Making the most of the Scottish Parliament summer recess, Ruth Maguire MSP has taken the opportunity to get out and about in Cunninghame South Constituency, using the extra time to visit a selection of the many great attractions the area has to offer.
Ruth has enjoyed speaking with local groups, businesses, and organisations and is particularly pleased to be back holding in person advice surgeries. Ruth has also met with constituents to discuss location specific concerns they have raised and see for herself the problems that constituents have highlighted.
Of course, with the sun shining on Irvine, it would be rude not pay a visit to Vanilla Joes.
As should have been expected, on the hottest day of the year in Irvine, in an instant, sun became rain, followed by thunder and lightening. Nothing else for it, Ruth sought welcome shelter in Duncan’s Bar and Bistro down the harbour and enjoyed a little piece of cake to keep her going, thoroughly recommended!
Ruth visited North Ayrshire Women’s Aid in their new hub, to thank Mary and her team for all they do to keep women in North Ayrshire safe and particularly for maintaining the frontline services during the pandemic.
North Ayrshire Women’s Aid provide emotional and practical support to women and children affected by domestic abuse. They can be contacted on 01294 602424. Outwith office hours you can call the 24hr national helpline on: 0800 027 1234
Gill and Harry from the Scottish Wildlife Trust kindly took Ruth for an educational walk around Shewalton Wood in Irvine. Ruth was interested to hear about the work of the trust over many years to develop the woodland and encourage wildlife to flourish in the reserve. Shewalton has a rich and diverse native woodland that is home to many species.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust are supported by volunteers who help with everything from tree planting, habitat engineering, to monitoring endangered species. Ruth was fascinated to find out more about the work of one group who have been observing adders on the reserve, but was a little surprised when she was lucky enough to spot one herself. Unfortunately, it was shy and too quick for a photograph.
Volunteers from Kilwinning Heritage welcomed Ruth to Kilwinning Abbey Tower. Kilwinning has a rich history and the heritage group run by volunteers are doing an amazing job at preserving this knowledge for future generations to come. Ruth was interested to chat with the group, to hear about the challenges they have faced during the pandemic and how they have adapted to this.
An insightful visit, with spectacular views of Cunninghame South Constituency from the top of the tower. Entry to the Heritage Centre is free to visitors Saturday and Sunday 1-3pm, over the summer months. Great to see it open again to visitors!
For entertainment this July, along with many constituents Ruth was in the place to be, Irvine Beach Park, for the Making Waves Festival where she was thrilled to see Del Amitri perform live on stage. Again, not so lucky with the weather, unfortunately, but still a fantastic event taking place right here in Irvine.
Ruth Maguire MSP 