Two international sporting events held in Ayr have been praised by their industry bodies.
Scottish Rowing and Scottish Volleyball gave plaudits to the area after the success of two major sporting events in Ayr.
The area held the Scottish Rowing National Beach Sprints Regatta at Ayr Beach while the Preliminary Qualifying rounds for the 2024 Olympics Beach Volleyball competition were played at Kyle Academy.
The regatta was an opportunity for athletes to get selected for the Scottish Rowing squad while the Beach Volleyball saw teams from Scotland, Poland, Belgium, and the Czech Republic compete to get into round two.
Lee Boucher, Head of Performance Pathway for Scottish Rowing, said: “It was fantastic to bring coastal sculling to South Ayrshire for the first time and see athletes travelling from across Scotland and England to compete on Ayr Beach.
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"This assessment was the first stage for rowers seeking selection for Scotland and Great Britain international teams this summer and there was some exceptional racing on display.
“We are grateful to all of the local partners and volunteers for their warm welcome and support with the delivery of the event and we are committed to working with South Ayrshire Council and others in the area to look at opportunities for more people to take part in coastal sculling as we build a Scotland team towards the 2026 Commonwealth Games and beyond.”
Margaret Ann Fleming (MBE), CEO of Scottish Volleyball, Executive Vice President of European Volleyball and Non-executive Director of World Volleyball, said: “What a fabulous event to host at Kyle Academy in Ayr.
"It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to have been the host organiser for European Volleyball.
"South Ayrshire Council, the weather and spectators were kind and generous both in their support and participation over the weekend.
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“Scottish Volleyball would like to thank South Ayrshire Council, Kyle Academy, the University of the West of Scotland, Scaffolding Access and Supplies, QTV, Zeon Teamwear, SportScotland, CEV and all of the participating teams, volunteers, players, coaches, officials, staff and the board of Scottish Volleyball.”
Councillor Brian Connolly, Sport and Leisure Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council, said: “I am delighted that we have received this recognition.
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"Our Thriving Communities team worked closely with Scottish Rowing and Scottish Volleyball to make sure these events were a success.
"A special mention also goes to our Facilities Management team who provided breakfast, lunch and dinner to elite athletes competing at the Olympic Games qualifier.”
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