From the archives of the Ayrshire Post

25 YEARS AGO

Ayr’s closure threatened Castlehill Primary could be the first Strathclyde school to ’ opt- out’ of local authority control.

Parents vote overwhelmingly, in a ballot, to seek self- governing status. An amazing 99 per cent say ‘ Yes’ in a 91 per cent ballot return.

The vote is described as ‘ incredible’ by Ayr MP Phil Gallie, who says: “I applaud the courage and commitment of parents.”

The school board will now submit an application for self- governing status. And Mr Gallie said: “The Secretary of State must approve this opt- out.”

50 YEARS AGO

Troon has its worst flooding in 30 years on Monday when a thunderstorm cascades almost two- and- a- half inches of rain on to the town in an hour- and- a- half.

The town centre is badly hit, with many shops invaded by floodwater, while at Dundonald Road there has more than three feet of water in the dip under the railway bridge.

Heaviest rainfall is around 7pm, and in half- an- hour the deluge builds up to a foot deep in Portland Street and West Portland Street. It also sweeps into Templehill, Ayr Road and Church Street.

100 YEARS AGO

A man aged over 80 volunteers for active service in the war.

But Crimean veteran Sergeant Gaffney’s application is graciously turned down.

As a proud Irishman, he volunteers for an Irish Battalion being raised by Arthur Lynch MP for West Clare.

Colonel Lynch tells Sgt Gaffney in a letter: “You are certainly a magnificent example to point to, but at present we could not manage to fit you in here with this campaign.

“With great appreciation, I am sincerely yours, Arthur Lynch, Col.”