News In Brief - Monday 20 July 2026
Thanks everyone for tuning in to another instalment of News in Brief with important updates and news highlights of all that is happening over the coming week.
Important! Water update Saltcoats and Ardrossan
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are investigating a pollution incident at Saltcoats and Ardrossan bathing water due to a burst sewage pipe on Monday 29 June. Due to the potential impact on water quality SEPA’s bathing water signage has been updated to advise against bathing. Read the official update here.
Tuesday 23 July: Spaces left for colleague financial health checks
A senior Personal Banker from the Royal Bank of Scotland will be visiting Cunninghame House on Tuesday 21 July and Wednesday 22 July to offer free, confidential Financial Health Checks for employees. There are still a limited number of appointments available. If you would like to book one of the remaining appointments, please contact Heather Hay by email at heather.hay@rbs.co.uk
Also on Tuesday: Women’s Open begins – employee discount available!
The world’s top golfers including current No.1 Nelly Korda are getting ready to battle it out in the Women’s Scottish Open at Dundonald Links, Irvine, taking place from 23-26 July. There will be something for everyone to enjoy between the world-class golf on the course, from delicious food trucks and family fun to big screens and live entertainment. Council employees can access a 30% discount on tickets by using the code “NACOUNCIL30” via the Women’s Open Website. For young fans and families, there are also junior rates (ages 17-23) and ages 0-16 go free!
Friday 24 July: Free pollinator packs at Sustainability pop-up events
Our Sustainability team is offering free packs of plants to residents to help support butterflies, bees and other pollinators at a series of community consultation events throughout summer. If you want to boost biodiversity, why not head along to the first event this Friday at the KA Leisure Fun Day at St Matthew’s Sports Hub, Saltcoats, from 11am to 2pm? Read more here in Latest News.
Reminder on the correct use of charity recycling bins
Colleagues are being reminded that they could inadvertently be putting themselves at risk of a financial penalty when using charity shops or clothing banks. There is more info here in Latest News.
Latest update shared on B714
The ongoing major improvements works on the B714 Dalry Saltcoats road have reached an important stage. This means the road connecting Dalry to the A78 near Saltcoats will be closed for up to 14 months. From July 27th, drivers will be asked to follow a diversion along the B780 from Dalry to Ardrossan. Road users are asked to plan ahead - keep up to date with the project by visiting the B714 upgrade webpage.
Important update for staff working with care experienced young people
Relevant staff working with the care experienced community are encouraged to please read the latest update from the Corporate Parenting team on the roll-out of the new Care Leaver Payment of £2,000 for young people as they move from care into adulthood and more independent living. If you have any further questions in the interim, please contact CareLeaverPayment@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
An action-packed week for the Summer of Sport
A programme of taster sessions, activities and fun days will take place over the summer break across North Ayrshire – see the list of everything happening this week in the Summer of Sport social media post. There’s also a host of exciting events via KA:Leisure’s programme including free swim and skate – find out more in the KA:Leisure summer events brochure.
Library fun near you for all the family
Head on over to your nearest North Ayrshire Library to discover some brilliant free summer events for all the family over the next fortnight. Read the schedule of everything happening in the latest Libraries news update.
Save the date: Screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing
The Energy and Sustainability team are inviting all colleagues to a special Lunch & Learn screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing on Tuesday 28 July (12.30 until 2pm) – a new film bringing together leading UK experts to explain, as clearly as possible, what the latest science says about the climate and nature crisis, how it is already affecting our lives and what can still be done. Sign up via the People’s Emergency Briefing Latest News article.
Head on over to the Café on 4
Enjoy some of this week’s delicious menu items, healthy choices and treats at Café on 4. View this week’s menu and specials on Latest News.
That’s all for now. If you have news to share in News In Brief next week, share your story with us by midday on Friday by using the contact us button below. Have a great week everyone!
