Keek into the past
Doon Valley memories in book
Priceless memories of of Doon Valley’s past have been preserved in a new book.
Councillor Donald Reid has dug deep to uncover nuggets from the former mining area’s history.
His work records historic gems ranging from ordinary people’s lives to the extraordinary time when quiet Loch Doon was being transformed into an aircraft gunnery training ground.
T h e s c h e m e ’ s infrastructure, which dates back to World War 1, can still be seen today along the shores of the loch. Thousands of men worked on it but it was later abandoned causing a scandal over the wasted money.
Donald’s book, More Tales from Doon Valley - A Keek into our Past, pulls together the area’s vast history including details of local men who fought in the war and the clergy.
The North Ayrshire Independent councillor said: “You can open the book at any page and you will come across intriguing stories. I am really pleased about this book.”
The former police chief superintendent’s research on the Internet led him to access information from Australia and New Zealand.
He said: “I put it in the book if I found it interesting. Hopefully people will find it intriguing too.”
Snippets include a miner who didn’t get Christmas Day off in the village of Benwhat and a bonfire being lit in Waterside for the 1935 Silver Jubilee.
Married grandfather- oftwo Donald also interviewed a shepherd who farmed in the Loch Doon area.
He said: “There are wee stories about people who lived locally and their life experiences.”
Dona l d , o f B e i t h, discovered how an Ayr publican was shot repeatedly at his front door. A search was undertaken for the culprit around Loch Doon.
The historic accounts are interspersed with poems from Robert Service after the poet’s family gave Donald permission for the verse to be used.
The well- known author has published a number of books including The Lost Mining Villages of Doon Valley.
Heaping praise on the latest book, MP Bill Grant said: “There is such great pride in the Doon Valley by local folk whether still located there or the many who have moved to pastures new, both at home and abroad. Many of the stories will bring a tear to the eye.”
The book is available from Donald L Reid, 7 Manuel Avenue, Beith KA15 1BJ for £ 12.99 cheque or PO. Alternatively get it from Waterstones, High Street, Ayr £ 13.99.
Royalties go to local voluntary groups and organisation in the Doon Valley.