Ayr
Template:Use British English Template:Infobox UK place
Ayr (/ɛər/; Scottish Gaelic: [Inbhir Àir] Error: {{Lang}}: text has italic markup (help), "Mouth of the River Ayr") is a town and former Royal Burgh sitting along the west coast of Ayrshire in Scotland. It forms a part of the South Ayrshire Local Authority area, serving as the area's administrative centre. Historically, Ayr was the county town of Ayrshire until 1975. Ayr is currently the most populated settlement in Ayrshire and the South of Scotland. It is the 13th most populous locality in Scotland.
The town was established in 1205 and soon developed as the central market and port along the west coast of Scotland, becoming a prominent trading port to Ireland. Oliver Cormwell also established a Citadel along the south of the river Ayr, the ramparts of which remain visible to this day. As the birthplace of famous Scottish poet Robert Burns, the suburb of Alloway, in the south of the town, houses his former home and the Robert Burns Experience. Across the Victorian era coal and iron remained the central export of the town, with fishing and shipping also forming a significant sect of the local economy. Ayr later developed as a holiday resort, aspects of which remain the case today with the continued presence of a Butlins holiday park to the south of the town. The Gaiety Theatre in Ayr ran various shows across the late 20th century, attracting performers from across the United Kingdom, and despite its decline throughout the 2000s, it remains in operation today.
Politically, Ayr has been more Conservative-voting than the remainder of Scotland, being represented by a Conservative MP continuously for nearly 100 years – from 1906 (as part of the Ayr Burghs constituency) until 1997. The town forms part of the first Conservative seat in the Scottish Parliament which has voted Conservative since 2000. The town is now marginally contested between the Conservatives, the Scottish National Party and the Labour Party.
Ayr is one of the largest retail centres along the South of Scotland and was recognised as the second healthiest town centre in the United Kingdom by the Royal Society for Public Health. Ayr has hosted the Scottish Grand National horse-racing steeplechase annually since 1965. The town also acts as headquarters to the Ayr Advertiser and Ayrshire Post newspapers and the West FM radio station.
Contents
History
Ayr was established as a burgh by King William the Lion in 1205. It was once known as 'Inverair' or 'Inverayr' (meaning mouth of the Ayr). Elements of this name remains present in the Scottish Gaelic name for Ayr – Inbhir Air.
Since 1261 annual fairs were held in the town. At this time the town had a recorded population of 1,500 and served as a major port on the west coast. The town was occupied by England from 1301 until 1312 as part of the Scottish Wars of Independence.<ref>http://www.localhistories.org/ayr.html</ref>
On 26 April 1315, the first Parliament of Scotland was held in Ayr by Robert The Bruce at St. John's Tower by the sea. Later, in 1652, the town was used as a base and fortress for some of Oliver Cromwell's men. Cromwell established a large fortress along the mouth of the River Ayr and erected walls around the area just south of the River's mouth - most of these walls remain present to this day.<ref>"The Protectorate Citadel Of Ayr". Scots Wars. Retrieved 14 November 2014.</ref> St John's Tower, which sat around the centre of the fortress, was originally part of a large church yet this was knocked down during the construction of the fort with the tower being used for military practice; it is now protected by "Friends Of Saint Johns Tower" (FROST) residents in the "Ayr Fort Area" which sits atop the former site of the citadel. A permanent military presence was established in the town with the completion of Ayr Barracks (later known as Churchill Barracks) on the citadel site in 1795.<ref>"Barracks in Scotland". Scots at War. Retrieved 14 November 2014.</ref>
Governance
UK Parliament
Ayr forms part of the Westminster constituency of Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock. This constituency includes Carrick in South Ayrshire in addition to Doon Valley, Cumnock and New Cumnock in the south of East Ayrshire. The seat is currently held by the Scottish National Party's Corri Wilson who was elected as the Member of Parliament on the 7 May 2015 general election.
The Ayrshire Central constituency runs north of the Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock constituency. It takes in the towns of Irvine, Kilwinning, Stevenson, Prestwick, Troon and rural Kyle, running into Annbank. It also incorporates the Woodfield area of Newton-On-Ayr and is represented by SNP MP Philippa Whitford.
