From the archives of the Ayrshire Post

25 YEARS AGO

Princess Anne made it a right royal Western Meeting when she spent the afternoon at Ayr Racecourse on Thursday at the start of the big three-day meeting, which culminated in the Ayr Gold Cup on Saturday.

The Princess, herself a keen amateur jockey, presented the Timeform Harry Roseberry Trophy to the winner of Thursday’s top race.

On the receiving end was trainer Jack Berry’s 7-1 shot Pabceyete Jack. The Racecourse reported bumper crowds at Scotland’s premier flat meeting.

50 YEARS AGO

After nine months of pleading, Girvan Town Council have obtained Scottish Development Department approval to build their own advance factory.

Dr J Dickson Mabon, Minister of State, said:“It is a fair gamble but the council feel that if the Board of Trade can gamble with taxpayers’ money, they can gamble with the ratepayers’ money if it is to assist the town.”

The approval came despite another Board of Trade advance factory still standing empty after two years. Dr Mabon also praised Maybole for attracting industry.

100 YEARS AGO

There was a somewhat lengthy sederunt at Ayr JP court.

Catherine Girdwood or McCracken and Jeanie Boyle, both of Craigmark, pleaded guilty to the theft of 42 wooden keys at Sillyhole Lye from G and SW Railway. Six boys from Craigmark also admitted stealing 206 wooden keys.

Four youths, pit workers of New Dykes Row, admitted stealing growing carrots from East Sanquhar Farm. Agnes Hendry, Long Row, Waterside admitted stealing eight growing cabbages from a garden at Truffhill Row.