Congratulations have been sent by North Ayrshire Council to a sports club who had a high profile re-opening after a major revamp and an international rugby player who has finally received his cap after more than five decades.

North Ayrshire Council on Wednesday passed a motion which read: “Council congratulates the Irvine Tennis Community on the forthcoming opening of their Tennis Courts on Thornhouse Avenue on Monday, September 11  by Judy Murray OBE.

“Council notes its thanks and appreciation to Chris McKenna and his committee at Irvine Tennis Community for their work.

"Council further notes that the Late Provost Ian Clarkson was instrumental in the campaign to restore the courts and that this is a fitting legacy for a long standing and deeply admired community leader.” 

Another motion has recognised a former Ardrossan ace.

It read:  “North Ayrshire Council wishes to congratulate former Ardrossan Academicals RFC player, Ian Murchie who, after 54 years, has received his Scotland cap from the Scottish Rugby Union.

"The council recognises that many people encouraged the SRU to change its ruling that not all matches played for their country merited a cap; remembers that his long time Ardrossan Accies friend, Bill Nolan, was one such persistent voice in the SRU; recognises that this is also a great moment of pride for everyone in Ardrossan Academicals RFC; and is delighted to know that he has finally been given the recognition he deserves.”