In previous elections Ayr was represented in Westminister as part of the Ayr parliamentary constituency, the borders of which included elements of Prestwick, Kyle and Troon. This seat was abolished in 2005 to be replaced by the Ayrshire Central and Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock seats which were subsequently represented by Labour, and later, SNP MP's. From the seat's creation in 1950 until the 1997 general election, Ayr was continually represented by MP's from the Conservative Party. George Younger served as Member of Parliament for the constituency for most of this period - serving as MP for Ayr from 1964 to 1997.<ref>"Lord Younger". Guardian. Retrieved 8 August 2015.</ref> In 1997 the boundaries of the constituency were altered in a move which saw the Conservative areas of Alloway, Doonfoot and Masonhill being transferred to the neighbouring Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley constituency, benefiting the Labour Party.
Prior to this, Ayr formed part of the Ayr Burghs constituency which combined various towns along the Ayrshire coast such as Irvine, Troon, Prestwick, Ardrossan and Saltcoats: this seat was held by the Conservatives since 1906 making Ayr the longest seat to be held by the Conservatives in Scotland at over 100 years.
Scottish Parliament
In the Scottish Parliament, Ayr exists as a constituency seat and has been represented by Conservative MSP John Scott since 2000.<ref>"John Scott MSP". The Scottish Parliament. Retrieved 30 December 2012.</ref> It was the first constituency in the Scottish Parliament to elect a Conservative MSP. The constituency also includes the towns of Prestwick and Troon. Regional MSPs that represent the South Scotland electoral region, and by extension represent the town of Ayr, are Claudia Beamish (Labour), Chic Brodie (SNP), Jim Hume (Liberal Democrats), Joan McAlpine (Scottish National Party), Aileen McLeod (Scottish National Party), Graeme Pearson (Labour) and Paul Wheelhouse (Scottish National Party).<ref>"Ayr - MSPs: Scottish Parliament". Scottish Parliament. Retrieved 30 December 2012.</ref>
2007 Scottish Parliament election results for Ayr
The 2007 Scottish Parliament election was counted by electoral ward allowing for the results for the town of Ayr to be accounted for by combining the results for the Ayr North, East and West electoral wards. The table below highlights the results of the election for the town of Ayr.
| Party | % of Vote |
|---|---|
| style="border-left: 5px solid Template:Scottish Conservative Party/meta/color" | Conservative | 37% |
| style="border-left: 5px solid Template:Scottish Labour Party/meta/color" | Labour | 30% |
| style="border-left: 5px solid Template:Scottish National Party/meta/color" | Scottish National Party | 27% |
| style="border-left: 5px solid Template:Scottish Liberal Democrats/meta/color" | Liberal Democrats | 5% |
| style="border-left: 5px solid Template:Independent politician/meta/color" | Independent | 1% |
These results suggest that in 2011 the results in the town of Ayr itself was marginally contested between the Conservatives and the SNP.
Council elections
The elected Councillors representing Ayr on South Ayrshire Council are as follows:
As a former Royal Burgh, Ayr had a Provost as chief magistrate of the burgh council and the earliest recorded provost is Nicholas de Fynvyk. The title of provost was retained by Kyle and Carrick District Council and South Ayrshire council for their civic heads.<ref name=provost>"Provosts of Ayr". South Ayrshire Council. Retrieved 10 January 2013.</ref> The role of provost is now apolitical and carries a number of duties including chairing meetings of the council, acting as civic head representing South Ayrshire Council, promotion of South Ayrshire Council and networking with various organisations such as local businesses.<ref name=provost2>"Provost". South Ayrshire Council. Retrieved 10 January 2013.</ref>
A chain and robes are worn by the provost while undertaking their ceremonial duties. The provost's chain was donated in June 1897 by James McLennan who was a Glasgow wine and spirit merchant who was born in Coylton and lived in Ayr. The official provost's robes have been provided by the council since 11 June 1923. In addition, South Ayrshire Council erects lamp posts with the Royal Burgh Coat of Arms emblazoned on the diffusers outside the official resident of the provost - this has been undertaken since 1854.<ref name="provost"/>
