The top Cumnock Chronicle stories from the end of 2023

This time we're looking at the stories from between July and December, following on from our look at the first half of the year.

READ MORE: Most read Chronicle stories from January to June

Do you remember these stories? Click the links to take you to the original story on the Cumnock Chronicle website.

July

• Cumnock Factory Outlet fire forces shopping complex closure

Cumnock Factory Outlet (Image: NQ Archive)

It was sad news as a fire forced the closure of Cumnock Factory Outlet towards the end of the month. It's not set to reopen until later this year.

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• Mauchline's newest business owner ready to jump straight in

David Welsh took over the Crafty Coffee shop (Image: NQ Archive)

It was some good news in Mauchline as the town had a new café open up. Sadly, it has since closed.

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August

• Mauchline shop owner makes U-turn on future thanks to powerful support

Sharma Lee Spirituality shop on Loudoun Street (Image: Submitted)

Staying in Mauchline, and following the decision to close the popular Sharma Lee Spirituality shop on Loudoun Street, the owner decided to reverse course and stay open after a huge outpouring of support from the public.

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• Chart-topping band featuring as part of the full line-up of Sanquhar music festival

Crawick Multiverse (Image: Crawick Multiverse)

There was huge interest in the news that Scouting For Girls would be performing at Music at the Multiverse festival at Crawick Multiverse in September.

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September

• Dumfries House to welcome popular TV presenter for special event

Jay Blades at Dumfries House. (Image: PA)

People were keen to learn that The Repair Shop host, Jay Blades, was due to make an appearance at Dumfries House.

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• Hundreds attend fun-filled New Cumnock festival

Fitfest. (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

There was a great turnout n New Cumnock as hundreds of people gathered for the Fit Fest event, hosted by New Cumnock Development Trust (NCDT).

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October

• Family-run Cumnock business set up under the stairs celebrates 35 years

There was a lot of love as Cumnock's Curtainwise celebrated its 35th year in business.

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• Look inside upgraded Cumnock pub as owners prepare to open

There was good news in Cumnock as a new team took over The Victoria Inn pub on The Square and opened after a makeover.

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November

• Inside Cumnock's newest restaurant ahead of opening night

More good news for Cumnock as, just across the road from The Victoria Inn, The Clydesdale restaurant opened its doors in the former Clydesdale bank building.

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• Police officer injured in ‘large scale disorder’ in Auchinleck

Auchinleck. (Image: NQ Archive)

One of the more serious stories of the year, as a lot of attention was paid after a weekend of chaos in Auchinleck and Cumnock which saw multiple arrests, a police officer injured and officers with riot gear on the streets.

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December

• Fund in memory of much-loved Cumnock woman 'is finally exhausted', family says

Nan McMurdo MBE (Image: NQ Archive)
The year came to a close with news that the Nan McMurdo Memorial Fund, set up in memory of the former Cumnock community champion, had reached the end of its lifespan.

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• Cumnock chip shop team 'proud as punch' after Scottish Italian award recognition

The Nello's team. (Image: Charlie Gilmour)
Nello's, in Townhead Street, won a 'highly recommended' accolade at the Scottish Italian Awards.