THE author of a book about Doon Valley miners this week presented cheques to local groups and schools for the titles royalties.

Donald L Reid penned 'The Last Miners of Ayrshire's Doon Valley' which was published back in November 2015.

Donald was on hand on Saturday March 19 to present a variety of groups and schools in the Doon Valley from royalties from the sales of his best selling local history book.

The go-ahead Dalmellington Community Association, who have just taken over the running of the village community centre, hosted the book launch on Saturday November 7 2015 when it broke all records for sales of a local book on probably what was the worst day of rain seen in the Doon Valley for years, yet local residents turned out in droves to pick up a copy.

The book has been the best seller in Waterstone's, Ayr since it was published in November 2015 outselling all other books for almost four months.

Donald returned to Dalmellington and presented cheques to Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club (£2,300); Dalmellington Band (£1,500); Dalmellington (33rd Ayrshire) Scouts (£1,500); Doon Valley Family History Society (£500); Dalmellington Community Association (£500); Bellsbank PS (£250); Dalmellington PS (£250); Patna PS (£250) and St Xavier's PS (£150).

He said: "I can't praise Dalmellington Community Association enough for their support of this book project. Thanks also to everyone who helped in any way. It really is pleasing to not only produce a book which has touched the heart of so many folk at home and abroad, but follow that up by helping various groups and schools from book royalties."

Robert Taylor, chair, Dalmellington Community Association, said: "Thank you so much for your very generous contribution to Dalmellington Community Association. I can't believe how generous you have been and hope that we see you again soon. What you have done for the village is incredible."

Donald is already hard at work on his next pet project that he hopes hits the shelves by the end of the year.