Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

River Ayr, Mauchline, Scotland

This evening, the focus of my post is Mauchline, a small town in Ayrshire Scotland being about 80 miles from Edinburgh which boast some interesting history and benefits from stunning scenery in a nearby gorge.

Key features:

• The name has Gaelic origins and translates as ‘pool plain’.
• A Cisercian abbey was establisehd in the 12th century the remains of which have evloved Mauchline Castle, in the centre of town.
• Was a covenanter stronghold.
• Industries in the past included sandstone quarrying, clock making and manufacture of curling stones. Latter are still manufactured at Mauchline today.
• Very strong connection with Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns whose wife, Jean Armour was born at Mauchline. Burns farmed at nearby Mossgiel Farm.
• Nearby, at Ballochmyle, on a vertical sandstone cliff can be found some of Britain’s finest cup-and-ring marks dating from prehistoric times.

Mauchline Castle, Ayrshire, Scotland

Here is the centre of Mauchline.

Centre of Mauchline, Ayrshire, Scotland

This is Poosie Nansie’s Inn which is just a stone’s throw from the site of the house where Burns’ wife Jean Armour lived. The atmosphere and clientele at Poosie Nansie’s inspired Burns to write ‘The Jolly Beggars’.

Poosie Nansie's Pub, Mauchline, Scotland

Mauchline Church

Mauchline Church, Ayrshire, Scotland

Burns Museum at Mauchline.

Burns Museum, Mauchline, Scotland

This inscription can be found on the property next to Poosie Nansie’s (Cowgate) and was formerly the Whitefoord Arms. It reads:

“This is the house tho’ bilt anew where ‘Burns’ cam weary frae the plough to hae a crack wi Johnny Dow on nights ateen and whiles to haste his mountain… wi Connie Jean.”  This relates to courting of Jean Armour by Robert Burns. John Dow (or Dove) was the publican of the Whitefoord Arms.

Burns inspired inscription opposite Poosie Nansie's Pub, Mauchline

Overall, a fascinting place to spend a day.

Portencross Castle, Firth of Clyde, S.W.Scotland

This evening, the focus of my post is Portencross Castle, Ayrshire which situated on the coast, S.W. of Glasgow facing the Firth of Clyde and Little Cumbrae Island.

Portencross was recently restored at cost of GBP1m  under aegis of the the Friends of Portencross Castle.

Brief history of the site and castle:

• The site had been inhabited for thousands of years, with definite evidence of Iron Age (800BC to 100BC) settlement.
• The castle was constructed in three phases commencing around 1360.
• Originally held by the Boyd family by King Robert I (of Scotland) in recognition for support in recognition for support at Battle of Bannockburn (1314).
• The castle had close links with Scottish royalty resulting in a number of Royal Charters being signed at the castle.
• Occupied by local fishermen after 1600s.
• Roof was destroyed by a gale in 1739.
• Beacle a scheduled ancient  monument in 1955.
• Consequent on GBP1.0m fund raising a full and extensive restoration was undertaken between March 2009 and September 2010.

The castle is open to the public during restricted hours in summer time.

Portencross Castle, Firth of Clyde, Scotland

Overall, an interesting site and locality. Fascinating geology in the area plus views of the Firth of Forth and islands.

Beach at Ayr, Scotland

This evening, my focus is on the pleasant and prosperous town of Ayr which lies about 1 hour south of Glasgow.  The town is named after the river of same name which in Gaelic is Inbhir air meaning ‘Ayr mouth’ whilst the root word may mean something like ‘watercourse’. Some of the attractions and sites in and around Ayr include:

• Ayr Racecourse. With a history dating back to the 18th century, Ayr Racecourse is Scotland’s premier horse racing venue and the only one at which all of the country’s top meetings are held.
• The children oriented Heads of Ayr Farm Park.
• The 100 mile Ayrshire Coastal Path which encompasses cliff-top and beach walks plus sea panoramas.
• Golf: Royal Troon and Turnberry are two Championship courses in the vicinity.
• Culzean Castle and Country Park. The 18th century house was designed by Robert Adam and  occupies a stunning location overlooking the Firth of Forth.
• Drumlanrig Castle which is home to the internationally renowned Buccleuch Art Collection.
• Loudon Hill, a popular spot affording beautiful views over Ayrshire to the Firth of Clyde. Popular with walkers, climbers and day trippers.
• Dean Castle country Park. The castle dates from the 14th century.
• Dundonald Castle.
• Robert Burns birthplace and associated sites at Alloway. These include the new Birthplace Museum.
• Dumfries House which contains and exceptional range of original furniture by Thomas Chippendale.
• Sandy beaches
• Good shopping facilities

River Ayr entering Firth of Clyde, Ayr

Robert Burns connected pub.

Tam o Shanter Inn, Ayr, Scotland

High Street, Ayr, Scotland

Carnegie Library, Ayr, Scotland

Overall, Ayr has much to offer the visitor and  could serve as a good base for touring the local area.