COMMEMORATIONS to Robert Burns were a real success, despite an initial technical hitch.

Ayr Burns Club staged their annual Anniversary Tribute to the Bard in Burns Statue Square.

But the key on the padlock for the gate broke and it had to be cut open, however South Ayrshire Council will replace it. This year’s anniversary ceremony at the square, brought to a close a year of celebrating the 260th. Anniversary year of the birth of Robert Burns. President Robbie Mc Mahon, welcomed Representatives of South Ayrshire Council Allan Dorans MP and South Ayrshire Councillors Chris Cullen, Peter Henderson, Siobhan Brown, and Ian Davis, Arthur and Mrs. Spurling at the Square. Officials from Ayrshire Association of Burns Clubs, headed by Vice President James Waite, Presidents and Members from Alloway, Prestwick, Largs, Dalry, Kilmarnock No 0 and Kilmarnock Howff Burns Clubs, with Friends of the Bard, and members of the public enjoyed this annual Ceremony to remember the life and works of Robert Burns. A floral tribute was laid on behalf or the Provost and the People of Ayr, by Councillor Peter Henderson, followed by councillors and the Ayrshire Burns Clubs representatives, and there was a tribute laid on behalf of the Durham and Northumberland Caledonian Society, laid by Melvyn McCrostie, Vice-President, Ayr Burns Club, and the annual tribute red rose laid by Kathleen Davey ( Immediate Past President) on behalf of Gen.Raj Mehta of the Indian Army. A reception followed at the ‘ Ghillie Dhu ‘ where Kirsten Easdale, and member friends entertained the Company over a lovely lunch provided by Michael O’ Neil and his staff.