Structural concerns at Ayr Racecourse will not put public safety at risk, according to South Ayrshire Council. The issues with the Eglinton Stand will have to be addressed in the longer term as councillors meet to renew safety certificates.
Structural Deterioration Identified
Structural concerns have been identified in part of Ayr Racecourse’s Eglinton Grandstand, although council officials insist there is no immediate risk to public safety. A report to South Ayrshire Council’s Regulatory Panel next week will reveal that engineers have highlighted deterioration within the reinforced concrete frame of the Eglinton Stand, with further work required to prolong the lifespan of the structure.
The findings come as councillors are asked to renew safety certificates for the racecourse’s two regulated grandstands, the Princess Royal Stand and the Eglinton Stand. Building Standards officers confirmed that all required inspections, surveys and certification have been completed, with the racecourse’s annual maintenance programme signed off following a series of minor repairs.
No Immediate Safety Issue
However, the structural report identified ongoing concerns regarding the condition of the Eglinton Grandstand’s reinforced concrete frame. Officials stressed there is no immediate safety issue and no requirement for urgent action, but said further work will be needed to preserve the structure over the longer term. The upper tier of the stand remains closed to spectators and is not included within the approved capacity covered by the racecourse’s safety certificate. Council officers noted there are currently no plans to reopen the area and any future use would require a revised safety certificate.
Preparing for Martyn’s Law
While the structural issue is being monitored, the report also highlights a new challenge facing Ayr Racecourse and other major venues across the UK. The racecourse is preparing for the future introduction of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, better known as Martyn’s Law. The legislation was introduced following the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing and is designed to improve security and preparedness at public venues.
Under the new law, sports grounds, entertainment venues and major event locations will be legally required to consider the risk of terrorist attacks and introduce proportionate measures to protect the public. Although the legislation received Royal Assent in April 2025, it is not expected to come fully into force until at least April 2027, allowing venues time to prepare for the new obligations.
Impact on Safety Certification
The council report confirms that initial discussions have already taken place with Ayr Racecourse management regarding how the legislation will affect future safety certification. Officials say the new requirements are likely to be incorporated into the racecourse’s safety certificate from July 2027. The report states that the legislation will require sports venues to implement “proportionate security and preparedness measures against terrorist threats” using a tiered system based on attendance capacity.
Further discussions will take place through the Safety Advisory Group, which brings together representatives from the council, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service and NHS Ayrshire & Arran. An interim review of the racecourse’s safety arrangements will also be carried out before the legislation comes into force.
Updated Emergency Procedures
The report notes that Ayr Racecourse has already updated its contingency plan and evacuation procedures, with revised arrangements introduced in March this year. A table top exercise involving emergency services and partner organisations is scheduled for September to test the venue’s Multi-Agency Incident Response Guide and emergency response procedures.
Despite the structural concerns identified within the Eglinton Stand, inspectors reported no adverse incidents involving the grandstands at either of the racecourse’s biggest meetings. The Scottish Grand National attracted 15,010 spectators in April this year, while last September’s Ayr Gold Cup meeting drew a crowd of 8,347. No adverse reports relating to the grandstands were received following either event.
Councillors are being asked to allow the existing safety certificates to remain in force until June 30 before approving revised certificates for a further year from July 1.
