From the archives of the Ayrshire Post

25 YEARS AGO

A huge police search was launched in Ayr on Wednesday after three young Ayr girls went missing.

A police helicopter was brought in from Glasgow after a teacher contacted police to say the youngsters had failed to turn up at school.

The three girls - Lyndsay Dougan, 8, and sisters Kimberley, 10, and Lisa, 6, Murray left their homes in Russel Drive to go to nearby Newton Primary.

Strathclyde Police said: “There is no great concern but officers are checking out their known haunts.”

Later they were found safe.

50 YEARS AGO

During Tuesday’s debate on comprehensive education for Ayr by Ayrshire’s Education Committee, Mr John Pollock, headmaster of Mainholm High School, stated: “I think the most unfortunate aspect of this whole affair has been the misinformed and unjustified criticisms that have been levelled at the Director of Education.

“Every member of this committee knows him to be a man of absolute integrity who always presents a balanced judgement on educational matters. I’m sure we’d wish to express our confidence.”

100 YEARS AGO

Sir, We would be grateful if you would give publicity through your paper to the need for sphagnum moss for hospital dressings.

We have sent since August about 6000 dressings of all sizes direct from her to various hospitals at home and abroad.

Our store of moss is becoming depleted and we would kindly ask all those who kindly helped last year to send in more as it is picked.

All moss received will be acknowledged and sacks returned.

Olive J Arthur