AYRSHIRE shines Be proud of what we have to offer Welcome to East ...

A land of rolling hills and inland beauty, stretching from the south of towards the temperate south-west coast of , Ayrshire boasts a wealth of attractions, historic sites, breathtaking landscape and scenic walks.

Enjoy a warm Scottish welcome , Keir Hardie, John Try your luck with a round at the whilst sampling mouth-watering local Baird, Alexander Fleming and world’s only ‘Gowf’ Club at produce... warm the soul with live James Boswell, to name only a Loudoun or sample the greens at music... wonder at the legends and few, all have their place in our local Golf Club. history that wrap themselves around history and their legacies form the If you want to stretch your legs and you... immerse yourself in the words foundation of many of the cultural admire the scenery there are a of and enjoy the beauty attractions on offer in the area. fantastic array of walks and trails of the stunning landscape. Whether also boasts one of the on offer throughout East Ayrshire. you want to relax, unwind, explore, country’s most beautiful stately Take a stroll along the River or be surprised, discovering the homes, House. Way and marvel at the Bronze Age treasures of this beautiful area has cup and ring markings, meander something for everyone! Nestled between and through the Irvine Valley, or explore , the house, which was Our smaller towns have much to the path networks of the Doon rescued for the nation by HRH The offer. was home to Valley which lead into the Galloway Prince Charles, has been described Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Forest Park and . as an 18th century time capsule, Burns, during his most creative with sumptuous interiors and East Ayrshire offers wonderful local period. He took his poetic and magnificent furnishings. cuisine and you will be spoilt for musical inspiration from its people, choice with the variety of towns and countryside. Visit the Country Park in restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels National Burns Memorial or his first is a fantastic day out for selling a range of delectable local marital home, the Burns House all the family. The country park, fayre, and you can always hone Museum in the cobbled back covering over 200 acres, is nestled your own culinary skills with a day streets of Mauchline or The Dick in the heart of Kilmarnock and at Braehead Foods’ five-star Institute Museum in Kilmarnock, offers something for kids and adults attraction, Cook School Scotland. the town where Burns published alike to enjoy. Excellent transport links via his first works, all a must for any Ayrshire is internationally renowned Glasgow International Airport, Burns enthusiast. for golf, and inland Ayrshire is Glasgow Prestwick International home to some hidden gems. Airport, the M77/ M8 and M74 motorways plus numerous bus and rail stations, makes East Ayrshire the gold choice for 2014. With so much to do, one visit is never enough. But don’t worry because in East Ayrshire you’re always welcome!

AYRSHIRE shines Attractions

East Ayrshire is well equipped to offer a fantastic range of attractions from Europe’s largest Wind Farm to creation of path networks, community woodlands, nature reserves and sites designated for their biodiversity interest.

1 Dark Sky Observatory

www.scottishdarkskyobservatory.co.uk Tel: 01292 551118

The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory occupies a fantastic hilltop site on the edge of the Galloway Forest Park. It is within the magical surroundings of Craigengillan, rated by Historic Scotland as one of the top four Designed Landscapes in the country, on a par with Culzean and Drumlanrig and ahead of even Balmoral. This new public observatory lies within the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park near , under some of the darkest skies in the UK. Galloway Forest Dark park is the only Dark Sky Park have a public use observatory and the only IDA (International Dark-Sky Association) gold tier park in the UK The observatory is open to the public, amateur astronomers, groups, clubs, schools and universities, with the aim of inspiring people of all ages and all backgrounds with the beauty and wonder of the universe.

Whitelee Wind Farm is Europe's 2 largest windfarm and is located on Eaglesham Moor just 20 minutes from www.whiteleewindfarm.co.uk Glasgow and has lots to offer for visitors of all ages. Call the Visitor Centre on 0141 614 0851 Learn all about renewable energy with Moor Road, Eaglesham hands on interactive activities in the Visitor Centre or explore over 70kms of trails suitable for cycling, walking and other outdoor pursuits. It is also home to 25km2 area of habitat which is home to species such as merlin and black grouse. The Café serves a selection of hot and cold food, teas and coffees and children’s meals. It is framed with large glass windows and an external viewing deck which provides stunning views of the windfarm.