Each newly elected provost enters their name into a Bible at the "Kirkin ‘O The Council" service at Ayr Auld Kirk after each council election. The Bible in which the names are entered was acquired by the Kirk during the Provostship of Hugh Miller (1841–1855).<ref name="provost"/> The names of the provosts entered into the Bible are as follows:
| Term | Provost |
|---|---|
| 1841 – 1855 | Hugh Miller |
| 1855 – 1861 | Primrose William Kennedy |
| 1861 – 1864 | Andrew Paterson |
| 1864 – 1873 | John MacNeillie |
| 1873 – 1876 | Robert Goudie |
| 1876 – 1882 | Thomas Steele |
| 1882 – 1888 | William Kilpatrick |
| 1888 – 1891 | James Murray Ferguson |
| 1891 – 1894 | Robert Shankland |
| 1894 – 1897 | Hugh Douglas Hillock |
| 1897 – 1903 | Thomas Templeton |
| 1903 – 1909 | William Allan |
| 1909 – 1912 | James Shaw Hunter |
| 1912 – 1918 | John Mitchell |
| 1918 – 1922 | I M Mathie-Morton |
| 1922 – 1924 | Donald McDonald |
| 1924 – 1927 | James Robertson Gould |
| 1927 – 1930 | John S Stewart |
| 1930 – 1933 | Thomas Wilson |
| 1933 – 1936 | Thomas Galloway |
| 1936 – 1940 | James Wills |
| 1940 – 1943 | Robert Bowman |
| 1943 – 1949 | Thomas Murray |
| 1949 – 1952 | James Smith |
| 1952 – 1955 | Adam Hart |
| 1955 – 1958 | William Anderson |
| 1958 – 1961 | William Sidney Lanham |
| 1961 – 1964 | William Cowan |
| 1964 – 1967 | Charles O’Halloran |
| 1967 – 1970 | Alexander S Handyside |
| 1970 – 1973 | Donald McLean |
| 1973 – 1975 | A Howie |
| 1975 – 1978 | Alexander Paton |
| 1978 – 1980 | Charles O’Halloran |
| 1980 – 1984 | James Boyle |
| 1984 – 1988 | Gibson T Macdonald |
| 1988 – 1992 | Daniel MacNeill |
| 1992 – 1996 | Gibson T Macdonald |
| 1996 – 1998 | Robert Campbell |
| 1998 – 2003 | Elizabeth A Foulkes |
| 2003 – 2006 | Gordon S McKenzie |
| 2006 – 2012 | Winifred D Sloan |
| 2012 – present | Helen Moonie |
The current provost is Labour Councillor Helen Moonie.<ref name="provost"/>
Geography
Ayr is a coastal town which lies on the mouth of the River Ayr. The river then flows out into the larger Firth of Clyde estuary. From the coast the Isle of Arran can be seen, and on a very clear day, the northern tip of Northern Ireland. It is within the region of Strathclyde. Much of the land in and around this area is very flat and low lying, used for rearing dairy cattle. Towards the south of Ayr however the land is higher than most areas in the county of Ayrshire, an example of this being the Brown Carrick Hill which is situated due South of Doonfoot. Ayr lies approximately 35 miles (55 km) southwest of Glasgow.
The urban area which encompasses Ayr is defined by the General Register Office for Scotland as the adjoining localities of Ayr, Prestwick and Monkton − this is the 12th largest urban area in Scotland.
Location
Areas of Ayr
- Laigh Glengall
- Rozelle
- Bellisle
- Greenan
- Glencairn
- Fort
- Hayhill
- Heathfield
- Holmston
- Kincaidston
- Masonhill
- Newton-On-Ayr:
- Woodfield
- Seafield
- Wallacetown:
- Hawkhill
- Whitletts
- White City
- Lochside
Climate
The nearest official Met Office weather station to Ayr is Auchincruive, about 3 miles (5 km) to the north-east of Ayr town centre.
Template:Weather box The area experiences very cool summers and somewhat mild winters. The air is cooler during the summer due to its proximity to the sea as water has a major cooling effect on summer temperatures. During the winter months the reverse happens and the sea air has a major warming effect on the climate. The area rarely ever sees extremes due to the effects of sea air. Rainfall is generally plentiful throughout the year due to Atlantic weather systems sweeping in from the west. Compared with the rest of Scotland, the area rarely sees much mist and fog. This is because the land is relatively flat and low lying and with the wind blowing across the flatter land, this generally hinders fog from developing widely. This has made Glasgow Prestwick International Airport particularly well known as one of the less fog-prone airports in Scotland. Snowfall is rare in this part of Scotland because of the mild sea air.<ref>"averages 1971-2000". Met Office. 19 November 2008. Retrieved 9 June 2009.</ref>
Economy
Ayr's industry has flourished over the years mainly because of the River Ayr. Ships that were built on the mouth of the River Ayr in the eighteenth century improved Ayr's economy. From 1883 to 1901, 143 ships and barges were built on the Ayr by Samuel B Knight and the Ailsa Shipbuilding Company. Repair work on the Ayr ceased in 1960 when Ailsa moved its operations to Troon.
