EVENTS THAT HAVE BEEN AXED

The virus has culled a number of events – the major victim being the Boswell Book Festival at Dumfries House.

First to go was the Annual Fiddlers’ Concert due to be held this Saturday at Troon Concert Hall.

It was on March 5 that organisers Troon Rotary called it off, with spokesman George Watson saying: “Tickets will of course be reimbursed and Troon Rotary plan to reorganise the event as soon as public health concerns have been addressed.

“While we appreciate that many will be disappointed, the decision is in the interest of both participants and spectators.”

And cult punk band Stiff Little Fingers were due to play the same venue tomorrow night but it was also culled.

They last played the concert hall in October 1979.

The March meeting of Mauchline Horticultural & Agricultural Society due to take place on Thursday has also fallen victim.

And the Senior Lunch Club in Maybole meeting on April 3 is also off.

Ayr Choral Union’s Messiah concert on March 29 is also off, with Margo Reader revealing: “This is the first time since 1917 that ACU has had to cancel a concert. All ticket purchases will be refunded.”

Helen Duff, chairman of Troon Community Council, has also cancelled all further meetings until the scare is over.

Maybole Gala was not due until June 9 - but was axed on Tuesday morning.

Maybole Community Association said: “We are hopeful that we can come together as a community and beat this virus and be fully operational for the gala in 2021.

“Thank you for your understanding in these difficult times.”

The Boswell Book Festival was to be held from May 8- 10 and the decision to postpone until October 9- 11 was made at lunchtime on Monday.

Spokeswoman Fiona Duff said: “It is with great sadness that we have decided to postpone the festival in line with the advice of the Scottish Government.

“This advice has come through in the week that we had long planned to launch this year’s programme after months of work.

“The good news is that thanks to Louis MacCallum at Dumfries House, we have been able to re- schedule the festival to the weekend of October 9- 11.

“So please block out that weekend in your diaries to come and celebrate Boswell.”