Deputy Provost Claire Leitch joined in the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of Muirkirk Women’s Institute last week at St Thomas Hall in the village.

Ms Leitch, councillor for Ballochmyle, said: “This group has been instrumental in giving women the opportunity to give something of value to society and it has continued to grow and evolve to stay relevant and forward-thinking.

“Sixty years on it continues to demonstrate what a difference it can make to the lives of women of all ages and cultural backgrounds, in a spirit of friendship, cooperation and support.

“I congratulate them on this special anniversary and wish them many more years of success.

Photographer Ken McKissock was there as vice-president, Margaret Robertson, cut a special celebratory cake with Margaret Prentice, Ayrshire Federation President.

Also pictured are Grace Cowan, Anne Borthwick, Agnes Johnston, Marjorie Currie, Nettie Forsyth, Suzann Hilditch and Marion Bradford.