I salute our community’s war tribute
November was particularly poignant this year given the numerous commemorations for the 100th anniversary of World War 1. After attending the Blessing of the Flag for the Royal Artillery Association ( Ayr Branch), I was back a week later at the Auld Kirk on Remembrance Sunday to read a Lesson. Thereafter laying wreaths at the War Memorials in Ayr and Cumnock. Local communities, schools and youth groups are to be congratulated on the efforts undertaken through various projects and productions to ensure that those who served our country were respectfully remembered. Young persons featured again when I was invited to Belmont Academy to speak to senior pupils about my role at Westminster and to answer their searching questions. I was also pleased to hear that Alloway Guide Company decided to participate in UK Parliament Week, a Westminster education initiative, and delighted to be asked along to their event.
After visiting established businesses in the Girvan area, including Nestle UK & Ireland, We Hae Meat and G C Growers, I dropped in to business in Ayr’s High Street, “Sweetieland” and had a chat with the owner. Great to see an Ayr High Street premise being occupied again by someone embracing the entrepreneurial spirit, I wish him well. It is well done to Jim McSherry of the Wee Windaes whose premises have been shortlisted for the Parliamentary Pub of the Year.