The community of Maybole was stunned last week to learn of a murder in their town. Everyone was shocked to hear of the death of Amjid Ismail who was working in the family shop in Kirkland Street, and a book of condolence has been opened to allow townspeople to record their sympathy. The book was opened after the Remembrance Sunday service in the Town Hall and will remain open for the rest of November and then handed to the family.

Some have recorded short messages of sympathy and others have simply signed their names. Whatever people are comfortable with, they are invited to add to the book. Rev Dave Whiteman said, “Maybole is a very tight knit community and the community is devastated by these terrible events. The Ismail family are much loved and well respected in the town and everyone in Maybole is sharing the family’s pain and loss. Amjid was a popular and well known figure around the town and all our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.”

 Cathy Jamieson MSP said: "Like everyone else, I was appalled by the news and my thoughts are with the Ismail Family at this very sad time. I've been contacted by members of the local community who are stunned by this tragedy. Maybole is a very strong community and people have rallied around the family. I am in close contact with Strathclyde Police and the matter is now in the hands of the courts."

Councillor Alan Murray added, “'I can only say that I was shocked at the news of the incident and deeply saddened by the death of Amjid Ismail my thoughts and sympathy are with his family and that I know the people of Maybole and the surrounding area share these feelings. I also hope the perpetrator of this vicious act will be swiftly brought to account for this dreadful deed.” Councillor Brian Connolly said, “Ahmjid was a gentle man, hard working and decent and I discovered in the relatively short time that I knew him, that he had a subtle sense of humour. This is tragic for Mr Ismail and his family and the strong community spirit in the town has been evident in the shared grief and sympathy shown to the family.”

David Kiltie, chairman of Maybole Community Council, said, “I was totally shocked last week to hear of the tragic events at Kirkland Stores. All our hearts go out to the Ismail family at this sad time. Almost everyone in the town knew the family and many were quick to send flowers and cards as expression of their sympathy. We hope that this will be of some comfort to them as they mourn the death of Amjid.”

Rev John Stuart, former minister of Maybole West Church, has also been in touch by e-mail from the Unites States to say, “I was absolutely stunned to read about the murder in Maybole. The family of that young man have always been supportive to the Maybole community and I can remember several times when the shopkeeper helped out families in the town when they underwent times of crisis, grief, and tragedy.

I know that the whole community of Maybole will express their deepest sympathy to this family and show them compassionate love in the midst of their sadness.” He asked Mr Kiltie to pass on his message and tell the family that they are all in his prayers.

Flowers were laid near the shop, prayers were said in local churches, and the family received flowers and many cards as the community rallied round them.