Ayrshire heroes in history

Jan 2 2009 by Lisa Boyle

PENICILLIN, tarmac, pneumatic tyres and the first Open championship.

Just some of the things Ayrshire is (not so) famous for.

But a new book, which takes a light-hearted look at Scottish history reveals that Alexander Fleming, the scientist who discovered Penicillin, John Loudon MacAdam, who engineered Tarmac, and John Boyd Dunlop, founder of the Dunlop Tyre company, all hail from Ayrshire.

And Caledonication, also reveals that the first Open championship was held at Prestwick in 1860.

The book, written by John K V Eunson, documents Scottish history, culture, politics and sport - and it’s littered with the famous Scottish sense of humour.

Caledonication is available in all good book shops and retails at £12.99.