Be proud of what we have to offer 3 Dean Castle Country Park www.eastayrshireleisure.com Tel: 01563 554734

Camera Obscura performing in the Courtyard - Kilmarnock Edition Festival 2009

Classic Car Rally

Dean Castle and Country Park

Dean Castle Country Park is a fantastic free day out for all the family. The country park, covering over 200 acres, is nestled in the heart of Kilmarnock and offers something for kids and adults alike to enjoy. The Country Park boasts beautiful woodland walks, an adventure playground, urban farm, visitor centre, tearoom, shop and a fantastic 14th century castle housing world class collections including historic weapons, armour and musical instruments. You can explore the park using scenic paths and trails - each season brings with it ever changing plants and wildlife that you might spy along the way. With over 80 hectares of countryside within a very urban area, the park is a great Dressing up place to get away from the stresses of everyday life and see some fantastic wildlife. in the Keep Pond life workshop 4 Palace Theatre 5 audio tour

& Grand Hall Tel: 01290 661335

The Muirkirk audio tour is available all year round. Tel: 01563 554900 La-Orilla B&B, 29 Garronhill, Muirkirk KA18 3RY Open Mon - Sat, 10:00 - The Way route passes through many local communities 17:00 and show nights. along the way, each of which have their own path network 9 Green Street, with interpretation including Scotland’s first village audio Kilmarnock, KA1 3BN. tour in Muirkirk which was opened by Tony Robinson. Ayrshire’s leading Muirkirk has a rich mine of history from religious rebellion to entertainment venue, industrial revolution, from mining monks to Britain’s last pit featuring music, drama, ponies, from innovators to dissenters, from Burns-style poets dance, comedy and variety. to famous footballers. In its heyday, Muirkirk was a bustling Cafe bar available for industrial village. The idea behind the tour is to try and bring drinks, snacks and pre- Calvin Harris performs to a capacity the village’s rich and varied history back to life in a dramatic theatre meals. crowd at the Grand Hall. and interesting way for visitors and many local residents, including local primary children, feature in the audio tour. AYRSHIRE shines 7 Snow and Sports Complex

www.skinewmilns.co.uk Tel: 01560 322320

6 Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex Tel: 01290 551111 offers exciting activities such as skiing, Open: Thu - Mon, 01 April - 27 Sept snowboarding and mountain sports. for guided tours, booking in advance. Skiers and snowboarders of all abilities Cumnock, KA18 2NJ. are welcome with a wide range of lessons and passes available, making Acclaimed as one of the UK’s most The Pipers and Drummers at Dumfries House, sure there’s something for everyone. authentic heritage homes, the House from ‘Taste of the Tattoo’, summer 2009 was built by the Adam Brothers Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking between 1754 and 1759 for the 5th for a new freestyle park each week, just Earl of Dumfries, the house has a world beginning your Snowsports journey or renowned collection of Chippendale simply want to have a whizz down the and 18th century Scottish furniture. slopes on our Ringos, you’ll find it at Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex. In June 2007, HRH The Prince of Wales, under his title as the Great Steward of Scotland, headed a 8 Cook School Scotland consortium of charities and heritage bodies to purchase this unique house, www.braeheadfoods.co.uk its contents and adjoining land, in order to keep this historical jewel intact Tel: 01563 550008 and accessible to the public. See website for classes and opening times. Dumfries House is one of Britain’s Moorfield North Industrial Park, most beautiful stately homes and best , Kilmarnock, KA2 0FE kept heritage secrets. With its Five star attraction offering a range of sumptuous interiors and magnificent classes and culinary demonstrations furnishings, all set in two thousand in a beautiful kitchen with some of the acres of land, there is something to country’s top chefs. delight and enchant visitors of all ages.

Be proud of what we have to offer The Great Outdoors 1 Doon Valley 2 Irvine Valley Path Network Path Network

The Doon Valley is the gateway to the Galloway Forest The Irvine Valley is a walker’s paradise with a myriad of Park. The area has an abundance of path networks footpaths through tranquil open countryside, high allowing visitors to take in the area’s fascinating history, moorland, dappled riverside and shaded woodland. Enjoy wildlife, and beautiful views and discover hidden gems long walks or take it easy with a series of shorter, circular such as the impressive rock gorge at Ness Glen and the walks around the towns of , Newmilns, and Galston. spectacular Dalcairnie Falls. See www.theriverayrway.org for detailed info and See www.theriverayrway.org for detailed info and map of the routes. map of the routes.

3 Loch Doon & Galloway Forest

Loch Doon is the largest inland loch in Southern Scotland and is surrounded by rugged mountains and unspoilt landscapes. The loch is surrounded by Britain’s largest forest park with 300 miles of moorland, forest and lochs rising to the rugged grandeur of the Galloway Hills with opportunities for a range of outdoor activities including fishing, walking and cycling.

