Now Ayrshire Radio- Ayrshire Insights with Elliot Boyce

This week on Ayrshire Insights, Elliot Boyce is joined by Danny Anderson—renowned sound engineer, event creator, and the driving force behind Freckfest and Andersonic. From mixing live shows for legends like Simple Minds and Billy Ocean to launching Ayrshire’s celebrated airshow, Danny reflects on a career that bridges music, aviation, and community spirit. Hear how a childhood spent in army camps...

This week on Ayrshire Insights, Elliot Boyce sits down with Jill Korn — acclaimed writer and director of audio drama for Sound Escape Theatre. Jill shares her creative journey, the magic of storytelling through sound, and how immersive audio can transport listeners into new worlds. From the craft of writing scripts to the challenges of directing performances designed purely for the ear, Jill offer...

This week on Ayrshire Insights with Elliot Boyce, we’re bringing you a special episode recorded during the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce’s visit to NOW Ayrshire, where over 40 local businesses came together to connect and collaborate.   In this unique edition, Elliot sits down with five different guests to showcase the diversity and energy of Ayrshire’s business and community scene. You’ll hear ins...

In this episode of Ayrshire Insights, Elliot Boyce welcomes John Paton, the visionary behind MobiTyre & AutoCare Scotland, a double award-winning mobile tyre and auto service based in Crosshouse, Ayrshire. With over 35 years of experience in the fast-fit industry, John shares how he identified a gap in the market—recognising that busy customers needed a more flexible, time-saving solution for...

On this powerful episode of Ayrshire Insights, host Elliot Boyce welcomes Derek Thomson — a tireless champion in the fight against cancer. For over 25 years, Derek has led fundraising efforts that have generated hundreds of thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK, transforming lives across Ayrshire and beyond. With the unwavering support of local volunteers, businesses, and families, Derek’s wo...

This week, Elliot sits down with Craig and Julie Speirs, the dynamic duo behind one of Ayrshire’s most in-demand event companies: C&J Weddings & Party Hire. With over 250 weddings and 200 parties and events completed this year alone, their business is redefining celebration across the region.   From rustic barn weddings to lavish marquee setups, Craig and Julie share the secrets behind the...

This week on Ayrshire Insights, Elliot sits down with Sandy Hillan and Doogie Ainslie, the dynamic duo behind Dash Claims, Ayrshire’s go-to accident management specialists. From no-fault accidents to no-nonsense solutions, they break down how Dash Claims is flipping the script on traditional insurance processes.

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, we welcome mother-daughter duo Claire and Abbie McGill, the driving force behind A.C.E Supporting Services Ltd — a family-run care organisation based in Prestwick. Born from personal experience and deep compassion, A.C.E was founded in honour of Erin, Claire's daughter & Abbie’s youngest sister and a service user whose journey with Global Development...

In this lively and laughter-filled special episode, we chat with newly elected independent councillor Willie Hogg — a man who went from putting up fences in back gardens to breaking down barriers in local politics.   Willie shares his journey from tradesman to town hall, including:   •  🛠️ How years of fencing work gave him a grounded perspective on community needs •  📱 His leap into social media...

This week, Ayrshire Insights takes you straight to the heart of San Antonio as we soak up the final rays of Ibiza’s legendary closing parties. But it’s not just about the beats—this episode dives deep into the business behind the bar. Broadcasting live from the iconic Highlander Bar, Elliot sits down with owner Seb and manager Calvin to talk about what it takes to run one of Ibiza’s most beloved n...

This week, Elliot sits down with Lee Simpson — one half of the next-gen leadership at SimpsInns, a proudly family-owned hospitality group with deep Ayrshire roots. Alongside his brother, their parents and management team Lee helps steer a portfolio of hotels, restaurants, and leisure venues that blend local charm with modern ambition.   Expect candid insights into running a family business, adapti...

This week, Elliot sits down with Alan Crookston and Jamie Stewart — the duo behind Elmwood Property Group — to unpack the business of property from the inside out. From estate agency and lettings to management and financial services, they reveal what it takes to thrive in Ayrshire’s ever-evolving housing market.

This week, Elliot sits down with Jamie Burns — the mind behind Ailsa Reliability Solutions — to decode how predictive maintenance is saving industries serious money. From oil rigs to wind farms, Jamie shares how his team spots equipment failures before they strike, and why Ayrshire is quietly becoming a hub for reliability tech.

