A prominent member of Ayr’s licensed trade scene will make her final journey this week following her death at the age of 75.
Christine Macintyre was best known for her time at the helm of the legendary ‘Piv’.
As tour de force behind the scenes, she played an integral part in the venue’s success for more than 20 years.
During its heyday from the mid 1970s onwards, Christine was part of the team that helped bring the likes of Iron Maiden to Ayr.
The highly-respected queen of the town’s trade scene passed away earlier this month surrounded by her family, including ex-husband Donnie, with whom she ran the Piv and, later, the Gartferry Hotel.
Christine, who also went on to take charge of Ayr’s Ship Inn, lost her life after suffering a stroke.
Son Fraser, who followed his mum into the hospitality trade, led tributes to her career in the industry.
He said: “Mum was someone who lived for her work.
“As managing director of The Piv, she played a huge role in its success and was proud to work away behind the scenes.
“She was never someone who wanted the limelight. But alongside Tom Jones and many other promoters, she really did a lot for the town in terms of laying on some big nights and events.
“She always talked about spending time with Chrissie Hynde when she played here and of meeting many other great artists who performed at the venue.”
Although separating as a married couple, Christine and Donnie remained firm friends and ran the Gartferry together through the 90s before she solely took charge of the Ship.
She was a highly-respected member of both the Ayr & District Licensed Trade and Scottish Licensed Trade Associations.
In latter years, she ran the books for Fraser’s company and was renowned for her attention to detail.
Fraser smiled: “If the books were so much as three pence out, mum would not rest until she found it.
“She remained very active until the end and loved being a part of Ayr’s Opportunities in Retirement, taking part in everything from badminton to table tennis and walking.
“And she’d be found down the Mecca Bingo every Monday night with her best pal, Vida Cotton.
“Just a couple of days before she passed, Mum was taking part in country dance lessons at a club she’d just joined, which summed up her enthusiasm for life.
"She’ll leave a very big hole in a lot of people’s lives.”
Christine is survived by her two children, Fraser and Fiona, brother Donald, ex-husband Donnie and her five grandchildren.
Her funeral takes place on Thursday at Masonhill Crematorium at 2pm.
Her cortege will journey past the Piv around 1.30pm to allow one last stop and for respects to be paid.
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