Dundee United have announced that 19-year-old Scottish forward Owen Stirton has joined William Hill Championship side Ayr United on a season-long loan for the 2026/27 campaign. Stirton, who has played 25 times for his boyhood club, joins an Ayr side that finished 7th last season. Manager Jim Goodwin stated that he feels the move is a good opportunity for the player to continue his development and get the regular game time needed at this stage of his career. Goodwin added that it is important for younger players to be playing consistently and expressed his excitement to see how Stirton performs. Stirton is a Scotland U19 international and his contract with Dundee United runs until May 2028. His current market value is estimated by Transfermarkt at €125k. He had previously been linked with Airdrieonians.