Take a walk to remember

To commemorate both the service and work that ordinary people from the town of Ayr made in WW1, Richard Devine, Ken Nairn and Rev David Gemmell will be carrying out a guided walk on November 11.

This will start at Burns Statue Square from 2pm and visit places that were part of the war effort, it will also look at those affected. All who served were heroes however, many soldiers and their families were profoundly affected by the conflict. The walk will tell many of their stories.

Any discussion on the town’s involvement from 1914 to 1918 has to cover the regiment based here, the Royal Scots Fusiliers ( RSF). They will visit the buildings that remain in the town associated with them along with a visit to the Auld Kirk where they can show the “Regimental Colours” that have been “laid up” since the end of the Regiment in 1959.

Down to the docks they will visit the site of the home of the RSF, built in 1795 and from 1942 named Churchill Barracks. They will highlight the unique connection that Winston Churchill had with the RSF from 1915 to 1916.

Over 6000 men who served with the RSF lost their lives in WW1, it is humbling to think that they all viewed Ayr as their regimental home.

Ending up at the War Memorial in Wellington Square, you’ll have learned about the impact this dreadful campaign had on ordinary folk within the town.

Whilst the walk will be free of charge, there will be a collection for the Royal British Legion that they hope all will contribute to.