Ayrshire - Memories of Fairlie Gala Week

Mrs Riddell was pictured next to Mrs Cowpe in the image above from the 1980s. Mrs Byers, Tricia Whyte, Elenora McGowan and a young Kirsten Neilson are also pictured.

Pirates invade Fairlie Gala (Image: Newsquest)

There was even the invasion of pirates long before the days of Jack Sparrow - with plenty of organisers ready to don the costumes of the high sea including well kent Gala committee man Clive Shepherd (centre).

And also in good cheer were the Tug of War team as the winners celebrated for the photographer. Tennis racquets were at the ready as the girls appeared in St Trinians inspired costumes - dressing up was nigh on compuslory at these events!

Tennis racquest at the ready in St Trinians inspired costumes! (Image: Newsquest)

And stage shows at the Village Hall were very much part of the carnival week with groups including the Beavers and Cub Scouts performing to packed out audiences, as you can see here.

Flagbearers! Beavers and Cub Scouts making their voices heard (Image: Newsquest)

Early in the millennium, Audrey and Kenny Dreghorn, the former owners of the Village Inn, resumed the Gala after a hiatus with a ceremony in the back garden area of the bar and restaurant.

And in more recent years, the Fairlie Gala made a triumphant return to the community gardens and seafront with a nautical theme including a raft race.

Fairlie Gala Raft Race returned to local shores after decades away (Image: Newsquest)