Dear Colleague,

Thank you for tuning in to News In Brief with important updates and news highlights of all that is happening over the next seven days. Don’t forget to check out the Staff News website for the latest information and news from across the council.

Monday 3 November: Islands funding announcement

It is being announced today that three Arran projects are sharing more than £800,000 in funding from the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme.
The projects are Arran Youth Foundations, Brodick Hall Island Hub and Lochranza Securing a Future in Marine Tourism. Watch a short video and find out more in the news release.

Also on Monday: This week is National Youth Work Week

We are proud once again to pledge our support this week to Scotland’s National Youth Work Week. Delivered by YouthLink Scotland this year’s theme, Safe Spaces, Strong Futures, connects directly to Scotland’s national agency for youth work’s manifesto vision: a Scotland where every young person has a right, a space, a future. Stay tuned to social media where our Youth Work team will be sharing updates on how they are helping North Ayrshire’s young people to thrive and realise their full potential.

Tuesday 4 November: Joint Cabinet at Saltcoats Town Hall (10am – 12.30pm)

Council officials and Elected Members will meet with young people from across all North Ayrshire secondary schools on Tuesday as part of National Youth Work Week for North Ayrshire’s bi-annual Joint Cabinet Meeting. Here the pupils will have a chance to talk truth to power and discuss hard-hitting issues affecting their peers and what changes they want to see made. Stay tuned for the news release.

Wednesday 5 November: Full Council meeting

A full meeting of North Ayrshire Council gets under way at 2pm on Wednesday. Among the items under consideration will be the Medium-Term Financial Outlook and Approach, which is an important report as we look ahead to the 2026/27 Budget-setting process. You can find the agenda and reports on the council website. And you can also view proceedings live online.

Also on Wednesday: Bonfire Night advice

North Ayrshire Council tenants and residents are being encouraged to enjoy Guy Fawkes Night safely. Read more here in the Bonfire Night council guidance issued by the council.

Thursday 6 November: Launch of Budget engagement

Following on from Wednesday’s Council meeting, we will be launching our Budget engagement surveys for 2026/27. It is anticipated that we will be engaging on a number of service areas and your answers will provide important feedback ahead of any decisions being made next year. Keep an eye on the Council website for the surveys when they launch on Thursday.

And Finally…

Eglinton Country Park pathway works

Pathway closures will be impacted by temporary improvement works at Eglinton Country Park and the smaller playpark will be closed until the end of January. Find out everything you need to know here and stay tuned to Eglinton Country Park on Facebook for updates.

MCR Pathways volunteering

Could you volunteer just one hour a week to mentor a young person in North Ayrshire? MCR Pathways are on the lookout for those who can put themselves forward for this impactful youth mentoring opportunity. Find out more and watch the video in the Latest News article.

One week to go Participatory Budgeting voting

Time is running out to have your say in the council’s latest round of Participatory Budgeting where there is a total sum of £204,159 up for grabs. Find out everything you need to know in the news release and vote now via the Shaping North Ayrshire website.

Sign up to Employee Perks

Whether you want to get organised with your Christmas shopping or grab a good deal before you spend all your well-earned wage on everyone else, register now to take advantage of the many staff benefits we have with leading UK retailers!

Imminent changes for Council’s Financial Management system

Integra Financial Management System will be upgraded to a new version of the system called Integra Centros on Monday 10 November 2025. Important information on system downtime and cut off dates for the system have been provided via separate communications which have been issued by Mark Boyd, Head of Finance, and via an article on Connects. Please ensure that you have read these and prepared for the impact to your business operation activities.

That’s all for now

If you have any updates you would like the team to share in News In Brief or on Staff Latest News, please click the button below to email the Communications team. Your updates will be required by midday on Friday this week. Email: communications@north-ayrshire.gov.uk