From Ayr... to Ayr again
Council toasts transatlantic ties
A transatlantic journey is set to go full circle when a gift from the people of Ayr is given to the town’s Canadian namesake.
Delegates will jet out to Ontario to toast the towns’ shared history as part of the country’s 150th birthday celebrations.
The Canadian town of Ayr has a population of around 4,100 and has enjoyed historic links with Ayrshire.
In August 1969, a painting “Cedar Creek entering the Nith River” by Peter Etril Snyder was donated to the burgh by the Ayr – Paris Band.
Said to be the only painting of the area from that period, a print of the painting will be presented back to the community almost 50 years later.
The picture, along with a facsimile of the Burgh Charter and a copy of Strawhorn’s History of Ayr, will be handed over to the Ayr – Paris band at a special concert being staged on Friday to mark Canada’s 150th anniversary.
Former councillor, Ann Galbraith, will act as ambassador for the event and has travelled with the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra, on behalf of South Ayrshire Provost, Helen Moonie.
Provost Moonie said: “People from Ayrshire settled abroad in their thousands in the 19th century, helping to shape new towns around the world, which is something we should celebrate.
“Our ties with Ayr, Ontario are plain to see, and it’s fitting that we continue to explore our shared bonds which stretch back through generations and make them relevant to people living in both communities today.
“I’m sure the gesture will be appreciated and with the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra also playing at the event I’m sure we’ll leave a lasting impression.”