Welcome to Ayr

The Royal Burgh of Ayr is located on the west coast of Scotland, in the county of Ayrshire, overlooking the Firth of Clyde. It is approximately 390 miles north-north-west of London and 13 miles south-west of Kilmarnock. 

The town has a population of around 49,000. Administratively it is within the district of South Ayrshire which covers an area of approximately 1,222 sq kms.

It is a traditional seaside resort, with an attractive harbour and over two miles of sandy beaches, which initially became popular during the 19th-century. The architecture is predominantly Georgian and Victorian and there are some notable historic buildings, including the 16th-century Loudon Hall and the conspicuous early 19th century landmark Wallace Tower. Primarily renowned for its associations with the poet Robert Burns the town is also home to Scotland's top racecourse and has good shopping and visitor facilities. It is an ideal base from which to explore the area.

Although settlement here was much earlier, Ayr's modern history began when the town was granted the status of Royal Burgh in 1205 by King William the Lion of Scotland. Later, on April 26th 1315, the first Scottish Parliament was held in Ayr by Robert The Bruce.

Historically the town's economy was based upon its position as an important seaport and trading centre. When this declined the 19th century saw the development of Ayr as an administrative centre and as a middle-class resort. Today tourism is a significant industry in Ayr with visitors attracted to such things as the birthplace of Robbie Burns, and the Scottish Grand National and Scottish Derby run at its prestigious racecourse.

Ayr was once known as 'Inverair’ or 'Inverayr’ ("mouth of the ayr") and this usage is still retained in the Scottish Gaelic form of the name Inbhir Air.