CALLING New Cumnock residents — do you know Alex McLaren?

He has been trying to trace relatives in the village but has drawn a blank so far.

His quest included a visit from his Stirlingshire home to New Cumnock which he enjoyed, because of the nostalgia factor, although he was unable to find out much.

That prompted a call to the Chronicle to ask for our help in getting in touch with his cousins — there are 10 of them — and we are happy to oblige.

Alex, aged 78, said: “My mother Sarah was from New Cumnock, her maiden name was Boyd, and she married John McLaren from Balmaha.

“My aunt and uncle, Bill and Margaret Boyd, also stayed in the village and had 10 of a family, including one set of twins, who will now be in their late 60s.

“Two of them ended up in the navy while another, who I think was called Andrew, had a pub in Patna for around 20 years.

“My grandfather was called Tom Boyd and came from Dalry originally, where his family had a small holding.

“It was great to go back to New Cumnock and also visit Dumfries House, which looks fantastic compared to the last time I was there.”

While Alex was in New Cumnock, he met a woman called Doreen Boyd who said she was the only Boyd on the electoral register for the area.

But he is sure there must be more, given the fact he had 10 cousins.

Contact editorial@cumnockchronicle.co.uk or call 01290 421633 if you can help Alex reunite with his family, the Boyds.