Torchlight express

It seemed like such a great idea . . .  the Olympic torch being carried round the UK by a series of local runners.  Exciting for those taking part, their families and friends.  Something to remember all their lives.

When the idea was announced, names were sought of worthy people to carry the torch. And with it coming up through most of South Ayrshire a number of runners would be needed - 29 in fact - who  would each run around 300 metres before handing on the torch to the next person.

And 29 we have - but only nine of these are local and none are running in the area they come from. And to add to the confusion the remaining runners don`t just come from the rest of Scotland, there are a few runners from abroad! It goes without saying the choices were made south of the border!

However I`ll try not to be a spoilsport - like the local papers.  Let`s look on the positive side.  Plans are underway to make sure all  South Ayshire`s schoolchildren get a  chance to see the torch on its way up the A77 on June 8. And it is the children who are most likely to be excited about the whole idea.  A South Ayrshire song has been written to celebrate the occasion and will be sung by various groups as the runners pass through.

And there is an added bonus.  With worldwide press coverage SAC won`t want to see a runner falling into a pothole! So look out for some essential road repairing over the next few months