The Outdoor Partnership will work with clubs, schools, individuals, and specialists to increase opportunities for people in Ayrshire to achieve their potential through outdoor activities, active participation, volunteering, training, and education.
Troon Water Sports Hub – New Training Opportunity-
Thanks to funding support from the SAC Locality Planning Partnership we’re rolling out a series of heavily discounted courses throughout 2026.
Due to demand we are running another Two day ITC Level 3 Outdoor First Aid course at a discounted cost of £50.00 at Troon Scout Hall 9-10 May.
Open to local people with an interest in outdoor activities, volunteering and outdoor sports clubs.
(A partnership course with Troon Water Sports Hub, The Outdoor Partnership, Ayrshire and hosted by 28th Ayrshire Troon Scout group)
To book a place on the course email: contacttwsh@gmail.com
or phone 07592042118.
Troon Water Sports Hub Troon Development Trust South Ayrshire Ranger Service Voluntary Action South Ayrshire South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership Y Bartneriaeth Awyr Agored - The Outdoor Partnership Gillian’s Walks Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere #firstaidtraining #adventure #bluehealth #volunteersmakeadifference
Troon Water Sports Hub – New Training Opportunity-
Thanks to funding support from the SAC Locality Planning Partnership we’re rolling out a series of heavily discounted courses throughout 2026.
Due to demand we are running another Two day ITC Level 3 Outdoor First Aid course at a discounted cost of £50.00 at Troon Scout Hall 9-10 May.
Open to local people with an interest in outdoor activities, volunteering and outdoor sports clubs.
(A partnership course with Troon Water Sports Hub, The Outdoor Partnership, Ayrshire and hosted by 28th Ayrshire Troon Scout group)
To book a place on the course email: contacttwsh@gmail.com
or phone 07592042118.
Troon Water Sports Hub Troon Development Trust South Ayrshire Ranger Service Voluntary Action South Ayrshire South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership Y Bartneriaeth Awyr Agored - The Outdoor Partnership Gillian’s Walks Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere #firstaidtraining #adventure #bluehealth #volunteersmakeadifference
New FREE training course opportunity- Cycle Ride Leader- Troon Scout Scout Hall 18th April.
To book email: contacttwsh@gmail.com @troon_water_sports_hub @troontrust @troondynamicfitness @28thayrshire @troontortoisesac #outdooradventure #cycling #glasgowcommonwealthgames
New FREE training course opportunity- Cycle Ride Leader- Troon Scout Scout Hall 18th April.
To book email: contacttwsh@gmail.com @troon_water_sports_hub @troontrust @troondynamicfitness @28thayrshire @troontortoisesac #outdooradventure #cycling #glasgowcommonwealthgames
Yesterday was our final session of the Wellbeing in Nature programme. A six week block of outdoor wellbeing looking at nature and learning about its variety of life. We visited Troon, Fullerton Woods, Rozell and Belleisle park in Ayr with Lindsay from @tcvscotland and staff from @nhsayrshirearran Community Link Practitioners. A great wellbeing and mental heath pilot programme funded by Scottish Government Mental Health and Wellbeing funding in partnership with @adventurecarrick and. @voluntaryactionsouthayrshire . #greenhealth #wellbeing #healthylifestyle @paa.top
Yesterday was our final session of the Wellbeing in Nature programme. A six week block of outdoor wellbeing looking at nature and learning about its variety of life. We visited Troon, Fullerton Woods, Rozell and Belleisle park in Ayr with Lindsay from @tcvscotland and staff from @nhsayrshirearran Community Link Practitioners. A great wellbeing and mental heath pilot programme funded by Scottish Government Mental Health and Wellbeing funding in partnership with @adventurecarrick and. @voluntaryactionsouthayrshire . #greenhealth #wellbeing #healthylifestyle @paa.top
A fab morning at Fullerton Woods,Troon with Lindsay from @tcvscotland and Ann from Friends of Fullerton Woods. A relaxing sensory eco walk around the woods investigating, exploring, learning about the forest birds and sounds. #wellbeing @gordonbuchanan_wildlife @paa.top @voluntaryactionsouthayrshire #healthylifestyle #outdooradventure
A fab morning at Fullerton Woods,Troon with Lindsay from @tcvscotland and Ann from Friends of Fullerton Woods. A relaxing sensory eco walk around the woods investigating, exploring, learning about the forest birds and sounds. #wellbeing @gordonbuchanan_wildlife @paa.top @voluntaryactionsouthayrshire #healthylifestyle #outdooradventure
🌿 Wellbeing in Nature – Fullarton Woods 🌿
Today we kicked off the first of two sessions with Lindsay from TCV! We explored how a dying tree breaks down, feeding the forest and supporting fungi, insects, and birds. 🐦🍄🌳 We even learned how to survey deadwood like a pro!