The North side of Ayr Harbour still operates as a commercial port today, mainly exporting coal, and extensive railway sidings still lead down from the main railway line near Newton-on-Ayr station.
In addition, the River Ayr and River Doon were used for the fishing of whitefish and salmon. These were then exported from Ayr Harbour.
Manufacturing of textiles such as carpets and lining was important to Ayr's economy until the factories closed in the 1970s. This caused mass unemployment in Ayr. Many of the old factories are still standing and can be seen on McCalls Avenue and Walker Road in Lochside, North Ayr, though many are derelict and unsafe. There was a large factory engaged in the production of fertilisers and other agricultural products. This has since closed, but parts of the old complex are sublet by local businesses.
Ayr has always been a hub for shopping in South Scotland with the first department store, Hourstons, opening in 1896. In the 1970s the opening of stores such as Marks and Spencers and Ayr's first shopping centre, the Kyle Centre (1988) encouraged an expansion in the local economy. Heathfield Retail park, an out-of-town retail park, opened in 1993 with shops such as Halfords and Homebase. Ayr Central Shopping Centre opened in March 2006 with shops such as Debenhams and H&M and underparking for 500 cars. In December 2014 Threesixty Architecture received planning permission to refurbish the Kyle Centre by reinventing it as a centre of leisure through the creation of a new cinema complex among other new features.<ref>'Kyle Centre, Ayr - Planning Submission'</ref> As of 2014 Royal Society for Public Health found Ayr's High Street to be the second healthiest in the United Kingdom behind Shrewsbury.<ref>'Preston tops table of UK's "unhealthiest High Streets"'</ref>
During the 19th and 20th centuries Ayr became a popular holiday resort. This was due to its fine sandy beach and its popularity was increased by the building of the rail link to Glasgow in 1840.<ref>Lambert, Tim. "A Brief History of Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland". http://www.localhistories.org. Retrieved 11 October 2011. External link in |work= (help)</ref>
Transport
Ayr has three main roads serving the town:
- A79 — main road running through Ayr and linking Ayr with Prestwick and its airport.
- A77 (M77) — Ayr by-pass stretching from Glasgow to Stranraer. It was built in 1971.
- A70 — running from Ayr to Edinburgh.
Ayr railway station has services to Glasgow Central station with a half-hourly service except on Sundays. There are regular services to Edinburgh Waverley, Stranraer, Girvan, Kilmarnock, Dumfries, Carlisle and Newcastle. These services are operated by SPT/Abellio ScotRail.
The railway station provides rail & sea connections via Stranraer for the connecting bus to Cairnryan for either the Stena Line ferry service to the Port of Belfast or the P&O Ferries service to Larne Harbour connecting with Northern Ireland Railways via Carrickfergus and Jordanstown to Belfast Central and Belfast Great Victoria Street. There is also the connection via Troon on P&O Ferries on a seasonal basis to Larne Habour.
The town has air links to European cities from Glasgow Prestwick International Airport just 2 miles (3 km) north from Ayr and is served by Glasgow Prestwick Airport station. Further destinations are available from Glasgow Airport, which is accessible by train to Paisley Gilmour Street for the connecting bus to the airport. In relation to Ayr, Glasgow Airport is 35 miles (56 km) away.
The town also has bus connections serving all of the town and Prestwick. These services are operated by Stagecoach West Scotland. The town has eight local services. There are express coaches to Glasgow Buchanan Street every 30–60 minutes. Ulsterbus operate bus services to Belfast via Stranraer Ferry service on Stena Line.
Although the town does not have any ferry services from its harbour, it has good access to ferry services mainly to Northern Ireland. Troon, 5 miles (8 km) north of Ayr, has a seasonal service to Larne onboard P&O. Troon can also be reached by train with trains every 30 minutes, or by bus. Stranraer, 60 miles (100 km) south of Ayr, has up to eight daily departures to Belfast.
