The Home Office has instructed that Citizenship Ceremonies will be carried out all over the United Kingdom, to mark the final step in a person becoming a British Citizen. The formal occasion officially welcomes those who wish to attain full citizenship of the United Kingdom, a state that is built upon a union of nations and common civic values.

Kristina Ostojic, her husband Dragan Ostojic and their two daughters Kararina and Ivana all became British Citizens at the same ceremony. The girls did not have to attend as they are under 18 years of age, but both were keen to attend and take the oath of allegiance and pledge of loyalty with their Mum and Dad.

Bahareh Teimouri and Panintorn Wightman who were accompanied at the ceremony by their families also took part in the ceremony and pledged their allegiance to their new country.

After taking part in her first Citizenship Ceremony Provost Sloan said: "I was honoured and privileged to take part in the ceremony which is formally declared by a Registrar on behalf of the Government of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second. This shows the importance of the ceremony and also the importance of reaching such a milestone in the lives of people seeking full citizenship of the United Kingdom.

"It was particularly special when as Provost I officially welcomed everyone to the ceremony including family members.

"I am sure that many people from all over the world have made a conscious decision to make their homes here in South Ayrshire, not least because of the warm welcome that they are given, and because of the quality of life that we all enjoy in this area of Scotland."

During the ceremony those wishing to attain British Citizenship are asked to make promises and swear or affirm an oath to the Sovereign that they will be a faithful citizen, and to make a formal and public pledge that they will be a loyal subject and observe the laws of the United Kingdom.

Provost Sloan presented each of the new citizens with a certificate of British Citizenship and a glass ornament engraved with the South Ayrshire Council crest. The National Anthem was played to mark the conclusion of the official ceremony.

Everyone who took part in the ceremony was then able to relax and enjoy light refreshments with the Provost, their guests and others at the ceremony.

Anyone who wishes to become a British Citizen must take part in a ceremony, and the Council will issue an invitation to that person to attend and also permit them to invite four guests to join in the celebrations.

Ceremonies are held in South Ayrshire once every three months, however the number of ceremonies each year may vary depending on demand.

February 2006