Next Thursday (22 Jan), join Lindsay to discover how to get more from a woodland walk by engaging all your senses – sight 👀, smell 👃, hearing 👂, and touch ✋.
✨ Spots are still available! Check the poster for details.
🌿 Wellbeing in Nature – Fullarton Woods 🌿
Today we kicked off the first of two sessions with Lindsay from TCV! We explored how a dying tree breaks down, feeding the forest and supporting fungi, insects, and birds. 🐦🍄🌳 We even learned how to survey deadwood like a pro!
Next Thursday (22 Jan), join Lindsay to discover how to get more from a woodland walk by engaging all your senses – sight 👀, smell 👃, hearing 👂, and touch ✋.
✨ Spots are still available! Check the poster for details.
Start the new year with getting outdoors in nature, enjoy local woodlands and benefit from green health Wellbeing session with a expert instructor. Spaces still available for this Thursday Fullerton Woods, Troon programme.
Booking details in poster.
Start the new year with getting outdoors in nature, enjoy local woodlands and benefit from green health Wellbeing session with a expert instructor. Spaces still available for this Thursday Fullerton Woods, Troon programme.
Booking details in poster.
A great day on Arran with instructors from Arran Outdoor Education Centre and young people from Arran primaries. Today was the finale of an eight week Outdoor Leadership, Education, Adventure programme- LEAP with all Arran P6 pupils. Four weeks of multiply activities of Canoeing, climbing, forest skills, hill walks and team building followed by four weeks of a targeted cohort of pupils undergoing further skills training, outdoor opportunities and resilience building.
This course was supported by a partnership with a @northayrshireactiveschools @paa.top and a great Staff team from Arran Outdoor Education Centre. Thanks also to joint funding from @the_nda_group and North Ayrshire Active Schools. Big thanks to Arran staff and Archie who is moving onto a new job. All the best.
#adventure #outdoorlearning #Outdoors #skillsdevelopment #bluehealth greenhealth nature Y Bartneriaeth Awyr Agored - The Outdoor Partnership North Ayrshire Council Arran Coast Arran Outdoors for All
A great day on Arran with instructors from Arran Outdoor Education Centre and young people from Arran primaries. Today was the finale of an eight week Outdoor Leadership, Education, Adventure programme- LEAP with all Arran P6 pupils. Four weeks of multiply activities of Canoeing, climbing, forest skills, hill walks and team building followed by four weeks of a targeted cohort of pupils undergoing further skills training, outdoor opportunities and resilience building.
This course was supported by a partnership with a @northayrshireactiveschools @paa.top and a great Staff team from Arran Outdoor Education Centre. Thanks also to joint funding from @the_nda_group and North Ayrshire Active Schools. Big thanks to Arran staff and Archie who is moving onto a new job. All the best.
#adventure #outdoorlearning #Outdoors #skillsdevelopment #bluehealth greenhealth nature Y Bartneriaeth Awyr Agored - The Outdoor Partnership North Ayrshire Council Arran Coast Arran Outdoors for All
NEW ADDED AYR VENUE FOR 2026: Belleisle Park, Ayr
Bookings are filling up fast for this Wellbeing Programme- Don’t miss out on this funded New Year Wellbeing referral programme.- Open to anyone attending & registered at a South Ayrshire local GP practice. Book direct email: lindsay.twilley@tcv.org.uk
The Outdoor Partnership, The Conservation Volunteers and South Ayrshire Community Link Practitioners are thrilled to offer a new innovative FREE ‘Well-being in Nature’ pilot programme, designed to bring people together to enjoy the many benefits of spending time outdoors.
Our sessions provide a welcoming and safe environment where participants can take part in gentle physical outdoor activity, connect with others, and immerse themselves in nature - helping to boost both physical and mental well-being.
The 6 Outdoor sessions ( See poster below for more details) can be booked separately or in a block of 6 and are starting Thursday 15th January. They are open to South Ayrshire residents registered or attending their local GP practice. It is designed to support anyone looking to improve their health & Wellbeing, to get outdoors and enjoy local woodland spaces.
The sessions will also be followed by an opportunity to attend the nearest café / coffee shop for a free refreshment and social chat.
