Now he has contacted our local correspondent to say, “My Dad, born in Maybole, was thrilled that the article and accompanying pictures were included on the website and also printed in the local paper. I am sad to say that my father, also named Murdoch Bain, passed away on December 14. 2013, he was 84."

“On Tuesday, September 30, at 12 noon, at Maybole Cemetery, there will be a short ceremony to commemorate my father's homecoming. All are invited. I am hoping you can put this notice on the website for all to view. I wish to have a gathering following the ceremony, but do not have the details as of yet.

My dad's mother was Margaret McQuater, of the McQuater Bros., agricultural producers for some time in Maybole. I have traced her paternal lineage to Andrew McQuater b. 1784.

“I am sure there are many McQuaters still residing in Maybole and I want them to know I would love to meet them and share the family history I have gathered over the years. At one time the McQuaters owned Fairknowe House on Cargill Rd. My father had many fond memories of playing there with his cousins. I will be staying just around the corner at the Gardenrose B&B and hopefully I can maybe get a 'tour' of this magical place.”

Mark Ian Bain mibain@msn.com