Civic Reception Held to Celebrate the 2026 Festival of St John
Published: 26 June 2026
South Ayrshire Provost Iain Campbell held a civic reception at County Hall in Ayr's County Buildings on Thursday 25 June to mark the 2026 Festival of St John.
The annual Festival, which was last held in Ayr in 2011, celebrates the work of those who volunteer their time and effort to life saving community services such as public access defibrillators and supporting local mountain rescue teams.
The civic reception was attended by; the Lord Prior of the Order, Professor Mark Compton; Prior of Scotland, Simon Mackintosh; Chancellor, Elizabeth Roads; Secretary of the Order, Angus Loudoun; and Chair of the Ayrshire and Arran area, Colin McCormick. South Ayrshire Depute Provost Mary Kilpatrick and Lord Lieutenant Iona McDonald were also in attendance.
Provost Campbell reflected on the history and achievements of the Order of St John Ayrshire and Arran, including the successful rollout of the defibrillator programme and commended the dedication of the local area committee on the implementation of the patient transport service in South Ayrshire which has been taking local patients daily to and from the renal unit at Ayr Hospital. The free service allows those who may struggle to attend their life-saving treatment to travel to and from appointments in a safe and comforting way.
In addition to the civic reception, Provost Campbell attended an investiture service on Friday 26 June at Alloway Parish Church where individuals who have contributed to the charitable work of a St John organisation were invited to join the Order of St John in recognition of their service.
South Ayrshire Provost Iain Campbell said: "This organisation is deeply valued in our community. The work it does is appreciated by many, and the impact it makes is felt every day across the area. I applaud all the local volunteers who deliver services in their own time and for no reward, and in doing so every day they uphold the motto of the Order of St. John, being 'In the Service of People'."
Photo credit: Rebekah McNeill
