Officers honour fallen comrade

A murdered policeman has been honoured with a special memorial service.

Special constable Alexander Ross was shot dead in Girvan on July 12, 1831 during a riot.

More than 180 years later current and ex- police officers paid their respects at the roadside last Wednesday on the anniversary of his death.

Special constable Ross was shot during a clash between Orangemen and reformists.

PC Graeme Gordon turned out with fellow officers to remember him.

“The service was a lovely gesture. We believe he was a fisherman as well and was a local man from Girvan.”

Two two former police officers who organised the service were Carrick historian David Hunter, of Dailly, and chaplain John Gillies who conducted the service.

Orangeman Samuel Waugh, of Maybole, committed the murder and was hanged in public at Ayr prison on January 19, 1832.

Special constable Ross had been trying to restore order and shouted: “I am shot” as he fell to the ground.

Forty Orangemen ended up in Ayr jail after the violence.

Girvan at the time was a hive of industry with an estimated 2000 weavers working in the town.