The annual South Ayrshire History Fair will take place in the Walker Halls, Troon on Saturday 4 June 2005, and will be officially opened by Convener of South Ayrshire Council’s Lifelong Learning Committee, Councillor Alan Murray.

There will be a large range of stalls available from 9 am to 4.30 pm, and admission to them is FREE. The stalls will include family history societies, local and national history organisations and professional and commercial businesses. There will also be a specialist Scottish bookshop, with books covering a wide range of topics.

A full programme of events has been organised for this year’s event with guest speakers talking on the following topics:

10 am ‘The Foundation of Ayr as a Royal Burgh 800 years ago’ -
Dauvit Broun

11 am ‘Captain Macrae of Monkton and the Black Flag pirates’ –
Eric Graham

2 pm ‘Exploring your heritage - using the resources of the RCAHMS’ – Philip Graham

3 pm Medieval and Prehistoric Dreghorn, excavations in 2003 and 2004 – Tom Addyman

Many people are interested in tracing their ancestors but often get to a point in their research when they need some assistance. There will be a Family History Notice Board at the History Fair, where anyone can leave a note and contact a fellow researcher and share information.

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 Saturday 19 June 2005.

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.

Stalls within the Walker Halls can be booked at a charge of £10 for societies and organisations and £20 for commercial businesses. It is advisable to book early as there are limited places available.

Anyone who would like further information, or wishes to make a booking should contact South Ayrshire History Fair, Library Headquarters, 26 Green Street, Ayr on telephone number 01292 288820. Alternatively leaflets on the event, which contain a booking form, are available at libraries throughout South Ayrshire, and information can also be viewed on the Council website by logging on to
www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk.

April 2005