The Mayor of Ayr, Ontario, Kim Denouden, made a special trip to Ayr, South Ayrshire to take part in the Ayr Burgh Charter 800th anniversary celebrations.

This was Mayor Denouden’s first visit to Scotland, and during the course of her stay she visited various parts of South Ayrshire including Burns Country, Culzean Castle and Country Park, and Turnberry Hotel.

Whilst visiting South Ayrshire Council’s headquarters Mayor Denouden presented South Ayrshire Provost Gordon McKenzie with a scroll to mark her visit, and he presented her with a Council plaque. He said: “It was a great pleasure to meet Mayor Denouden, and it was timely that her first ever visit to Scotland was for the Ayr 800 celebrations.

“This area has so much to offer visitors whatever their interests, and the Mayor will now be able to tell people of the wonderful hospitality, great travel links, sports facilities, superb scenery and many other attractions in South Ayrshire.”

The Provost and the Mayor travelled to Lanark for a Charter signing ceremony to mark the 800th anniversary of Ayr becoming a Royal Burgh. The Mayor was present when the Charter arrived in Ayr and the Provost accepted it from the Dean of Ayr Guildry on behalf of the people of South Ayrshire.

Later that day, as part of the anniversary celebrations, Mayor Denouden had an opportunity to watch a programme of entertainment that included music from Ayr Pipe Band.

Provost Gordon McKenzie and Mayor Denouden are pictured within the County Buildings exchanging mementos.

May 2005