It's time to take another look back at the big stories and photos from the Ayr Advertiser in January 2009.

It was a month packed with protests, shocking vandalism, a royal visit and, of course, plenty of Burns Suppers.

Who do you recognise in these pictures from 15 years ago?

Ayr Advertiser: Burns Cottage

Burns Cottage was trashed by vandals on the 250th anniversary of the Bard’s birth. A gang of 10 youths ran amok at the famous landmark in Alloway at 4am on January 25, 2009, smashing the window of the bedroom where Burns was born. Burns Cottage and Museum supervisor John Manson, 64, said: “It is an outrage. They just seemed intent on destruction.”

Ayr Advertiser: bt

Stage star Johnny Beattie was cheered by crowds at Ayr's Holy Trinity Church when he made an appeal for the Gaiety Theatre to be saved. He was pictured at the busy public meeting with Ena Erskine (chair of Friends of the Gaiety Theatre), Mary Lee and Anne Fields.

Ayr Advertiser: Charlie

A new state-of-the-art distillery in Girvan was given the royal seal of approval by Prince Charles. He officially opened the Ailsa Bay malt distillery in January 2009.

Ayr Advertiser: Coylton

The 75th Coylton Reunion took place and was enjoyed by all the villagers who attended. Around 150 people turned up to reminisce and share memories of Coylton.

Ayr Advertiser: Ingram

MSP Adam Ingram was pictured with Doonfoot Primary School Burns Club president Sam Donnelly and Paul Hamilton at the supper in celebration of the bard.

Ayr Advertiser: Protests to save Girvan's swimming pool were held in January 2009

Furious Carrick residents fought back against the council's decision to immediately shut Girvan Swimming Pool. Angry locals were joined by Sandra Osborne MP, Cathy Jamieson MSP and Councillor John McDowall at a protest outside the pool.