Council should support our team

Feb 6 2009

PROMOTING tourism in South Ayrshire in an effort to boost our economy can often be an expensive task.

That became apparent when reading of South Ayrshire Councils' plans to spend a reported £15,000, sending four ‘highly skilled members of staff’ to the Dubai Desert Classic in a noble attempt to promote golf and tourism in South Ayrshire. (it's a dirty job but someone's got to do it.)

It was therefore great to see the town of Ayr and her links with Rabbie Burns and the "’Homecoming’ celebrations receive FREE publicity, WORLDWIDE on the internet, BBC and Sky TV through Ayr United's clashes with Kilmarnock in the Homecoming Scottish Cup.

The pre-match build up on Sky Sports in particular (which was viewed overseas as well as throughout Britain) was a great advert for the town which didn't cost us a penny. In fact Ayr United are reported to have RECEIVED around £80,000 for Sky's broadcast, helping to sustain the club.

Let's hope in the years ahead, SAC find the desire to support Ayr United whenever possible. For as we saw over the last fortnight, a well supported, senior football club, can bring positive publicity and pride to South Ayrshire.

Colin Sturgeon

Address supplied