THE bellman once had an important part to play in the local community.

In days when people could not read, he was the one who informed them of what was going on not only locally, but nationally, and occasionally internationally.

Some had specific uniforms to wear while carrying out their duties, but they all had their hand bell which was rung to grab people's attention.

In Alva, one of the oldest bellmen was John Sinclair. Born and bred in the town, he was a 'weel kent' face in the village right up to his death.

It was said he lived his entire life in Alva and never set foot out of its boundaries.

Physically, Sinclair had health issues caused by a fever when he was a baby and this led him to be unsuited to manual labour, although he was described when a young man as supple and strong.

As the years passed, this infirmity, which was not disclosed, became more apparent, and finding work became more of a chore.

However, he turned his hand to other ways of making a living, including giving music lessons for many years, and this led him to be given the name 'the Maister'.

He was also the local letter carrier, or postman, bell-crier, bill poster, and carried out a plethora of other duties that he was asked to do. Through this work, he would announce funerals, news, and events.

Sinclair would walk the streets of Alva, in all weathers, and sometimes even at night if the need arose, ringing his bell loudly, crying out the intimation for all and sundry to hear.

He took a great pride in his work and carried out his duties diligently

The children of the town liked him as he always had time for them, listening to their adventures.

They gave him the nickname of Old Kenmure due to him often singing 'O Kenmure's On and Awa' Willie,' by Robert Burns, although in his later years, he was heard singing the sad song 'Land O' The Leal,' about a dying mother who was going to join her dead daughter.

It was said he brought the songs to life, and many found it moving to listen to him as they went about their business.

During part of the ministry of Mr Bullock in Alva, Sinclair acted as precentor in the parish church, and during Lent services, he was an auxiliary.

John Sinclair died on Sunday June 17, 1871, aged 72, the last bellman of Alva.