#BlueHealth #Green health #nature @walkingscotland.org.uk @gordonbuchanan_wildlife @activesouthayrshire_sac @troondynamicfitness @troontrust @tcvscotland @ayrshireoutandabout @ayrshiremagazine @ayrshire_hospice
Check out the information below for further information:
To book email: lindsay.twilley@tcv.org.uk
NEW ADDED AYR VENUE FOR 2026: Belleisle Park, Ayr
Bookings are filling up fast for this Wellbeing Programme- Don’t miss out on this funded New Year Wellbeing referral programme.- Open to anyone attending & registered at a South Ayrshire local GP practice. Book direct email: lindsay.twilley@tcv.org.uk
The Outdoor Partnership, The Conservation Volunteers and South Ayrshire Community Link Practitioners are thrilled to offer a new innovative FREE ‘Well-being in Nature’ pilot programme, designed to bring people together to enjoy the many benefits of spending time outdoors.
Our sessions provide a welcoming and safe environment where participants can take part in gentle physical outdoor activity, connect with others, and immerse themselves in nature - helping to boost both physical and mental well-being.
The 6 Outdoor sessions ( See poster below for more details) can be booked separately or in a block of 6 and are starting Thursday 15th January. They are open to South Ayrshire residents registered or attending their local GP practice. It is designed to support anyone looking to improve their health & Wellbeing, to get outdoors and enjoy local woodland spaces.
The sessions will also be followed by an opportunity to attend the nearest café / coffee shop for a free refreshment and social chat.
#BlueHealth #Green health #nature @walkingscotland.org.uk @gordonbuchanan_wildlife @activesouthayrshire_sac @troondynamicfitness @troontrust @tcvscotland @ayrshireoutandabout @ayrshiremagazine @ayrshire_hospice
Check out the information below for further information:
To book email: lindsay.twilley@tcv.org.uk
A look back and a leap into 2026 for The Outdoor Partnership, Ayrshire. A new year ahead of Wellbeing activities, adventure programmes, training, mental health support programmes, walks, sailing, canoeing, climbing, snorkelling, swims and dips. Outdoor Education programmes with young people and adults of all ages and abilities.#outdooradventure #skillsforlife #bluehealth #watersafetyawareness @paa.top
A look back and a leap into 2026 for The Outdoor Partnership, Ayrshire. A new year ahead of Wellbeing activities, adventure programmes, training, mental health support programmes, walks, sailing, canoeing, climbing, snorkelling, swims and dips. Outdoor Education programmes with young people and adults of all ages and abilities.#outdooradventure #skillsforlife #bluehealth #watersafetyawareness @paa.top
A look back and a leap into 2026 for The Outdoor Partnership, Ayrshire. A new year ahead of Wellbeing activities, adventure programmes, training, mental health support programmes, walks, sailing, canoeing, climbing, snorkelling, swims and dips. Outdoor Education programmes with young people and adults of all ages and abilities.
A look back and a leap into 2026 for The Outdoor Partnership, Ayrshire. A new year ahead of Wellbeing activities, adventure programmes, training, mental health support programmes, walks, sailing, canoeing, climbing, snorkelling, swims and dips. Outdoor Education programmes with young people and adults of all ages and abilities.
A New Year water safety message from the RNLI for open water dippers.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17oMS6PFG1/?mibextid=wwXIfr
A New Year water safety message from the RNLI for open water dippers.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17oMS6PFG1/?mibextid=wwXIfr
We recently delivered a highly successful ITC Outdoor First Aid Course at 28th Troon Scouts, run by Iain Riddell Training. This two‑day course equips volunteers and outdoor leaders with the essential skills and confidence needed to manage first aid situations in remote and outdoor environments.
The training forms part of our ongoing volunteer development programme, supporting safe and enjoyable outdoor adventures across our community. This initiative is delivered in partnership with the Troon Watersports Hub, helping strengthen local capability across outdoor activities and water‑based sports.
Thanks to funding from South Ayrshire Council Locality Planning, we are able to provide high‑quality skills development opportunities that directly support outdoor learning, adventure sports, and community engagement.
If you’d like to learn more about upcoming courses or explore partnership opportunities, please get in touch — we’d be delighted to support your training needs.
TOP Ayrshire has been working with NHS Ayrshire ‘ Arran and The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) to deliver a 6 week outdoor wellbeing programme for Ayrshire patients & residents to access guided lead nature walks.
Click here to read the Wellbeing in Nature Report: Wellbeing In Nature_TCV_Report2026
The Outdoor Partnership, Ayrshire during 2024-25 worked with young people and adult volunteering from Doon Academy and local volunteers to build St Ayles Skiff rowing boat for creation of a rowing club on Loch Doon.
