Councillor Shows Commitment to One Ayrshire...

What's the old saying about the proof of the pudding...

Well, little more than a fortnight after the three separate Ayrshire councils signed a declaration to work together in promoting a single destination Ayrshire message, what happens but one council already breaks ranks at the first big press and PR opportunity that comes around.

The cynics have argued that they heard this "joint working exercise" business spouted before and doubted the likelihood of seeing anything more than words. Do they have grounds for this scepticism? Make your own minds up...

This paragraph is lifted from the R & A press release announcing Turnberry as venue for the 2012 Seniors Open. (Which in itself is great news for Ayrshire and the rest of Scottish tourism.

"Councillor Bill McIntosh, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: "Turnberry is an iconic golf location and I am thrilled The Senior Open Championship is returning to South Ayrshire next year. We are, of course, the birthplace and home of Open Golf and we are also well-known for hosting major international events, so it’s going to be a fabulous sporting occasion.

“I look forward to welcoming players, staff, fans, family and friends to South Ayrshire for this wonderful event and will ensure a great time is had by all here on Scotland’s very own golf coast.”

So much for the value of that commitment and pledge then. They really just can't help themselves can they?

Martin Cheyne, Councillor David O'Neill, Councillor Bill McIntosh, Councillor Douglas Reid, and Jill Farrell sign the new Ayrshire Tourism Charter

Councillor McIntosh, just in case you forgot what you signed up for - There's Only One Ayrshire.