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Ayrshire Self Catering Holidays

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Ayrshire is steeped in history with links to William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Robert Burns. The three islands Ailsa Craig, Arran and Cumbrae are only a short distance off the Ayrshire coast.

William Wallace 1270-1305, began his rise to fame by operating as an outlaw in Ayrshire. Robert the Bruce 1274-1329, born at Turnberry Castle south of Ayr, became Scotland's legendary King. Robert Burns 1759-1796, Scotland's best known poet, was born in Alloway south of Ayr.

The island of Ailsa Craig is now a bird sanctuary. The Waverley Paddle Steamer offers weekly excursions around the island in summer from Largs, Ayr and Girvan. Cumbrae famous for its cycle lane around the island has a regular ferry service from Largs as well as weekly visits by the Waverley in summer. The largest island Arran with its scenic mountains has a regular ferry service from Ardrossan as well as being visited by the Waverley weekly in summer.

There are over 40 castles throughout Ayrshire, many of which can be visited.

Ayr

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Largest of the Clyde Coast holiday towns, Ayr lies in the very centre of the famous Firth of Clyde playground, 32 miles South-West of Glasgow, it looks out on the glorious panorama of the Firth, with the majestic peaks of Arran in the foreground and the Mull of Kintyre in the background. The beautiful Ayrshire countryside provided the inspiration for some of the finest verses of the National Bard of Scotland, Robert Burns.

Girvan

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The traditional holiday resort of Girvan dates back to 1668 when it became a municipal burgh incorporated by Charter. Girvan's harbour is a centre of attraction for visitors and offers convenient mooring facilities for visiting yachts. From here you can set off for a day's sea angling or a pleasure trip around Ailsa Craig, the plug of an extinct volcano and now a bird sanctuary. Stumpy Tower in Girvan was built in 1789, and was used as a tollbooth in Reform riots in 1832. Another imposing building, the McKechnie Institute, was built in Scots Baronial style in 1888, and is now used as a local art and all year round exhibition centre.

Largs

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Largs is a hugely popular sea-side town in Ayrshire on Scotland's beautiful west coast. The Largs Jazz Festival, Brisbane Queen Festival, Honda Powerboat Race, Largs Viking Festival and many sailing events are annual favourites, and Largs held the Mod in 2002. The Paddle Steamer Waverley sails the Clyde and the Kyles of Bute to Tighnabruaich and Tarbert, to Brodick or Rothesay and Dunoon from Easter to September. Calmac run frequent ferries from Largs to Millport, the cycling and Country and Western Festival island.  There are two golf courses, putting, bowls, play parks, fishing, diving, swimming pool, football parks and a great ten pin bowling alley. Popular with tourists and locals is the Vikingar, and Kelburn Country Centre and Castle is just outside Largs. Largs has the Inverclyde national sports training centre, with sail training centres here and all around Scotland's Riviera, on the sunny Firth of Clyde coast

Prestwick

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Prestwick is located on the West Coast of Scotland and is a neighbour to Ayr and Troon, with plenty of guest houses, hotels and restaurants. Prestwick is an ideal choice for holidaymakers and day visitors. Situated in the heart of Robert Burns country, Prestwick has many places of historical interest itself. Prestwick Old Course, where the first Open Golf Championship was played, Bruce's Well and the Salt Pans. Take a walk along the beachfront and enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the west coast

Troon

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Troon, in South Ayrshire, is situated on the coast, about eight miles north of Ayr and only three miles northwest of Glasgow Prestwick International Airport. Lying across the Firth of Clyde, the Isle of Arran can be seen. Troon is also a port with freight and ferry services - the P&O Express to Larne and a yacht marina. In the 2001 Census the population of Troon, not including the nearby village of Loans but including the Barassie area, was estimated at 14,766. Troon is famous for its Royal Troon golf course, host to the Open Golf Championship, which is typically held every seven years.