Ayr

Scotland > South of Scotland > Ayrshire > Ayr

This lively resort overlooking the Firth of Clyde and Arran owes much of it's popularity to the lovely beach and the many restuarants, hotels and attractions in and around the old town.

It is probably best known for its association with Scotland's national Bard - Robert Burns, who was born in Alloway only a few miles away.

The architecture of the town has many old examples of a rich and varied past. The Auld Kirk dates from 1654, Loudon Hall dates back to 1534 and the Town Buildings were designed by Robert Hamilton in 1828 and are some of the finest in Britain.

The river Ayr runs through the town and the 13th century Auld Brig immortalised by Burns, is still very much in use. The Tam'o Shanter Inn on the High Street now houses a Burns Museum.

At the southern end of Ayr, the River Doon with the Auld Brig o' Doon spanning it, evokes the end of the famous Tam o' Shanter poem as Tam makes the key stone of the bridge to escape the witches grasp but his poor horse, Meg loses her tail.

The modern town is still a favourite with holiday makers and in the summer monthes has a wide range of attractions from theatre to sea excursions.

It is served by a mainline rail station and has good road connections to the south and north and is the gateway to the many tourist routes highlighting Burns country.