KA19 8EX

Tel: 01292 441413
Web: www.ayrspice.info

Ayr Spice Indian Cuisine can be found in the fine old red sandstone Memorial church at the entrance to the picturesque village of Minishant, 5 miles south of Ayr on the A77. The church was erected by the thread magnate Sir Peter Coats of nearby Auchendrane, in loving memory of his wife Glorianna, who died in 1877.

Mafiz Ali enjoyed a busy and successful 2011.

He made two guest appearances on STV’s popular early evening television programme “The Hour” with regular hosts Stephen Jardine and Michelle McManus.

The previous month, Mafiz Ali hosted a very successful luncheon meeting of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle, which further enhanced his already growing reputation amongst discerning diners in the local business community.

He put on successful special menus to celebrate Mother’s Day, the Bangladeshi New Year and the Royal Wedding.

In the Spring of the year Mafiz extended the opening hours of Ayr Spice Indian Restaurant, which is now open from 12 noon 10.30pm every day.

For the Summer he introduced a Tandoori Barbecue, at which customers can dine al fresco (weather permitting!) in a family-friendly atmosphere with a tree-house for the kids and ample parking.

In the Autumn the newly refurbished upstairs function room seating 100 people was officially opened by South Ayrshire Deputy Provost Mary Kilpatrick, and Mafiz hosted a Halloween Party for the pupils, parents and teachers of Minishant Primary School

There will be further exciting developments to be announced during the course of 2012 which will cement Ayr Spice’s place as one of the top fine dining experiences in South West Scotland.

ABOUT MAFIZ ALI

Mafiz climbed the ladder to fame when he won a chef of the year award in 1998 and, almost immediately, added one for exceptional hygiene and cleanliness. Newly crowned at Westminster, he was commissioned by the then prime minister, John Major to supply a banquet for his 50th birthday at Number 10 Downing Street.

A replica banquet was then ordered by one of the distinguished guests and sent to New York city. Since then he has sent food elsewhere in the USA and to Japan and Australia in what must be an almost uniquely international takeaway service! He has also catered for numerous celebrities from the world of entertainment and some have vowed to come to his restaurant while they are in Scotland on tour.

It is not widely known that 92% of all “Indian” restaurants in the UK are in fact Bangladeshi, and it was to promote such eating houses and reward young chefs by recognising their talents, that Mafiz founded the “British Bangladeshi National Curry awards” at the Houses of Parliament at Westminster, also in 1998.

Mafiz Ali has been closely associated with charities, notably when he entered the Guinness Book of Records with 4.5 tons of chicken korma, which was then eaten at a charity event. Because of the enormous quantities involved he had to seek the advice of a professional engineer for the technical realisation of the project.

No stranger to TV, Mafiz has been invited to return to STV for further programmes in the future. Channel 4, Big Breakfast TV and several others including Bangladeshi TV on which he has his own programme, number among the other stations for whom he has appeared, and he has made double that number of radio broadcasts, as well as contributing to many publications including the Times and Daily Mirror.

Enquiries:

Mafiz Ali
Ayr Spice Indian Restaurant
The Old Minishant Memorial Church
22 Ayr Road
Minishant
Ayrshire
KA19 8EX

Tel: 01292 441413
Web: www.ayrspice.info

Issued by the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.