Provosts of Ayr

History of Provosts in Scotland

Historically the Provost was the chief magistrate (or convener) of a Scottish burgh council. The post of Provost generally is the equivalent of a mayor in other parts of the UK. Various titles were used over the centuries for Provost and it was not until 1900 that legislation standardised the governing body of a town council as the 'Provost, Magistrate and Councillors'. In 1975 the title 'Lord Provost' was reserved only for the cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee. The word Provost comes from the French 'Prevot' which was applied in pre-revolutionary times to the head of a branch of public service. It, in turn, comes from the Latin 'Praepositus' in the Roman Empire.

The origins of the office of Provost are now obscure and it is not possible to state with any accuracy when the office first came into being in the form as we know it today. In medieval times the responsible first citizen was known variously as Prepositus, Alderman or Provost. The earliest known record of Prepositi for the Burgh of Ayr was Symon Colynson and Ade Petyt in 1327. Thereafter the person in office was known as Alderman until 1415 when the first person actually described as Provost was Nicholas de Fynvyk.

Armonial Insignia and Regalia

At the beginning of the nineteenth century, only a few of Scotland's ancient burghs, including Edinburgh and Aberdeen had Provost's chains of office. The number steadily increased during the century, especially during the prosperous reign of Queen Victoria. The reign also saw local government reforms which resulted in many new burghs coming into existence, as more and more growing towns won the right to govern themselves.

South Ayrshire consists of 5 former Burghs Ayr, Troon, Girvan, Maybole and Prestwick each of which all had their own Provost.

Both Kyle and Carrick District Council and its successor in 1996, South Ayrshire Council, having retained the title of Provost for their civic heads, continued the tradition by providing them with chains of office.

Provost's Chains

Chains of office can be traced back over 1,000 years as they were originally used to keep the office holder's seal (usually with its armorial bearings) securely on a chain. Over time chains became more elaborate and costly with their popularity increasing from the 14th century onwards. They were used as a symbol of office originally by livery companies, statesmen and sheriffs then later by provosts and baillies. Their current style and usage evolved in the early 19th century.

South Ayrshire Council's Provost's chain was purchased in 1996 on the formation of the new Council and depicts the Council's armorial bearings which were matriculated that year. Each chain link is engraved with the name of the Provost and the term of office each has served.

It comprises the shield of the former Kyle and Carrick District Council (1975-1996) which shows the chequered band of Kyle and the red chevron of Carrick now with a coronet to represent a unitary authority.

The monarch's eldest son usually holds the title of Earl of Carrick and it is currently held by Prince Charles in direct line from King Robert the Bruce whose mother was Mary, Countess of Carrick.

The left hand support is a blue dolphin that appears on the Burgh of Maybole Coat of Arms which was, in turn, derived from the Coat of Arms of the Marquis of Ailsa, whose family built Culzean Castle.

The right hand support is a blue lion which alludes to King Robert I, Earl of Carrick before he became King. The original Arms of the Bruce family showed a blue lion on a silver background before they assumed the Arms of the Lords of Annandale.

The Motto "Ne'er forget the People" was chosen from responses to a public competition and is from the poem "Does Haughty Gaul Invasion Threat" by Robert Burns.

Robes

Dress has always been used to denote status, and during the Middle Ages the quality of a person's robes was an indication of their rank. Red was the royal colour, and civic heads often wore red velvet robes, trimmed with fur, to show that within their community they were the monarch's representative. After they passed out of use as everyday dress, robes continued to be worn by members of the clergy and the legal and academic professions, and by many dignitaries, including civic leaders, on ceremonial occasions. In Scotland, the wearing of robes by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh was given Royal approval during the early seventeenth century. However, it was not until the late nineteenth century that the wearing of robes, usually accompanied by a cocked hat, became common among Scottish Provosts, and many town councils did not acquire them until the twentieth century.

Troon

Chain donated May 1897 by the 6th Duke of Portland.
Robes donated 1942 by Sir Alexander Walker grandson of John (Johnnie) Walker, Kilmarnock Whisky magnate.

Ayr

Chain donated June 1897 by Mr James McLennan, wealthy Glasgow wine and spirit merchant born in Coylton and who resided some time in Ayr. Robes: On 21st May 1923 it was recommended at a meeting of Ayr Town Council's Provost's Committee that official robes for the Provost be provided. This was approved by a majority vote at the next full council meeting on 11th June.

Girvan

Chain and Robes probably acquired during the term of office of Alexander Telfer 1903-1909.

Maybole

Chain donated 1934 by Mr John Edgar, property agent and former postman who was a prominent member of the Town Council 1919-1924. Robes purchased by Town Council during 1954-1957.

Prestwick

Chain and robes purchased 1948 with cash donations from various individuals particularly Mr A W Berkley (chain) and Mr J F Crichton (robes).

Provost's Lamp posts

The first lampposts in Ayr were erected in 1747 using oil lamps, with gas being introduced in 1826. As a compliment to the then Provost, lampposts with the Royal Burgh Coat-of-Arms showing on the glass plates were placed outside the residence of the Provost of Ayr in 1854. This tradition continues with South Ayrshire Council still erecting special lamp posts outside the home of the Provost.

Kirkin 'O The Council/The Auld Kirk Bible

After each new Council is elected a Service is held in Ayr Auld Kirk called the 'Kirkin 'O The Council' whereby an Act of Commitment is taken by the Council and the congregation and the newly elected Provost adds their signature in a bible which contains the names of those elected to the post under South Ayrshire, Kyle and Carrick, Ayr County Council and the Burgh of Ayr.

The Bible was acquired by the Church possibly during the Provostship of Hugh Miller (1841-1855) and the tradition, which is what it has become, reflects the long association and partnership that exists between the Church and the Council; together they have achieved much for the people of Ayrshire, including the establishment of the very first hospital over 400 years ago.

No one knows why the names are recorded in a Bible, possibly the people who started the practice all those years ago were following the old Scots tradition of recording births, deaths and marriages in the Family Bible. Whatever the reason was in the beginning for the signing of the Bible, today it acts as a reminder of the spiritual values that link the various communities and people of South Ayrshire together; a common desire for peace, justice and opportunity for all.

Provosts who have signed The Auld Kirk Bible