From the archives of the Ayrshire Post

25 YEARS AGO

A proud Ayr mum spoke this week of having to stay “mum” for a while about a closely guarded secret - her daughter is to marry Celtic’s millionaire supremo Fergus McCann.

And retired minister Effie Campbell already has her wedding outfit packed for the big occasion.

Mrs Campbell’s 32- year- old daughter Elspeth - a corporate lawyer - fell for “bachelor Bhoy” McCann when she worked at Parkhead.

The blonde bride- to- be will marry her high- flying football fiance in an Ayr Catholic Church.

50 YEARS AGO

As the Hong Kong flu spread rapidly throughout Ayrshire this week an appeal was made to the public not to visit patients in hospitals unless it is absolutely necessary.

The County’s hospitals, some hard hit by staff shortages because of the flu went onto red alert on Monday, taking emergency cases only.

The Scottish Stamping and Engineering Works, Ayr, reported the number of men off work through illness had jumped to three times the normal level.

100 YEARS AGO

It is with feelings of profound regret that we record the death of Mr Andrew Girvan, fisherman, and joint tenant of Ailsa Craig.

The deceased, who was 73, had been in failing health for the past eight months.

In the early years he was an enthusiastic curler. He was blessed with a large family of 14, ten of whom survive. The funeral took place at Kirkoswald Churchyard and was very large and most representative.

The service was conducted by the Rev Muir and Rev Mclean.