HUNDREDS of residents were shocked when it was announced that the RBS in Troon, Prestwick and Girvan were set to close later on the year. The reasons for closing the banks were due to the three branches seeing declining figures of customers coming into the store and relying on technology as a more convenient way to bank.

Troon’s Street Market was marked a success after their opening at the beginning of the month – 18 stalls and hundreds of locals and visitors came along, with some stalls selling out of their produce by 1pm.

Turnberry Hotel Park saw a new £200,000 upgrade and were joined by then MP Corri Wilson to officially open the new bar and restaurant.

A drug courier from Ayr, who was caught with 82 per cent of pure cocaine worth £85,000, was jailed in April after he was found receiving a package from another drug courier at Silverburn Shopping Centre in 2016.

13-year-old Prestwick pupil Lauchlan Connelly, made history after becoming the first person to sign the national anthem at the Scotland football game when they played Slovenia at Hampden Park.

The Scottish Mod Rally was brought to Troon for a three-day event, making 2017 the seventh year for the occasion, which brought scooter enthusiasts from around the country, who took part in camping and racing.

A Coylton cat owner was reunited with her pet after six months of being “on the run”. Charlie the ginger Tom Cat was found at a farm and was later brought back to Helen Hamilton when he was handed in to the SSPCA.

Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club intervened in the 166 years of male succession and appointed their first lady as Vice-Captain. Annette Paterson was voted into the position after the club’s AGM meeting.