Remembering the lives lost to coronavirus across Ayrshire Since the first lockdown began 276 days ago, there have been daily updates of the grim statistic that is the coronavirus death toll. The death of Scotland’s first COVID-19 victim was recorded on March 13, and the first reported death in Ayrshire was on March 17. Since then more than 6,000 people have been taken by the virus. NHS Ayrshire and Arran has seen 516 people tragically die having contracted coronavirus. Behind these statistics were real people who left behind grieving families and friends. If you would like to
pay tribute to someone you have lost, then you can here.
St Matthew s Academy staff team with David McIlroy holding the Man of the Match trophy in 2019 (left), and David scoring a goal for the Rovers in 1974 (right, credit George McGrattan. A much loved school teacher and former junior footballer has died in hospital after contracting coronavirus. David McIlroy taught at St Matthew’s Academy in Saltcoats, St Michael’s in Kilwinning and in Kilwinning Academy. Tributes from pupils, past and present, have flooded in for the beloved PE teacher, guidance counsellor and supply teacher. David played for Kilbirnie Ladeside and Ardrossan Winton Rovers, he was hailed as a fantastic player.