This week, we take a look back at the big stories and photos from across the Cumnock area 15 years ago.

Who can you spot in these pictures from November 2008?

Cumnock Chronicle: Royal

The Royal Hotel in Cumnock presented £3,775 to seven local charities in November 2008. The hotel raised the funds through their annual bike run which more than 55 enthusiastic cyclists took part in during September. Bar manager David Kyle and Bert Hume who organised the event handed over the cash to Lisallana Respite, Riverside Centre, Hillside Special School, Station 15 Ayr Hospital,  Daldorch House School, Barshare Special Needs, and Royal Hotel Senior Citizens.

Cumnock Chronicle: McManus

Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus came down to sing to her Cumnock fans and to visit her friends at Yipworld. Darren Gavin from Yipworld had recently met Michelle at the West FM awards and invited the 2003 Pop Idol winner to Pulse Recording Studio, which launched in November 2008.

Cumnock Chronicle: Mauchline

Mauchline Burns Club were celebrating the completion of their project to improve the town’s kirkyard. Andrew Bell (Project Master of Works) of Mauchline Burns Club, Catriona McLeod of Scottish Enterprise and Bill Sharpe, Mauchline Burns Club President, are pictured.

Cumnock Chronicle: Muirkirk

Muirkirk was awash with the lights and sounds of a firework extravaganza in November 2008. A large crowd flock to the Kames racetrack, home of East Ayrshire Car Club, to see the annual display.

Cumnock Chronicle: New Cumnock

New Cumnock residents came out to help support Make a Difference Day in the village. Community members potted up plants, sowed seed trays and created willow weavings to be incorporated into a fantastic new Wildlife Garden, as part of the overall regeneration of New Cumnock.

Cumnock Chronicle: Cumnock Academy celebrates after a top class report in 2008

Head teacher Gordon Bell celebrated a top class school report with pupils from Cumnock Academy in November 2008. The report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education was thought to be one of the best reports published in recent times and gave  high praise to staff and pupils for improvements made to the school.