From the archives of the Ayrshire Post

25 YEARS AGO

The “Jekyll and Hyde” boss of an Ayr travel agents embezzled nearly £ 19,000 during a nine month period.

And as Alan Swan got in deeper as he cooked the books at Thomas Cook’s Ayr outlet, he turned to gambling. Swan, 29, of Dundonald Road, Troon appeared on deferred sentence at Ayr Sheriff Court . Depute fiscal Mrs Margaret Paton told the court Swan’s crime came to light during a spot audit.

Solicitor Mr Ian Gillies described Swan as a Jekyll and Hyde character. He was jailed for six months by Sheriff Marcus Green.

50 YEARS AGO

Twelve ladies from Prestwick went visiting at Ayr County Hospital on Wednesday with a very special gift of a television set for the Coates Ward. The women are from Prestwick Ladies Circle - wives of Prestwick Round Tablers.

President Mrs Russell made the presentation to Matron Agnes IC Bone. Coates Ward is an ear, nose and throat as well as an orthopaedic unit for women.

Among those present as Dr CAP Donaldson, consultant.

The ladies have pledged to “adopt” the ward and will make regular visits.

100 YEARS AGO

Dalmellington Temperance Church Parade - Rechabites, Good Templars and British Women’s Temperance Association marched to the United Free Church last Sabbath evening. Preacher Rev W A Thomson took as his subject the popular temperance book “Defeat”. Lieut Cowan sang in fine style“Comfort Ye” from The Messiah and “The Morning Land.”

A resolution was passed protesting against the continuation of the liquor traffic as a deadly danger to the nation and urging the Government to pass a measure of Prohibition.