AYRSHIRE shines 5

www.eastayrshireleisure.com

The River Ayr Way is Scotland's first source to sea path network which passes through some of Ayrshire's most fantastic scenery making it a unique experience for walkers. The route begins at , home of Bill Shankly and follows the river for 66km (44miles) to the sea at Ayr. Over 140,000 use the River Ayr Way each year from all across the globe. There are a number of events along the River Ayr Way throughout the year but the River Ayr Way challenge is far the most challenging event. An information pack on the River Ayr Way is available. Packs can be obtained from the The Visitor Centre, Dean Castle Country Park, Kilmarnock, through East Ayrshire's libraries or from Ayr Tourist Information Centre.

Looking south west from the grassy western slopes

4

This impressive natural feature is a volcanic plug sitting at the eastern end of the Irvine Valley. William Wallace defeated the English at the Battle of Loudoun Hill and the impressive ‘Spirit of Scotland’ statue marks the area’s historical importance. There is a steep walk to the summit where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views over Ayrshire to the coast. Bronze age ‘Cup and Ring’ markings

Be proud of what we have to offer Museums and Galleries

East Ayrshire boasts a wide range of museum and gallery venues, and each has its own unique character and history. Our museums exist not only to collect and preserve objects for future generations, but to make these accessible to all. With a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions, events and educational activities the museums often lie at the centre of their local communities, as well as being enjoyable and exciting destination for visitors.

1 Burns House 2 Baird Institute

Museum www.eastayrshireleisure.com 3 Lugar Street, Cumnock, KA18 1AD www.eastayrshireleisure.com Tel: 01290 427084 Castle Street, Mauchline, KA5 5BZ Open: Thurs - Sat, 11:00 - 17:00, admission free. Tel: 01290 55004 3 Lugar Street, Cumnock, KA18 1AD Tel: 01563 554902 Open: Tues - Sat, 10:00 - 16:00, admission free. The Baird Institute lies in the centre of the town of Castle Street, Mauchline, KA5 5BZ Cumnock and was opened in March 1891 to provide Tel: 01563 554902 leisure facilities for local people and included a museum, The Burns House Museum offers a fresh combination of billiard room and reading rooms. interactive and traditional exhibits; the Museum represents a truly authentic Burns experience. Situated in the cobbled back streets of Mauchline where Robert Burns lived and worked between 1784 and 1788, years considered to be the most important and formative of his life. It was also Mauchline where he met and married his great love Jean Armour. On display here are a number of original manuscripts and objects from Burns' life, including poems and letters, as well as an original Kilmarnock Edition.

Today it holds collections of Mauchline Ware of world importance complimented by many items of Cumnock Pottery as well as a wide range of resources which relate to the history of Cumnock and the Doon Valley area – museum collections, archives, photographs, audio visual materials, books, maps and newspapers. One room is also dedicated to James Keir Hardie, founder of the Labour Party and contains many of his personal belongings.

8 AYRSHIRE shines 3 www.eastayrshireleisure.com Elmbank Avenue, Kilmarnock, KA1 3BU Tel: 01563 554300

Open: Tues - Sat, 11:00 - 17:00, admission free. Elmbank Avenue, Kilmarnock, KA1 3BU Tel: 01563 554902 Opened in 1901, the Dick Institute is one of the most important cultural venues in the south-west of Scotland, featuring the largest museum and galleries space in The Kilmarnock Edition Ayrshire as well as East Ayrshire's central library. It has a programme of nationally important exhibitions, permanent displays of the museum's own diverse collections and innovative work by contemporary artists, film makers and young people from the area, giving the Dick Institute a growing reputation for the quality and scope of its exhibitions and events. Previous major exhibitions have included Miffy, Quentin Blake, Wallace and Gromit, Cutting Edge, Radical Nature and Bill Viola.

Coffin of Iufenamun from ‘The Journey Beyond’ © The Trustees of National Museums ScotlandImages Be proud of what we have to offer 4 Burns Monument 5 Doon Valley Centre Museum www.eastayrshireleisure.com Cathcartston, Dalmellington, Burns Monument Centre, Kay Park, KA6 7QY Tel: 01563 554902

Kilmarnock, KA3 7RU Open Thu - Sat , 10:00 - 16:00, admission free. Tel: 01563 576695 A local history museum that explores the history of the area Open: Mon - Thurs, 0915 - 1645; and gallery hosting a lively changing exhibition programme. Fri, 0915 - 1545; Sat, 1000 - 1600 Kay Park, Kilmarnock, KA3 7RU Tel: 01563 576695 We are a unique venue for archive, local and family history services, educational and cultural events, conferences and weddings. Our vast collections and staff expertise make the Centre an essential destination for anyone with an interest in East Ayrshire’s heritage. At our heart is W. G. Stevenson’s statue of Robert Burns, which was the centrepiece of the original Kilmarnock Monument unveiled in 1879 in the Kay Park. Much of the Cumnock Pottery original monument was destroyed by fire in 2004 but the statue survived. The remains of the monument were restored and incorporated into the new custom-built Centre in 2009. We hold major collections of printed material on Ayrshire and Robert Burns, official and non-official archives of the area, and comprehensive family history resources. We work closely with East Ayrshire Council Registration Services to deliver an outstanding family history service, with access to Scotland’s People records from 1513 to the present day.

