History of Ayr

Ayr is not only a good shopping center but also a good base for exploring the Lowlands. It faces the island of Arran and is the main town in the county of Ayrshire. Robert Burns described the local people as "honest men and bonnie lasses". A memorial at the station, Tam o'Shanter Inn is an examples of the Burns legacy in theregion. Devotees can even follow the Burns' Heritage Trail, a literary tour through southwest Scotland as far as Dumfries that takes in all the places connected with Burns. Ayr boasts an important racecourse, no fewer than three golf courses and a long sandy beach.n. Devotees can even follow the Burns' Heritage Trail, a literary tour through southwest Scotland as far as Dumfries that takes in all the places connected with Burns. Ayr boasts an important racecourse, no fewer than three golf courses and a long sandy beach.

Tourist Attractions in Ayr

Ailsa Craig
A huge granite rock some 1,114ft/348m high and 2mi/3km in circumference is visible from Girvan. It lies 10mi/16km offshore and is now a haven for birds. Ailsa Craig, Gaelic for "Fairyland Rock", is famous for the quality of its granite, known as "Ailsite" which is used, among other things, for making curling stones. A ruined medieval tower occupies a prominent position on the rock.

Alloway - Burns' Cottage & Museum
The thatched house where Burns was born is situated in Alloway, a suburb to the south of Ayr. It was built by his father and Burns spent the first seven years of his short life here. Exhibits include memorabilia, manuscripts and the old family Bible. 

Alloway - Land o'Burns Centre
A few yards from the Burns Cottage in Alloway, an account of Burns' life and times is given with the help of an audio-visual presentation. 

Alloway - Robert Burns' Monument
There is a fine view over the River Ayr and its two bridges from the Burns' Monument (1823) where more than 600 exhibits relating to the celebrated Scottish hero are displayed.It was across one of the bridges, the 13th century "Auld Brig", that Tam o'Shanter fled from the witches  he remembered that they were not allowed to cross flowing water - only his horse's tail remained in the hands of his pursuers. In line with Burns' prophecy, the bridge of 1788 had to be rebuilt in 1877.

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