Farewell to Ayr reporter Elizabeth Kelly

Respected local journalist Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Kelly (née McGrory) has died at the age of 64 after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Liz wrote the Prestwick pages for the Ayr Advertiser, and then the Ayrshire Post, for over 20 years (until she retired in 2007) and she actively supported many local organisations as well as serving on Prestwick Community Council.

Liz was well-known and valued in the Prestwick community and will be greatly missed by her family and friends alike.

Originally from Glasgow, Liz studied Economics & Business Studies at Glasgow College of Technology, graduating in 1972 — shortly after marrying Stephen Kelly. 

Liz then undertook teaching training at Jordanhill College of Education and taught secondary school Economics & Business Studies until the birth of her elder son, Mark, in 1975. 

Two years after having her younger son (Martin) in 1977, Liz started to experience symptoms of what would later be diagnosed as MS.

Though she was mainly a full-time mum during her boys’ early years, Liz was also very active professionally: teaching evening classes in Secretarial Studies and in English; marking exam scripts; and writing a textbook for the proposed new Standard Grade Economics.

Liz and her family moved to Prestwick in October 1984. She work part-time in the Ayr office of George Younger MP and was exploring a return to teaching when the opportunity arose for her to fulfil one of her ambitions — to become a journalist. 

Liz became the Prestwick Correspondent for the Ayr Advertiser in November 1986 and, through her enthusiasm for the activities of the local community (and her unique way with words) the Prestwick section quickly grew — from around half a page of copy per week to around two pages.

Liz was to repeat this feat when she moved to the Ayrshire Post in November 1994 — around which time she became largely wheelchair-bound. 

Liz also wrote a number of pieces for national newspapers, most notably her interview with David McLean — the ploughman whose quick thinking led to the capture of Hitler’s Deputy, Rudolph Hess, at Eaglesham on May 10, 1941 when his plane crash-landed.

Liz had encountered McLean by chance, while he was visiting Prestwick from his home in Canada, and, ever the newshound, Liz seized the opportunity to record McLean’s fascinating story for the history books.

Liz suffered a major deterioration in her health in the autumn of 2002, and again in February 2005.

Following a further spell in hospital at the turn of 2006/07, Liz reluctantly accepted that she could no longer write for the Ayrshire Post. 

Her health continued to deteriorate and Liz became increasingly unable to participate in the local community, though she still enjoyed the occasional night out — often at the RAFA Club in Prestwick.

In her last years, Liz was effectively housebound though she continued to enjoy visits from her family and her devoted friends. 

Although, by this stage, she was largely unable to move and required round-the-clock care, Liz was able to continue to live at home thanks to the valuable support of South Ayrshire Council and the Independent

Living Fund. Liz passed away in Ayr Hospital, on Christmas Day 2016, surrounded by her loving family. 

The courage and positive spirit that Liz showed throughout her difficult 37-year battle with MS were a source of inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.