Religion
The Church of Scotland is the main denomination in Ayr with nine churches spread throughout the town. The Roman Catholic Church has two churches and a Cathedral - previously located at the Good Shepherd Cathedral which has been demolished.<ref name=goodshepherd>Edwin, Lawrence. "House of prayer in Ayr set to be 25 houses". Ayrshire Post. Retrieved 30 December 2012.</ref>
There is also a Baptist Church and Evangelical church in John Street, a Ladder-Day Saints Church at Orchard Avenue<ref>"Worship With Us". Mormon.org. Archived from the original on 29 October 2009. Retrieved 9 June 2009.</ref> and the Southside Christian Fellowship in Ayr Town Hall. Ayr is also home to two Orange Lodges.
Demography
At the United Kingdom Census 2001, Ayr had a population of 46,431, a fall of -3.2% on 1991.<ref name="Ayrcensus"/> Mid-2008 population estimates placed the total resident population at 46,070 making Ayr the 12th largest urban area in Scotland.<ref>Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Citation/CS1/Suggestions' not found.</ref> The 2011 census has shown that Ayr’s population has grown by around 0.9% since the 2001 census - this surpassed the population growth of Ayr and Prestwick which only grew by 0.63% which fell short of the national population growth of Scotland of 4.61%.
In 2001 nearly 0.36% (167) people in the town could speak Scottish Gaelic - this fell to 0.34% (161) in 2011. South Ayrshire Council provides no educational support for the language.<ref>"Census 2001". South-ayrshire.gov.uk. 6 April 2009. Retrieved 9 June 2009.</ref>
| UK Census 2011 | Ayr | Ayr & Prestwick | Scotland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 46,849 | 61,750 | 5,295,403 |
| Population growth 2001-2011 | 0.90% | 0.63% | 4.61% |
| White | 98.6% | 98.5% | 96% |
| Under 16 years old | 16% | 15.9% | 17.3% |
| Over 65 years old | 21.9% | 22.1% | 16.8% |
| Christian | 57.9% | 58.7% | 56.3% |
| No Religion | 35% | 34% | 36.7% |
| ’British’ national identity | 28.5% | 29.2% | 26.7% |
| UK Census 2001 | Ayr | Ayr & Prestwick | Scotland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 46,431 | 61,365 | 5,062,011 |
| Population growth 1991–2001 | -3.19% | -0.07% | 1.3% |
| White | 95.9% | 97.2% | 98.8% |
| Under 16 years old | 17.2% | 17.4% | 19.2% |
| Over 65 years old | 20.4% | 20.5% | 16.0% |
| Christian | 69.6% | 70.1% | 65.1% |
| No Religion | 23.9% | 23.8% | 27.6% |
Education
Nursery schools
Ayr has two nursery schools:<ref name=nursery>"Nuersery Schools - Pre Schools in South Ayrshire". South Ayrshire Council. Retrieved 30 December 2012.</ref>
- Cherry Tree Nursery
- Wallacetown Nursery
There are also several partnership centres and nursery classes held within primary schools within Ayr.<ref name="nursery"/>
Primary schools
Ayr is served by fifteen primary schools:<ref name="primary schools">"Primary Schools". South Ayrshire Council. Retrieved 30 December 2012.</ref>
- Alloway Primary School
- Annbank Primary School
- Braehead Primary School
- Dalmilling Primary School
- Doonfoot Primary School
- Forehill Primary School
- Good Shepherd Primary School
- Grammar Primary School
- Heathfield Primary School
- Holmston Primary School
- Kincaidston Primary School
- Newton Primary School
- St. John's Primary School (denominational)
- Whitletts Primary School
- St. Ann's Primary School
Special needs schools
Ayr has one special needs school:<ref name=southcraig>"Southcraig Campus". South Ayrshire Council. Retrieved 30 December 2012.</ref>
- Southcraig Campus
Secondary schools
Ayr is served by four secondary schools:<ref name="secondary schools">"Secondary Schools in South Ayrshire". South Ayrshire Council. Retrieved 30 December 2012.</ref>
Prestwick Academy is located within the neighbouring town of Prestwick and provides education to pupils who are resident within Ayr but fall within its catchment area.<ref name=catchment>"Catchment area". South Ayrshire Council. Retrieved 30 December 2012.</ref> Mainholm Academy was a former secondary school located within Ayr and was closed due to safety concerns.<ref>"Mainholm Academy Closure". South Ayrshire council.</ref>
Independent schools
Ayr is served by one independent school that provides both primary and secondary education:<ref name=wellington>"Welcome to Wellington School". Wellington School. Retrieved 30 December 2012.</ref><ref name="SAC wellington">"Independent Schools in South Ayrshire". South Ayrshire Council. Retrieved 30 December 2012.</ref>
Further education
Ayr has four further education establishments:
- Ayrshire College (previously known as Ayr College and prior to that, Ayr Technical College)
