A group of Ayr representatives are visiting its Canadian namesake to celebrate the country's 150th anniversary.

In 1824, Irvine author John Galt became the secretary of the Canada Company and encouraged emigration to the area.

A post office was established near the settlement of Mudge's Mill, which became known as Ayr,  eventually replaced the old settlement name.

In August 1969 a painting, Cedar Creek Entering the Nith River by Peter Etril Snyder, was donated to the Scottish burgh by the Ayr-Paris Band.

A group from Ayr will travel to Canada to present a print of the painting on behalf of the council and the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra at a special concert on Friday, July 14.

Given their shared history, the two towns have enjoyed links in the past and provost Helen Moonie wants to keep the existing bond alive.

She said: "People from Ayrshire settled abroad in their thousands in the 19th century, helping to shape new towns around the world, which is something we should celebrate.

"Our ties with Ayr, Ontario, are plain to see and it's fitting that we continue to explore our shared bonds which stretch back through generations and make them relevant to people living in both communities today.

"I'm sure the gesture will be appreciated and with the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra also playing at the event I'm sure we'll leave a lasting impression.

"I look forward to strengthening our ties in future and would welcome a delegation from our Canadian namesakes should they ever choose to return to their spiritual home."