Looking back: What made the headlines at the end of 2023

We are concluding today with a look at the final third of the year - from September to December - after our first two instalments.

READ MORE: Looking back at 2023 - what made the Herald headlines at the start of this year

READ MORE: Come for a stroll down memory lane as we look at the Herald's top stories from May to August

How many of these stories do you recall being covered in the Herald?

September

The Binning family were delighted to be able to upgrade the Carrick's Premier Store in Dalry. (Image: Staff)

A Dalry shop that has been at the heart of the town for nearly a century was given a new lease of life.

For the past 22 years of that time, the Binning family have worked tirelessly to provide the best service and products to the community from the Carrick's Premier store which they own.

Following the purchase of the adjacent flat, the store presented a stunning upgrade which saw it extended and redesigned to a specification "far beyond their wildest imagination".

READ THE FULL STORY: Take a look as family-run shop presents stunning upgrade

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Members of the local Tartan Army Supporters Club bumped into a rather familiar face on their trip to Cyprus. (Image: Submitted)

Members of the North Ayrshire Tartan Army supporters' club - many of whom hail from the Three Towns - headed to Larnaca in September as Scotland faced Cyprus in a Euro 2024 qualifying match.

As well and taking in a fantastic 3-0 win a social media post from one of the club's members gained traction after they bumped into a former First Minister during their trip.

The group crossed paths with former SNP leader, and current leader of the Alba Party, Alex Salmond who posed for a picture holding a bottle of Buckfast with one supporters' club member particularly amused that he was "cutting about Larnaca with a 'Salmond 1' top on".

READ THE FULL STORY: North Ayrshire Tartan Army bump into former First Minister at Cyprus away match

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October

Gale Hill got a fantastic send off as she retired from her role as manager at the Nonsuch Amusements. (Image: Charlie Gilmour Photography)

October saw the retirement of the popular manager of the Nonsuch Amusements in Saltcoats after 37 years with the business.

Gale Hill got a fantastic send-off with a surprise party in the Nonsuch bar upstairs, where she was joined by colleagues, family and friends.

Gale's four decades at the Nonsuch included the time when the amusements were put out of action for months during a fire.

READ THE FULL STORY: Manager Gale Hill retires from the Nonsuch Amusements after 37 years of service

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The team from The Metro in Saltcoats gave the Herald a chance to take a inside the iconic nightclub as reopening plans take shape. (Image: Staff)

It was an exciting month for fans of "Scotland's most famous nightclub" as the Herald got an exclusive look around the iconic Metro.

For 12 years now the venue has been closed, shutting up shop in 2011 after 22 years in operation.

But for nearly four years two local men have made it their mission to give Saltcoats its iconic nightclub back.

READ THE FULL STORY: Take a look around the Metro as owners reveal opening plans

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November

Nine-year-old Erica Millar lit off a fantastic fireworks display in Saltcoats. (Image: Charlie Gilmour Photography)

November, of course, brought firework night with the skies lit up right across North Ayrshire.

One such display took place at Saltcoats harbour where hundreds of locals descended to enjoy a night full of fun and entertainment.

It was also a special night for nine-year-old Erica Millar - with the Mayfield Primary School pupil given the honour of lighting of the display.

READ THE FULL STORY: Saltcoats Bonfire Night celebrated with sparkling fireworks display

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David Lennox stepped up to ensure there was still plenty of festive cheer in Saltcoats this year. (Image: Staff)

Saltcoats was hit with some sad news in November, as it was confirmed that the town's Christmas Carnival would not be taking place.

Though well-known local man David Lennox decided he wanted to step up and provide some festive cheer for local youngsters.

He went on to organise a fantastic Christmas party in the town the following month as he, along with a few friends, pulled out all the stops in the true spirit of Christmas.

READ THE FULL STORY: How David aims to bring Christmas cheer to Saltcoats after plug is pulled on carnival

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December

The team from Cafe at the Station opened their doors and hearts once again this Christmas time. (Image: Submitted)

Christmas spirit was in the air throughout December with plenty of people doing their bit to spread festive cheer.

One Saltcoats business done exactly that - Cafe at the Station - as they opened their doors, and hearts, to people in the town who face spending Christmas Day alone.

As they have done so often in the past, the kind-hearted cafe team provided a "day full of fun and cheer" as well as an "amazing dinner", all free of charge to a number of locals.

READ THE FULL STORY: Saltcoats cafe to open their doors to those spending Christmas alone

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The Grey Dippers put in another outstanding effort to close out the year. (Image: The Grey Dippers)

And you cannot talk about the spirit of the community without a huge shout out to The Grey Dippers.

Between November 1 and Boxing Day, the group of nine locals braved the freezing cold waters day after day in their efforts to raise funds for the North Ayrshire Foodbank.

After an outstanding year, the group raised nearly £18,000 for the local charity. After their efforts in 2022, The Grey Dippers have now raised more than £43,000 for the vital local service.

READ THE FULL STORY: The Grey Dippers bow out after astounding effort raises nearly £18k for food bank