Twenty long-serving staff at South Ayrshire Council are celebrating a major milestone after notching up forty years' public service – a combined total of 800 years. The anniversary was recognised at an intimate civic reception at County Buildings in Ayr.
1976 was a big year for the UK. The Pink Panther Strikes Again and All the President's men were making waves at the box office.
Britain won the Eurovision song contest with 'Save Your Kisses for Me' – which was also the year's biggest selling single from Brotherhood of Man, while punk rock was about to explode on the music scene.
Elsewhere and it was also the year Harold Wilson resigned as Prime Minister, air travel was transformed following the first commercial flight of Concorde, IT giant Apple started trading, Ford Fiesta's made their debut on our roads, while closer to home the Maclaurin Galleries opened in Ayr.
South Ayrshire Provost, Helen Moonie, said the reception was a fitting way to say thank you, "While the world around us may have changed dramatically in the last forty years, the people we're honouring have provided invaluable expertise to consistently high standards.
"The Council works tirelessly to try and make a difference to the people of South Ayrshire and it's only fitting that the decades of dedication are officially marked.
"It was great to reflect on past challenges but it's also exciting to know that all those involved still have the energy and passion to deliver for the local community in the years ahead."