THE daughter of a former Ayr Advertiser reporter has recalled the day her dad interviewed Muhammed Ali at Burns Cottage.

The professional boxer, who changed his name from  his 'slave'  name Cassius Clay in 1964, is widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated sports figures of the 20th Century.

In 1965 the Advertiser reported that Ali’s first impression of the Cottage was one of surprised about the animals kept in the next room to the living quarters. 

Once he had seen around it and inspected various pieces of the old furniture he made his way through the crows to the museum. 

He was shown the big family bible and then sat on the chair  - made out of John Wilson’s press which printed the first ever Ayr Advertiser.
As he sat in the chair Ali recited some of his own poetry which he had composed on his way to the cottage. 

Muhammed Ali told Charlie Bingham that he admitted defeat on who was the better reporter. 

On leaving he said: “I hope to come back again another day to take a few movies of everything.”

Speaking about his visit, he continued: “Nice, Everything’s nice. Weather, people, everything. I like it all.”

Mr Bingham’s daughter, Shirley Graham, can remember attending the cottage that day when the legendary boxer visited and watcher her dad interview him.

She said: “I would only have been in my teens at the time but I can remember Cassius sitting on the chair and this photo being taken.

“I didn’t get to speak to him but my dad did say Cassius was a very nice gentleman and gentle.”

Charlie reported for the Advertiser for 20 years in the 1950s and 60s. Shirley is one of five children who lived in Prestwick during that period before moving away when her dad got another job in England for the Doncaster Evening Post.

Charlie sadly passed away eight years ago but would be 90-years-old now. 

Shirley added: “Dad would sometimes take us on other jobs. We saw bands like The Kinks and The Hollies at the old Ayr Ice Rink, where Sports Direct is now. 

“We were in the vicinity while dad was speaking to people.

“He also used to bring home LPs and records of local artists which he would review for the paper.”

Muhammed Ali sadly passed away earlier this month at the age of 74.