Two significant events organised by South Ayrshire Council and linked with the on-going Ayr 800 celebrations are set to be popular attractions for visitors and locals alike.

A special exhibition featuring a large number of artefacts, archives and works of art depicting the civic, industrial and social history of the Royal Burgh of Ayr since the granting of the Royal Charter in 1205, is being staged at the Maclaurin Galleries, Rozelle, Ayr, from May 26 until August 29, 2005.

And the opening talk at this year’s South Ayrshire Council History Fair to be held at the Walker Halls, Troon on Saturday, June 4, will be: "The Foundation of Ayr as a Royal Burgh 800 years ago" by Dr David Brown, Senior Lecturer in Scottish History, University of Glasgow.

The EXHIBITION is a joint project involving South Ayrshire Council’s Museums Service, Library Service and Ayrshire Archives and many of the items on display will not have been on display for many years … with some being on display for the first time.

Said the Convener of South Ayrshire Council’s Lifelong Learning Committee, Councillor Alan Murray : “This is the first comprehensive exhibition about Ayr ever mounted. It is a major, high profile part of the Ayr 800 celebrations.”

The exhibition is to be formally launched at a Civic Reception being held at the Maclaurin Galleries on May 25.

The HISTORY FAIR, at the Walker Halls, Troon, is organised by South Ayrshire Libraries, and will be officially opened by Councillor Alan Murray.

In his opening talk, Dr Brown will set the Charter - the earliest surviving original charter of foundation for a burgh in Scotland - in its historical context.

He will also talk about how such charters were produced and about its scribe, Gilbert of Stirling.

Dr Brown will also talk about Ayrshire at that time and how in 1205, Ayr was regarded as a trouble spot for the King. All in all, this should be a fascinating talk and will appeal to all who are interested in the origins of the Burgh of Ayr.

The other talks at the History Fair include:

• 11.00am "Captain Macrae of Monkton and the Black Flag Pirates" by Dr Eric Graham
  
• 2.00pm "Exploring your Heritage: using the resources of the RCAHMS" by Philip Graham
  
• 3.00pm " Medieval and Prehistoric Dreghorn - excavations in 2003 - 2004" by Tom Addyman

There will also be a large range of stalls available from 9.00am until 4.30pm. These will include: Family History Societies, Local and National History organisations and professional and commercial businesses. There will also be a specialist Scottish Bookshop present.

Admission to the stalls is FREE.

The cost of attending an individual talk by a guest speaker is £3, and tickets may be purchased from Troon Library and Carnegie Library, Ayr, prior to the event, or at the door on the day of the event.

For anyone who would like to attend the all day programme of events the cost is £10, or £17.50 for those who wish to have lunch at the venue. These types of bookings must be made in advance of the event.


May 2005