Local headlines reflect the character of a community

While on a work trip to Ayr Fiona takes comfort in the seemingly minor incidents that dominate the local newspapers

Ilove reading local headlines. “Woman finds hat up a tree” is one that sticks in mind.

“Man in court for causing criminal damage to ashtray” is another.

I was staying in Cumbria when that little gem appeared in large letters on page three of the paper. It is just the sort of (touch wood) low-level crime community that you want to put down roots in.

Across the border the caption “dog bites man outside convenience store” stands out in one periodical that comes through the door this week. Not that I approve of dogs biting anyone, I hasten to say – especially as the poor chap was actually taken to hospital.

But in the great scheme of bad news, in the feeding frenzy of political doom and gloom and global death and destruction, it is comforting that a seemingly “smaller” incident can still warrant attention.

“Crisps stolen in break-in.” Not earth-shattering, agreed. But it matters to someone. Especially if it is your favourite flavour that has gone walkabout.

At the end of the day, local trumps over national or international.

Remember the famous Scottish line: “North-east man lost at sea. 1,500 perish in Titanic disaster.”

Old journalistic habits die hard – and so I find myself looking for headlines on billboards in Ayr this week.

I have only been to this west coast resort once before. It was many moons ago and I stayed in a sea-front hotel whilst filming at Robert Burns’ birthplace at Alloway.

This time I am back to find out more about the work of army cadets. The West Lowland division has a base here. I give myself an hour and a half from the M74 to get there. But it is not a good route across country. Potholes are impossible and speed limits frustrate those in a hurry.

When I arrive, though, there is progress of a sort. Great supermarkets and DIY stores line the route in – as does an expensive car showroom. There must be a bit of cash about. Someone is buying all those jags and range rovers.

Yes, Ayr is undergoing a renaissance and developers have the bit between the teeth.

Unsightly buildings are to be knocked down to open up access to the river. It is a wide and rushing piece of water and deserves to be better seen.

Festivals and outdoor events will help to put the place on the map. Ayr is racing towards greatness. And why not? It has a racecourse.

On my return the chief tells me that his old regiment, the Scots Guards, was once given the Freedom of Ayr. Whether that means he can walk down the streets with his sheep, I do not know.

Far better to parade with the MacNaughties. With all those seagulls to chase they would like Ayr. Although they will have to watch it. As I leave, I spot a newspaper headline that reads “More local dog fouling signs to be erected .... ” Now that’s the sort of important local headline we like…

Old journalistic habits die hard – and so I find myself looking for headlines on billboards