We are living through historic times, and although it has come with grave difficulties for many, it is one we will certainly not forget.

That’s why Dalry’s Billie Harkins and Robert McClure and their children Blair, seven, Charlie, five, and Penny, 23 months, are using their hour’s walk as an opportunity to create a lockdown time capsule.

The family of five have been collecting and decorating stones from local trails to commemorate this time in nature,

inspiring others to do the same.

Mum Billie said: “The kids had a great time exploring and picking out the ideal stones.

“When it came to designing them I felt it gave them a chance to think about lockdown, what it meant that everyone is going through this as well as us.

“They chose superheroes for the boys visiting the fairy trail, as well as some uplifting messages that might bring a smile to others while passing, and of course their stone of thanks to the NHS.

“All the time the kids were excited about others seeing them, and felt they would make others happy in doing so.”

Billie posted the family’s adventures to Facebook. Within hours, locals were excitedly messaging to say they had spotted the stones.

Billie said: “The kids have loved the reaction from others and we have even had a picture of a stone that someone found. It really has given them something to smile about.”

The gesture comes as people Ayrshire-wide have been leaving various past-times on street corners for others to take during lockdown.

Kenny Mcnamee from Dalry spotted a basket of DVDs in his street with a note which read “If you

are bored or you know someone who is, help yourself.”

Grace Hutchison from Prestwick donated old kids’ books to occupy youngsters, and Carol Gordon from Largs left plant pots out for passers-by.

The kind acts say “someone was here” at a time when many of us aren’t seeing anyone, and prove that community spirit in Ayrshire is well and truly alive.

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