Artificial Intelligence (AI) will never replace the vital role of reporters, according to one of Ayrshire's longest-serving newspaper journalists.

Neil Smith, who is the chief reporter with Ayrshire Weekly Press - publishers of titles including the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald and Largs and Millport Weekly News - was speaking to members of the Rotary Club of Hunterston.

He said: "Undoubtedly, AI has a role to play in the future of delivering news and feature articles across the world.

"Most newspapers, particularly national titles, already have specific staff trained in using AI to assist with background reporting on the issues of the day.

"The problem we all have is deciding what is real and what is fake news or information provided by AI."

Neil explained the many changes that have taken place in the world of newsgathering today, with digital and online editions of the newspaper becoming extremely popular while printed copies were still in high demand.

He said: "The world of news reporting and feature writing has changed dramatically in recent years and when it comes to using AI, we are no different.

"It is a useful tool but when it comes to reporting the real news, it will never replace the journalists who go out there knocking on doors to get the facts."

During his 18-plus years as a sub editor on the Daily Record, Neil was on the news desk when some of the world's biggest events unfolded, including major news stories such as the Dunblane massacre, the devolution referendum, the death of Princess Diana, the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Twin Towers and the Glasgow Airport terror attack.

"There was never a dull moment!" he conceded.

Recalling some of the lighter moments in his career in journalism, Neil said: "While working as a sub-editor on the Daily Record, a major story came in about world famous Formula One driver, Ayrton Senna.

“The editor demanded that the picture desk quickly source a photograph of the famous racing star. He became distinctly annoyed when approaching deadline to find no picture had appeared on the schedule for the next edition.

"Our picture editor insisted it was there, at the top of the list. When we, looked there was a photograph of the Rabbie Burns statue in Ayr-toon-centre!"

After leaving the Record, Neil travelled extensively before returning to Ayrshire Weekly Press.

"Bringing interesting news and features to the attention of our online and print readers is a privilege,” he added. 

When not wearing his reporter’s hat, Neil is a director of a North Ayrshire arts company, Poetic Justice Productions CIC, who are behind the plans to have a festival in honour of the author Edgar Allan Poe. The writer spent a brief time in Irvine as a child.

The company have been invited to perform and speak in Baltimore this year at a festival marking the 175th anniversary of the writer's death.

Neil was introduced by fellow journalist and Hunterston Rotary press officer, Norrie Hunter and thanked by Rotarian Jim Muir.