- University of the West of Scotland (formally known as the University of Paisley)
- Scotland's Rural College
- Adult Learning Centre
Culture and community
Ayr is home to The Gaiety Theatre. Built in 1902, reconstructed after a fire in 1904, its façade remodeled in 1935, and further reinstated after a fire in 1955. In 1995, an annex was constructed, including a new café, box office, dressing rooms and studio space. After a faltering start, which saw several years as a cinema after WWI, the theatre was bought by Ben Popplewell, from Bradford who already had a track record of success running the Pavilion theatre on Ayr seafront. For fifty years the Popplewell family ran the theatre – latterly as part of the Glasgow Pavilion business. During this time the Gaiety developed a reputation as a variety theatre with a 'summer' variety show – the Gaiety Whirl – which ran for 26 weeks at its height. Many Scottish and UK stars appeared regularly on its stage, and several started their careers there. The programme offered more than a summer show however, with several weeks of Shakespeare and regular transfers from Glasgow Citizens theatre, being part of a varied offer.[citation needed]
After seventy years in private ownership the local Council acquired the Gaiety theatre freehold in 1974. It then operated as a municipal theatre under direct local authority management. After many years of successful operation the theatre began to lose audiences and the Council felt the revenue subsidy it provided and the requirement for capital investment required a new approach. In January 2009 the theatre closed, leaving Ayr without a theatre. The closure was met with considerable opposition and dismay among many Ayr residents, particularly since it appeared that the required capital and revenue investment to reopen the theatre would not be available. A public meeting attracted over 400 attendees, the future of the theatre was a key issue in the local press, many Scottish performers expressed their dismay and there was extensive discussion on social media.[citation needed] In early 2009 South Ayrshire Council invited tenders to take on the theatre management. The Ayr Gaiety Partnership (AGP), a charity formed for the purpose in Summer 2009, secured preferred bidder status. Just over three years later, having secured financial backing from the Council and Scottish Government, as well as from local fundraising, AGP took on a 99-year lease of the theatre.
To the north of Ayr is the adjoining town of Prestwick, which is famous for its golf and its aviation industry thanks to the presence of Glasgow Prestwick International Airport. Only 5 miles (8 km) north of Ayr is Troon, also famous for its golf and for hosting the Open Championship. Ayr has three golf courses in Bellisle, Seafield and Dalmilling, as well as a private one called St Cuthberts.
Ayr hosted the National Mòd in 1973.<ref name=SMO>List of Mod's places for each year on Sabhal Mòr Ostaig website</ref>
The suburb of Alloway is also known for its associations with the poet Robert Burns. To the south of Ayr is Craig Tara, a Haven (formerly Butlins) holiday park, and the fishing village of Dunure, where there is a ruined castle formerly owned by the Kennedy family.
Ayr has three libraries plus a mobile library. These are:<ref>"Libraries in South Ayrshire". South Ayrshire Council. Retrieved 31 December 2012.</ref>
- Alloway Library (attached to Alloway Primary school)
- Carnegie Library (main library)
- Forehill Library
The radio station West FM is based in Ayr and broadcasts on 96.7FM.<ref>"Contact us | 96.7 West FM". West Sound Radio Limited. Retrieved 31 December 2012.</ref> West FM is the main broadcaster in the Ayrshire area. Furthermore, the Ayrshire Post and Ayr Advertiser newspapers are based in Ayr.<ref>"Contact the Ayrshire Post". Ayrshire Post. Retrieved 31 December 2012.</ref> The Ayr Advertiser is Scotland's oldest weekly newspaper.
Sport
Horse racing
Ayr Racecourse is a well-known racecourse in Scotland and hosts both National Hunt and flat racing. It has the largest capacity in Scotland for horse racing.[citation needed] Notable events include the Scottish Grand National (April) and Ayr Gold Cup (September) as well as several night meetings. It was recently put up for sale by the owners and included the Western House Hotel as part of the potential sale.
Football
Ayr has a senior football team, Ayr United F.C., who play at Somerset Park in Division 2. They reached the final of the 2001–02 Scottish League Cup competition. The club was formed in 1910 with the merger of Ayr F.C. (who were formed in 1879 by the merger of Ayr Thistle and Ayr Academical football clubs) and Ayr Parkhouse F.C..
