Southern Scotland - Scotland - page 323

South Ayrshire

AYR
POP 46,431
Ayr's long sandy beach has made it a popular family seaside resort since Victorian times,
but it has struggled in the recent economic climate. Parts of the centre have a neglected air,
though there are many fine Georgian and Victorian buildings, and it makes a convenient
base for exploring this section of coast and exploring the area's Robbie Burns heritage.

Sights
Most things to see in Ayr are Robert Burns-related. The bard was baptised in the Auld
Kirk Offline map Google map (Old Church) off High St. The atmospheric cemetery here
overlooks the river and is good for a stroll, offering an escape from the bustle of High St.
Several of Burns' poems are set in Ayr; in 'Twa Brigs' , Ayr's old and new bridges argue
with one another. The Auld Brig Offline map Google map (Old Bridge) was built in 1491 and
spans the river just north of the church.
St John's Tower Offline map Google map (Eglinton Tce) is the only remnant of a church
where a parliament was held in 1315, the year after the celebrated victory at Bannockburn.
John Knox's son-in-law was the minister here, and Mary, Queen of Scots, stayed overnight
in 1563.

Festivals & Events

Burns an' a' That
( www.burnsfestival.com ) Held in Ayr in late May, this festival has a bit of everything, from
wine-tasting to horseracing to concerts, some of it Burns-related.

CULTURAL