This week on Ayrshire Insights, Elliot Boyce sits down with Ross Gilmour, the man behind Thistle Cabs in Ayrshire. From navigating council red tape to championing smarter recruitment in the taxi industry, Ross shares his candid views on what’s holding Ayrshire back—and what needs to change. We dive into the challenges of running a modern cab firm, the future of local transport, and why Ross believ...

This week, Elliot Boyce sits down with Anthony Cecchini, the second-generation owner of the beloved Cecchini’s Italian Restaurants in Ayr and Ardrossan. Anthony shares the rich history of his family’s journey from Barga in Tuscany to the west coast of Scotland, bringing with them generations of authentic recipes and a passion for hospitality. We explore how Cecchini’s has become a staple of Ayrshi...

This week, Elliot sits down with Morean Hamilton, a powerhouse in Ayrshire’s business and equestrian scenes. As her & her husband are the driving force behind Hamilton Tarmac, the Cobble Shop, and the iconic Thistle Pub in Hurlford, Morean has built more than just businesses—she’s built community. But beyond the boardroom and bar, Morean’s heart belongs to the equestrian world. A lifelong hors...

In this episode of Ayrshire Insights, Elliot Boyce is joined by Gavin Wallace, Managing Director of EVT Scotland, to uncover what it takes to run one of the UK’s leading vehicle movement specialists. From transporting fire engines to coordinating high-end chauffeur services, Gavin shares the behind-the-scenes challenges of managing complex logistics across the country. It’s a deep dive into the fa...

Elliot chats with Tom Yorke about what really goes on behind the scenes in the insurance world. From protecting local businesses to building trust with clients, Tom shares how Blue Rock does things differently. It’s a relaxed, insightful convo with plenty of laughs—and a few surprises along the way. Perfect for business owners, curious minds, or anyone who’s ever wondered what an insurance broker...

In this episode of Ayrshire Insights, Elliot Boyce sits down with Eddie Fraser, Chief Executive of East Ayrshire Council, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, community priorities, and the future of the region. Eddie shares his personal journey to becoming Chief Executive, offering insights into the experiences and values that have shaped his approach to public service. Whether you're i...

This week on Ayrshire Insights, Elliot Boyce sits down for a raw and powerful conversation with tattoo artist Niky Brown, owner of Hard Luck Tattoo—whose shop was tragically lost in the recent Kilmarnock fire. From the inked beginnings of his career to the ashes of heartbreak, Niky shares the emotional story of losing his business, and how the Ayrshire community rallied behind him, raising over £2...

In this episode, Elliot sits down with Alan Miller, the friendly face behind Budget Blinds Ayrshire, to chat about all things windows, business, and community. From humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name across Ayrshire, Alan shares his journey, the challenges of running a local business, and why great customer service never goes out of style. Whether you're a homeowner looking for inspirati...

Get under the bonnet of Ayrshire’s automotive world as Elliot sits down with Andrew Dodds, founder of Andrew Dodds Autocare in Ayr. From a one-man operation to a trusted local business, Andrew shares the grit, passion, and precision that fuel his journey—and the engines he works on. 🚗 Whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply fascinated by the entrepreneurial heartbeat of Ayrshire, this episode e...

This week on Ayrshire Insights, Elliot Boyce chats with Shona Thorne of Thorne Travel about what it really takes to run a successful travel agency in today’s fast-changing world. Shona opens up about the behind-the-scenes of building a trusted brand, managing a team, adapting to global travel trends, and keeping customer service at the heart of everything they do. From booking dream holidays to na...

In this episode, Elliot Boyce sits down with Brandon Van Rensburg and Mark Blake, the creative duo behind Spudbuds—one of Ayrshire’s tastiest and most talked-about food spots. They chat about how the idea came to life, the journey of building a local food brand, and what it takes to stand out in the ever-growing street food scene. It’s a fun and flavourful conversation you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of Ayrshire Insights, Elliot Boyce sits down with Gordon Rennie, the visionary behind Gro Coffee, for a warm and wide-ranging conversation over a cup of something special. Recorded on location at the heart of Ayrshire’s café culture, this episode dives into Gordon’s journey from idea to institution, the role of local businesses in shaping community identity, and what it takes to cr...