Whitletts Victoria F.C. are a Junior side from the Whitletts area of Ayr.
Ice hockey
The town has a strong history of ice hockey up to professional standard but no longer hosts a professional ice hockey team. The most recent professional team were the Ayr Scottish Eagles who played in the British Superleague between 1996 and 2002 based at the Centrum arena. During this time they have success most famously their grand slam season in 1997–98 winning all 4 titles available and becoming British Champions. The following season seen them compete in the European Hockey league with famous victories home and away to Russian champions AK Bars Kazan. Eagles finished 3rd in a group also containing clubs from Germany and Czech Republic. The Centrum closed in 2003 and was demolished in 2009 to make way to a Sainsbury supermarket.
Rugby
Ayr's rugby union team, Ayr RFC, play at Millbrae and are reigning Scottish Cup Champions and Scottish Premiership Champions 2012/2013, and won the 2008/09 Scottish Hydro Premiership. Ayr RFC have twice competed in the British and Irish cup involving clubs from Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland.
A rugby league team, Ayr Knights ARLFC, play at Auchincruive.
Cricket
Ayr Cricket Club play at Cambusdoon, and occasionally act as host for Scotland matches.
Other sports
Ayr Curling Club play at the curling rink in Limekiln Road and Ayr's cricket team plays in Cambusdoon, Burns Wicket.
Ayr only has one leisure centre, this being the Citadel, which opened in 1997, located at the mouth of the River Ayr and at the seafront at the South Harbour area. Its facilities include a main hall measuring 34 m × 27 m (112 ft × 89 ft). This hall can accommodate various sports including 5-a-side football, basketball, volleyball, netball, indoor hockey, indoor cricket practise, badminton and short tennis. As well as individual sports, sporting events and competitions, the hall has hosted exhibitions, concerts, trade fairs, election counts and awards ceremonies. The Citadel is an expansion of the Ayr swimming pool, which opened in 1972. The Citadel features a Dance Studio approx 124 m2 (1,330 sq ft). It is predominantly used for dance or exercise classes but also accommodates martial arts groups and drama workshops and two glass backed squash courts. The Citadel Leisure Centre in Ayr is home to South Ayrshire Volleyball Club<ref>"South Ayrshire Volleyball Club". Southayrshirevolleyball.org. Retrieved 17 August 2011.</ref> as well as being the town's only public swimming pool and diving pool. The leisure centre has squash courts, a gymnasium, dance studio, cafeteria and adjacent salons and youth club. An Ayrshire basketball team, the Troon Tornadoes, play their national league matches at the Citadel, despite not being an Ayr team. Additionally, Ayr has a Strathclyde league basketball team, Ayr Storm.
Ayr is also home to Scottish Bowling. The greens at Northfield host the Bowls Scotland and SYBA finals each year as well as the Hamilton Trophy final. Both the Ladies and Gents World Championships have been held at the Northfield complex as have international series and the Atlantic Rim Championships. Ayr Indoor Bowling Green is the oldest existing indoor bowling stadium in the world.
Speedway was staged at Dam Park in 1937, when two meetings, organised by Maurice and Roland Stobbart from Cumbria took place, featuring riders who raced in the north of England, at venues such as Workington and Hyde Road in Manchester.
Ayr has a sandy beach with an esplanade. This is very popular with joggers and day-trippers. Whitletts Activity Centre also serves the town of Ayr. It has an 11-a side outdoor soccer pitch and an indoor 5-a-side football pitch. Near Whitletts Activity Centre there is also a 5-a-side football complex called "Pro Soccer".
Public services
The NHS Ayrshire and Arran Health Board serves South, East and North Ayrshire – a part of Ayrshire and Arran's departmental headquarters is located in Ayr. Ayr is also the regional headquarters of the Scottish Ambulance Service for south-west Scotland that is located in Heathfield, next to the site of the old Heathfield Hospital.
Ayr previously had four hospitals: Heathfield Hospital (originally a fever hospital, but latterly medical and ophthalmic), Seafield Hospital (a children's hospital), Ayr County (originally a voluntary hospital, and latterly confined to surgery) and Ailsa Hospital (a psychiatric hospital). Ayr Hospital was built in 1993 which replaced all but Ailsa Hospital which is still open.
