MEMBERS of Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society delivered a presentation titled The Church, The Coffin and the Castle at the Heritage Centre in Saltcoats last week.

It began with Norma Cullen, Heritage Officer at the Centre, introducing the event, with Martin Kostigovs speaking about the Castle and its history.

Michael McCulloch dealt with the Church on the hill and its successor churches while George McGrattan gave the results of research on the Ardrossan Sarcophagus found in the church in 1911.

Amanda Simpson, secretary of the Heritage Society, spoke about the work of the group and forthcoming events including All Write @ Ardrossan Castle in Ardrossan Indoor Bowling Club on Friday, May 27 at 7.30pm.

She also gave an update on planning for the Ardrossan Castle Carnival on Saturday, June 18.

This is a free community celebration to mark the meeting of the Privy Council at Ardrossan Castle on 18 June 1546.

Attractions include archery, birds of prey, Castle Guardian training, face painting, medieval dress up, horse jousting, men and muskets, pipe band, puppets and stocks and sponges.

There will also be storytelling events and the Wallace Society will be present on the big day.

The event is the first in Scotland to have Our Place funding from the Big Lottery Fund, a grant of over £53,000 having been awarded earlier this month.

Questions were taken from the large audience and an interesting discussion followed.