Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

Winner's Enclosure at Ayr Racecourse, Scotland

This afternoon I attended the Valentine’s Raceday at Ayr Racecourse, Scotland.

Ayr  is a pleasant coastal town about 30 mins drive south from Glasgow.

All up there were eight races with first at 1.20pm and last at 5.05pm. Weather was cold and overcast but dry. Good attendance from the public and, overall, I thought the facilities at Ayr were first class.

The images and video clip should provide a flavour for the event.

Raceday at Ayr, Scotland

Racemeeting at Ayr, Scotland

Betting and Racecourse, Ayr, Scotland

Race Stand at Ayr, Scotland

Racing at Ayr would provide a convivial afternoon out for a family, dedicated race goers or corporate entertainment.

River Doon and Brig O'Doon, Alloway

This evening, I am focusing on the charming village of Alloway which is located close to Ayr, south of Glasgow. Alloway is synonymous with Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, who was born here on Jan 25th 1759 in a two roomed thatched cottage built in 1757 by his father, William. This building still exists ( see image below) and has been transformed into a visitor attraction reflecting the style of the late 18th century. Effectively, Alloway is now a Burns ‘shrine’ featuring the birthplace, Auld Kirk, Burns Monument, Birthplace Museum and the Brig O’ Doon all of which are featured below.

Burns Cottage, Alloway, Ayrshire

Here is one of the interior rooms of Burns Cottage. This building is now owned/managed by Scotland’s National Trust and has been re-named as Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. The garden at rear of the cottage is managed along the lines consistent with the the 18th century.

Inside Burns Cottage, Alloway, Ayrshire

Here is the ruined Aul Kirk, setting for the enormously popular poem “Tam O’Shanter”.

Auld Kirk, Alloway, Ayrshire

The graveyard at the Auld Kirk contains the grave of William Burnes, the Poet’s father. ( Spelling is correct. Robert’s father changed his name from Burnes to Burns.)

Burns Gravemarker, Alloway Auld Kirk, Ayrshire

Here is the Grecian style Burns Monument which dates from 1823. Inside is a small museum. The Monument offers a good vantage point to view the nearby Brig O’Doon.

Burns Memorial, Alloway, Ayrshire

Here is the Auld Brig O’Doon  ( Old Bridge over River Doon). This bridge was made famous as the setting for Tam O’Shanter’s mare Meg losing her tail to the witch Nannie. 

Brig O'Doon, Alloway, Ayrshire

Here is one of the characters from a Burns’ poem.

Cowrin Tim'rous Beastie with friends at Alloway, Ayrshire

Here is the Ayr Pipe Band  in full flow outside the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum at Alloway.

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.