An Update from South Ayrshire's Provost and Depute Provost
Published: 27 October 2025
South Ayrshire's Provost, Iain Campbell, and Depute Provost, Mary Kilpatrick, attended a variety of civic engagements over the previous months.
South Ayrshire's Depute Provost Mary Kilpatrick attended the RNLI naming ceremony on Saturday 30 August which welcomed the brand-new Shannon class lifeboat RNLB Roy Barker VI into service.
The new vessel was funded thanks to the generous legacy of Mr Frederick Roy Barker, known as Roy, who left his entire estate to the RNLI and the kind legacy of Mr Alan Lionel Aspinall, who also contributed towards the completion of the new lifeboat.
The lifeboat was handed into the care of the RNLI by Pamela Mottershaw, who was representing the donor Roy Barker before being accepted on behalf of Troon lifeboat station by Lifeboat Operations Manager, Jim Redmond.
In line with tradition, the vessel was christened with whisky poured from a quaich over the bow.
The Shannon class replaces the station's Trent class lifeboat RNLB Jim Moffat which served in Troon from 2004.
Following this, Provost Iain Campbell officially opened Ayr Guildry's 700th Anniversary exhibition which was held at The Heritage Hub in Ayr on Tuesday 2 September 2025.
The exhibition, which ran from 2 - 27 September enabled the public to visit The Heritage Hub and explore the rich history of Ayr Guildry, including its collections and archives. Provost Campbell thanked The Guildry for its commitment to supporting local businesses throughout its existence and emphasised what a remarkable milestone had been reached, including outliving the Aztec empire, which was also established in 1325.
Provost Iain Campbell also raised the flag at this year's Merchant Navy Day ceremony which was held outside County Buildings on Wednesday 3 September.
The annual ceremony recognises the contributions of the Merchant Navy and remembers those who lost their lives while serving. Provost Campbell delivered an opening speech and was joined by Depute Lieutenant Nigel Martin who read a message from the Duke of Edinburgh and Reverend David Gemmell who presented a reading to mark the event.
Another significant anniversary which was recognised by South Ayrshire Provost Iain Campbell and Depute Provost Mary Kilpatrick was the Battle of Britain 85th Anniversary Memorial Service at Prestwick Cross War Memorial on Sunday 14 September.
Following this, both Provost and Depute Provost attended a service at the Polish War Memorial in the gardens of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) in Prestwick.
Provost and Depute Provost laid wreaths at both memorials to remember those who fought in the skies over Britain in the summer of 1940.
South Ayrshire Provost Iain Campbell also met Caterina Campani, Mayor of Barga, to celebrate the strong connection between the Italian town and South Ayrshire.
Known as Ayr's 'Sister City' due to the large number of Scottish-Italian families to hail from the small town in Tuscany and set up roots in South Ayrshire running family businesses such as restaurants, ice cream parlours and fish and chip shops, the ties between the two areas are strong with Mayor Campani visiting Ayr on a number of occasions.
Provost Campbell also recognised the achievements of young people in South Ayrshire by attending the annual Technology Tournament hosted by Ayr Rotary Club at Belmont Academy.
The Rotary's Technology Tournaments sees teams from various South Ayrshire secondary schools come together to solve challenges relating to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The competition is an enjoyable way for pupils to develop their learning and gain key skills such as teamwork, communication and time keeping.
