A CORNISH festival in honour of a man born in Lugar returned in June.

Born in 1754, William Murdoch was an East Ayrshire man who now has a parade in his honour in the town of Redruth, Cornwall.

Crowds of people enjoyed a colourful spectacle on Saturday, June 18, when Murdoch Day returned to the town in England.

Murdoch is widely regarded as the town’s most famous citizen.

Hundreds of people lined the streets to celebrate the man for the first time in three years, with a day of parades, music and entertainment.

In 1779 Murdoch moved to Cornwall, where he made his home in Cross Street, Redruth from 1782 to 1798.

In 1785, he is believed to have been the first in Britain to construct and use a steam-powered road going vehicle.

Seven years later, in 1792, William Murdoch was the first person in the world to light his house and office by piped coal gas. This laid the foundation for the gas industry of today.

Among the other successes of William Murdoch include a working model of a low pressure steam locomotive. He also invented a process for clearing beer.

His story and success are remembered today, more fondly in his adopted town of Redruth than they are in his native home of Lugar.

In Redruth, Murdoch also has a house named after him from he stayed in town. Murdoch House was open and was playing a special Murdoch film.

Speaking to the Chronicle’s sister title, the Falmouth Packet, a spokesperson for Redruth and District Chamber of Commerce said: “What a fantastic day it was in Redruth. The community came out to celebrate their heritage.

“The looks of parents as they watched their young people marching in the parade was refreshing and the support of this community for their town was inspiring.”

They added: “Murdoch Day was a day of pride in all that is Redruth. It was a great day.”