What made the Herald headlines 20 years ago this week?

Do you remember these stories from 20 years ago this week?

Father Lynch (Image: Newsquest)

The Three Towns were left in a state of shock in July 2004 after a fire tragedy claimed the life of a much-respected parish priest. The body of the Rev Father Michael Lynch, of St Peter-in-Chains Church, Ardrossan, was recovered from the chapel house where he lived after fire crews battled to extinguish a blaze which swept through the building. There were no suspicious circumstances.

Campaigning for a new supermarket (Image: Newsquest)

Rival political figures in Ardrossan cast aside their differences for the ongoing battle to attract a major supermarket to the town in 2004. Councillor Margaret Munn and community council chairman Gordon Allison – also the Tory candidate at an upcoming Ardrossan North by-election – urged everyone to add their names to a petition  (Spoilers, ASDA opened on the site of the former Herald office just a few years later…)

Mr Christie retires from Ardrossan Academy (Image: Newsquest)

Colleagues past and present joined popular Ardrossan Academy teacher Gordon Christie at his 2004 retiral party. History principal Andrew Bruce and headteacher Brian Cunningham paid tribute to Gordon, who taught history at the school for 34 years.

Mr McCulloch with his collection of photos (Image: Newsquest)

Popular St Andrews Academy teacher Gerry McCulloch, 61, also retired after 23 years at the school. The former Head of English, who was also school press officer, left behind more than 2,500 photographs, including snaps going back to the early days of St Andrew’s.

Gateside's young journalists (Image: Newsquest)

Some of the young people of Gateside Primary who were involved in producing the latest issue of the village school magazine – the Gateside Gazette – in 2004.

Dance stars in 2004 (Image: Newsquest)

Talented youngsters from the Lynda Turner School of Dancer took to the stage at Ardrossan Civic Centre for their 2004 summer show.