From the archives of the Ayrshire Post

25 YEARS AGO

The plug has been pulled on Ayr’s Water Sports Centre. And yachtsman claim they have been sold down the river. The facility is due to close in June - a casualty of the South Harbour redevelopment. Termination of Ayr Yacht and Cruising Club’s lease has been confirmed by Kyle and Carrick District Council. The loss of the centre could cast doubt over the future of other organisations, including Ayr Sea Cadets, who share the facility.

50 YEARS AGO

Following the successful introduction of a miniature railway at the seafront last summer, Ayr Parks Committee has decided to embark on another transport venture - a beach train. The idea is to provide quicker links along the entertainment area. Committee convener Bailie Guy Inglis said the train could run either on the sands or on the esplanade roadway. Inquiries will now be made into the logistics and likely outlay, with the cost of a beach train estimated at £ 2000.

100 YEARS AGO

A fall from the roof led to a miner’s right foot being severed at the ankle. He is John Rae of Polquheys Road, New Cumnock, who was working at one of the Kirkconnel pits. In another mining accident, Robert Park, of Craigbank, had his right foot crushed while working in Bank No 1 pit. In a further incident, John Armstrong of Bridgend, working at Bank No 2 pit, was caught by a hutch and sustained injuries including fractured ribs and severe bruising to his back and sides.