South Ayrshire Council’s Regulatory Panel has renewed safety certificates for the Princess Royal Stand and Eglinton Stand at Ayr Racecourse after annual inspections and safety assessments. However, the discussion focused on the Eglinton Stand, where building standards officers highlighted ongoing concerns about the condition of parts of its reinforced concrete frame.
Eglinton Stand Concerns and Safety Assurances
A report to councillors stated that while no immediate safety action is required, works will be needed to prolong the structure’s lifespan. The upper tier of the Eglinton Stand remains closed to the public and is not included in the stand’s approved spectator capacity. Racecourse management has no current plans to reopen the area.
Councillor Ian Cavana questioned the safety of the structure, noting that while spectators cannot access the upper tier, members of the public continue to use areas below it during race meetings. Building Standards co-ordinator Hugh Talbot assured councillors that the racecourse had submitted required structural certification and that officers were satisfied there were no major safety concerns with areas currently open to spectators.
Maintenance and Future Plans
Racecourse operations and premises manager Ross Donald said the venue operates a continuous maintenance and monitoring programme, with monthly inspections. Deterioration is largely linked to water ingress, and repairs are undertaken on an ongoing basis rather than being left until annual inspections. Mr Donald indicated there were no immediate plans to reopen the upper tier, as the racecourse considered it not currently suitable for customers. Decisions on longer-term investment would rest with the venue’s owners.
Recent Events and Preparations for Martyn’s Law
The report noted that the Scottish Grand National in April attracted more than 15,000 spectators, and no adverse reports relating to the grandstands were received from either the Grand National or the Ayr Gold Cup meeting in September 2025. Councillors also heard that the racecourse is preparing for the future introduction of Martyn’s Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025), which will require sports venues to introduce proportionate security measures. Initial discussions have taken place, but the legislation is not expected to affect the safety certificate until at least 2027. A multi-agency tabletop exercise involving emergency services is scheduled for September.
Certification Approval
No objections were received from Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Scottish Ambulance Service, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, or South Ayrshire Council’s Environmental Health Service. The panel unanimously approved the renewal of the safety certificates for another year.