Currently, three hospitals active hospitals lie adjacent to Ayr running along the A713 towards Hollybush in East Ayrshire, these are:
- University Hospital Ayr (general hospital with accident and emergency)
- Ailsa Hospital (mental health hospital)
- The Abbey Carrick Glen Hospital (private hospital)
Hollybush House on the outskirts of Ayr is used by a charity for the mental health welfare of ex-members of the UK Armed Forces.
Ayr has two community centres, these are:<ref name="Halls and community centres">"Hall Bookings". South Ayrshire Council. Retrieved 8 September 2013.</ref>
- Heathfield Community Centre
- Lochside Community Centre
Notable people
- William D. Brackenridge, (1810–1893), born in Ayr, botanist<ref name="Marquis 1607-1896">Who Was Who in America, Historical Volume, 1607-1896. Marquis Who's Who. 1967.</ref>
- Robert Burns, (1759–1796), Scotland's national bard, poet and writer of songs; born in Alloway
- Gavin Gordon, (1901–1970), composer and singer
- Shaykh Abdalqadir as-Sufi, born 1930 as Ian Dallas
- Rikki Chamberlain, actor
- William Dalrymple, (1723–1814) minister and moderator
- Sydney Devine, singer
- Drew Galloway, professional wrestler
- Kirsty Hume, model and face of Chanel
- William Maclure, (1763–1840), born in Ayr, noted geologist, drew the first geological map of the United States and was a president of the American Geological Society<ref name="Marquis 1607-1896"/>
- Rhona Martin, skip of the Olympic gold curling team
- John Loudon McAdam, (1756–1836), inventor of Tarmacadam road surface
- Alan McInally, former footballer and now TV pundit
- Thomas McIlwraith, 19th century Premier of Queensland, Australia
- Lee McKenzie, BBC Formula 1 pit lane reporter
- Glen Michael, children's TV presenter, Cartoon Cavalcade, often attends Ayr United matches
- Stuart Murdoch, singer-songwriter, Belle & Sebastian
- Sir David Murray, former Rangers F.C. chairman
- Simon Neil, guitarist and lead singer of Biffy Clyro
- Neil Oliver, BBC presenter of Coast and A History of Scotland
- Alan Reid, MP for the Liberal Democrats
- Craig Burley, former footballer and now TV pundit
- Mike Scott, Lead Singer/Songwriter of The Waterboys
- Sir John Wallace of Craigie, Sheriff of Ayr and hero of the Battle of Sark
Twin towns
Ayr is twinned with:
- Template:Country data FRATemplate:Namespace detect showall Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France since 1984.<ref>"Accueil". Jumelagestgermainayr.fr. Retrieved 17 August 2011.</ref><ref>"Ayr Town Twinning Association". South Ayrshire Unitary Authority. Retrieved 30 December 2012.</ref>
References
Further reading
- Close, R (2005) Ayr A History & Celebration
- Kennedy, R&J (1992) Old Ayr
- Love, D (2003) Ayr Past and Present
- Love, D (2000) Ayr Stories
- Love, D (1995) Pictorial History of Ayr
- Reid, D & Andrew K (2001) Ayr Remembered
- Carmichael, D. (2001) Ayr United Football Club
- Young, A & Reid, D. T. (2011) Ayr as it was, and as it is now. Stenlake Publishing: ISBN 9781840335644
External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ayr.Script error: No such module "Preview warning". |
- Commentary & video on the barony of Montgomerieston in the Ayr Citadel.
- South Ayrshire Council
- Engraving of a view of Ayr by James Fittler in the digitised copy of Scotia Depicta, or the antiquities, castles, public buildings, noblemen and gentlemen's seats, cities, towns and picturesque scenery of Scotland, 1804 at National Library of Scotland
- A collection of historic maps of Ayr from the 1690s onward at National Library of Scotland
- Engraving of Ayr in 1693 by John Slezer at National Library of Scotland
Template:Associated British Ports
Lua error in Module:Authority_control at line 1011: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
- Pages with script errors
- Use dmy dates from August 2015
- Articles with invalid date parameter in template
- Lang and lang-xx template errors
- Pages using div col with unknown parameters
- CS1 errors: external links
- All articles with unsourced statements
- Articles with unsourced statements from August 2015
- Articles with unsourced statements from November 2008
- Commons category link is defined as the pagename
- Ayr
- Fishing communities in Scotland
- Large burghs
- Ports and harbours of Scotland
- Royal burghs
- Scottish county towns
- Shipbuilding / shipbreaking localities of Scotland
- South Ayrshire
- Towns with cathedrals in the United Kingdom
