A DOCTOR from Auchinleck did the honours in opening Bill Grant’s new office.

The MP didn’t need a spin doctor at the opening of his new office in Ayr, it was the well-known medic, Dr John McClure who did.

The 74-year-old, told those who attended the opening: “I’m not a political person, but I’m here as a friend and admirer of Bill.

“We first met when he was a young fire officer, and I watched with pleasure as he worked his way up the ranks.

“Later, as a councillor, he personally did something about the mess on the beach - with a litter grabber and a black bag.

“Now he’s pulled off a quite outstanding achievement by winning the Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock seat.”

Retired consultant paediatrician, Dr McClure was brought up in Auchinleck and Cumnock, where his father was a GP.

He recalled starting school in 1949 – the year of Auchinleck Talbot’s first Scottish Junior Cup triumph.