The new Loch Doon Rowing Club launched a boat in October 2025, marked by a well‑attended gathering on the shores of Loch Doon and other local club Girvan Coastal Rowing Club. The event was joined by local councillor and boat builder Drew Filson, along with retired joiner Ian Clarke, who were both instrumental in building the boat ‘Spitfire’ with pupils from Doon academy. Vincent McWhirter, TOP Development Officer, supported the project by securing grant funding and providing ongoing guidance. Volunteers from Troon Coastal Rowing Club also played an important role, offering valuable assistance throughout the boat‑building process.
The Arran Primary Schools Adventure Programme 2025 delivered an inspiring and memorable outdoor learning experience for young people across the island. In partnership with the expert instructors from the Arran Outdoor Education Centre, P6 pupils from all Arran primary schools took part in an exciting and challenging eight‑week leadership and adventure journey.
This year’s programme formed the finale of our LEAP (Leadership, Education and Adventure Programme) — an eight‑week initiative designed to build confidence, leadership, teamwork, and resilience through meaningful outdoor experiences.
This initiative was additionally supported through joint funding from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and North Ayrshire Active Schools, helping ensure equitable access to high‑quality outdoor learning for all pupils involved.
In partnership with The Dolphin House Outdoor Education Activity Centre, Culzean, senior pupils from Girvan and Carrick Academy participated in the Leadership, Education, Adventure Programme (LEAP) in Spring 2025.
The Dolphin House delivered sessions where participants took part in national governing body awards – such as mountain training hill skills award, paddle UK canoeing awards, mountain biking awards, national navigation award (NNAS), first aid, level 1 bike maintenance.
Young people also had adventure activities such as sailing, yacht ‘Taeping’ with Ocean Sailing Scotland, archery, caving, gorge walking, and team building activities.
The Outdoor Partnership Ayrshire are really pleased to offer to all Ayrshire local authorities a combined DofE sailing residential.
Thanks to funding from Hillhouse Quarry trust the Duke of Edinburgh award The Outdoor Partnership Adventure program 10 young people had a great experience sailing from Inverkip Marina up to Oban and through the Crinan Canal over 5 days.
Young people had full control of the yacht under guidance from ocean sailing Scotland staff and learnt how to navigate, helm the boat put up sails, work as a team and feed one another.
The Outdoor Partnership’s Hike and Dip
The Ayrshire Outdoor Partnership’s first Hike and Dip session was a great success. The Outdoor Partnership has a policy of regular shared learning meetings and discussions across all areas we operate in the UK. Since 2022, my colleague Sioned Thomas has pioneered a Hike and Swim programme in the Swansea Bay region of Wales, which I have replicated in Ayrshire. A great example of shared learning between Wales and Scotland!
The Ayrshire Hike and Dip at Irvine went extremely well. 12 of us headed out on a 3 mile coastal walk guided by Gillian’s Walks learning some fun facts about the area as we went along and getting to know each other a little bit. The views from the dragon were stunning! Following that Open Water with Elaine gave us a fantastic introduction to open water dipping, with many of us trying it out for the first time. After 20 minutes in the 14 degrees water we dried off and gathered around the firepit for a wee while afterwards, munching on melon and cake and enjoying hot drinks from our flasks whilst reminiscing about the amazing experience we’d all just shared. What a great way to spend a Saturday morning .
We will be planning more of these combo events throughout the summer, hopefully trying a few different locations. So keep your eyes peeled for more details! This event was made possible by support and funding from The Outdoor Partnership Ayrshire.
Health and Wellbeing – Hike and Dip with Gillian and Elaine
“You know it’s going to be a good day when even the drive down to the car park makes you say “WOW” out loud to yourself. The buzz everyone felt from today’s Hike & Dip event was absolutely contagious! Thank you all for being amazing sports and bringing all the energy . Conditions were picture perfect with possibly the clearest view I’ve ever seen of Ailsa Craig and Arran. We enjoyed a peaceful walk along our beautiful coastline towards Culzean Castle, perched on its clifftop and illuminated by the sun all the way. After a very important loo stop at the visitor centre we made our way back via “secret” wild woodland tracks and trails . Open water with Elaine then took over and led us through a fantastic dip. The water was a very pleasant (actually!) 19 degrees. If you’d been on the beach you’d have heard many MANY shrieks of laughter and cheers of support coming from us as members of the group attempted mermaid dives or handstands in the water.”
“So. Much. Fun On days like this Ayrshire really does deliver! Look out for my reel coming soon too, which includes photos sent to me by others in the group . A huge thanks to The Outdoor Partnership Ayrshire for bringing Elaine and I together to deliver these Hike & Dip events and funding subsidised tickets”.
