Ayrshire
Home to the very first Open Golf Championship which was played
at Prestwick, the coast is famous for its many links courses
including the other Open Championship venues of Royal Troon
and Turnberry. It's also the birth place of Scotland's most
famous poet, Robert Burns. It is steeped in the history of Scottish
kings and heroes, like Robert the Bruce and, so legend has it,
of William Wallace. Playing a key role in Scottish history,
it has castles and monuments dating back centuries and a wide
range of visitor attractions.
Local Places of Interest and Activities
Burns
Cottage & Museum — Burns Cottage was built
in 1757 by the hands of Robert Burns' father. On January 25,
1759, while the cold winter winds blew in from the Atlantic,
it became the scene of Scotland's most famous birthday when
Robert Burns was born. The simple Auld Clay Biggin where the
World's most loved poet was born has long been a must-see destination.
An original manuscript of Auld Lang Syne takes pride of place
in the most important collection of Robert Burns manuscripts,
artefacts and memorabilia. Personal items, letters and artworks
provide a unique touchstone to the life and work of a remarkable
man.
Alloway
Auld Kirk, the Brig O’Doon & Burns Monument
— Just minutes from Burns Cottage lies the Auld Kirk,
the setting for the enormously popular poem Tam O'Shanter. It
was here Tam saw the witches and warlocks in devilish dance.
The Kirkyard also contains the grave of William Burnes, the
poet's father. The Bridge Spans the River Doon and was made
famous as the setting for Tam O'Shanter's mare, Meg, losing
her tail to witch Nannie. Cross the bridge for a good view of
the 1823 Grecian Monument dedicated to the poet. In the grounds
are Attractive gardens by the River Doon. The Bridge O’Doon
Hotel is a great place to stop for a drink or lunch.
Culzean
Castle & Country Park — Converted by Robert
Adam to include a ‘Roman’ viaduct and Ruined Arch
to add drama to this Italianate castle in its spectacular clifftop
setting. It contains a fine collection of paintings and furniture,
and a display of weapons in the Armoury. The Circular Saloon
has a superb panoramic view over the Firth of Clyde and the
beautiful Oval Staircase is Robert Adam’s final masterpiece
of interior design. In 1945 the top floor was given to General
Eisenhower as a token of Scotland’s recognition of his
role during World War II. The Georgian Kitchen gives a glimpse
of life below stairs 200 years ago. Country Park - Miles ofwoodland
walks take the visitor to the Deer Park, along the Cliff Walkor
to the many restored estate buildings, such as the Ruined Arch
and Viaduct, beautiful Camellia House and unique Pagoda. Garden
areas include the terraced Fountain Court and the Walled Garden
with its redesigned pleasure garden and impressive reconstructed
Victorian Vinery.
Crossraguel
Abbey — Founded, sometime after 1244 when Bishop
William of Glasgow commanded that a Cluniac monastery should
be built there. 1286 was when the first abbot was recorded.
Much of the original church had to be rebuilt after being badly
damaged during the war with England in the early 1300s when
the abbey had stayed loyal to the local man Robert Bruce. The
tower house and gatehouse were built in the sixteenth century.
Later in the sixteenth century, the abbey seems to have survived
relatively unscathed through the Reformation when many other
monasteries were severely damaged or destroyed.
Coastal
Drive — While exploring Ayrshire be sure to travel
along the coastal route (A719) between Turnberry and Alloway.
The route will pass Culzean Castle, then through “Electric
Brae” where your car will mysteriously freewheel uphill!.
All the time the route affords wonderful views over the Forth
of Clyde to the Island of Arran and beyond to the Mull of Kintyre.
Continue past the ruins of Dunure Castle, where in what became
known as The Black Vault, the 4th Earl of Cassilis had the Commendator
of Crossraguel Abbey, Alan Stewart 'roasted in sop' until he
signed over the Abbey lands. The Earl was later fined and instructed
to pay Alan Stewart a pension, but he got to keep the lands.
The route continues along the clifftops known as the Heads of
Ayr to Alloway.
Souter
Johnnie’s Cottage — In the small village
of Kirkoswald (on the road to Turnberry) lies the home of John
Davidson, village souter (shoemaker). He was the inspiration
for he character Souter Johnnie, Tam's 'ancient, trusty, drouthy
crony' in Burns' poem Tam O'Shanter. Life-sized stone figures
of the Souter, Tam, the innkeeper and his wife are refurbished,
contains period furniture, Burns relics and a reconstructed
souter's workshop.
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