Reilly by Kieran Dodds

Local History

AYRSHIRE shines Historical Sites

East Ayrshire is rich in history and heritage and there are many historical sites which are worth a visit.

4 Voes

Catrine Voes are the reservoir of the former cotton mills in Catrine. They are East Ayrshire's first local nature reserve and in 2006 they became a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

1 Laigh Milton Viaduct

Laigh Milton Viaduct lies just outside Gatehead and is the oldest surviving railway viaduct in Scotland and one of the oldest in the world. The railway carried steam locomotives between Kilmarnock and Troon and is believed to be the first passenger steam railway in the world. 5 Barony A Frame 2 Ballochmyle Casting a formidable shadow over the countryside near Auchinleck, this vast steel structure, which stood at the shaft of the Barony colliery, is the last of its kind in Britain Viaduct and marks a tribute to the four miners who died in the 1962 mining disaster at the colliery. The frame has Lying southwest of Mauchline, this is the highest railway recently been restored and there are gardens with picnic viaduct in Britain and is thought to include the world's benches and a play park, in addition to information largest masonry arch. Close to the arch there are a great regarding the mine. number of 'cup and ring' markings carved into the sandstone cliff face. These date to the Neolithic and Bronze age and the site is among the ten most important cup and ring sites in Britain. 3 Murdoch's Cave

This site is reputed to be where a young William Murdoch 'carried out experiments'. The cave is situated immediately behind Bello Mill, Lugar on the banks of the River Lugar where Murdoch was born in 1754. Murdoch is credited with the invention of using gas for lighting and a plaque exists at Bello Mill farm to commemorate this achievement.

Be proud of what we have to offer Leisure Facilities

1 Ayrshire Athletics Arena, Kilmarnock www.eastayrshireleisure.com Tel: 01563 555227

The Ayrshire Athletics Arena is set amongst a sporting environment of athletics, cricket, rugby, judo, gymnastics and football facilities in Kilmarnock’s very own Sports Park.

Designed and built to the highest It has been designed to meet the Scottish Athletics National Leagues standard, this premier athletics and highest of training and competition and coach education. The facility is sports training facility boasts a UK requirements for a wide range of used as a strength and conditioning Athletics Class A outdoor athletics athletes, sports clubs, schools and base for Scottish Rugby and is a facility with Mondo surface and 6 community groups. performance centre for Scottish Archery. lane 63m indoor training area with The venue is suitable for a number of strength and conditioning area. national and regional squad camps,

AYRSHIRE shines 2 Galleon 3 Visions 5 Leisure Leisure Sports Centre, Centre, Centre

Kilmarnock Cumnock www.eastayrshireleisure.com Tel: 01560 480883 www.galleoncentre.com www.visionsleisure.com The new, state of the art Stewarton Tel: 01563 524014 Tel: 01290 425495 Sports Centre has been designed to Based in Cumnock, Visions offer a wide cater for the leisure, sport and variety of leisure activities to suit all ages recreation needs of Stewarton and its and fitness levels. Qualified fitness surrounding communities. instructors are on hand to guide you through the gym and provide an induction and are always there to offer any help and assistance. The swimming pool, sauna, steam room and spa bath provide the perfect place to relax and unwind. 4 Located in the heart of Kilmarnock, Doon the Galleon boasts a 25 metre Offering a wide range of activities for swimming pool, ice-rink, large games Valley all age groups, Stewarton Sports hall, 6-rink indoor bowling hall, 2 Centre has facility wide under floor squash courts, a superb fitness room, Leisure heating and comprises of a full size sauna/solarium suite and a cafe bar. synthetic grass pitch along with the It is therefore a complex for the whole Centre main sports centre building which family to enjoy. houses a large multipurpose hall, full Tel: 01292 550665 size dance studio, conditioning suite and community room. Doon Valley Leisure Centre Ayr Road, Dalmellington, East Ayrshire KA6 7SJ A facility utilised to its full potential by surrounding Primary Schools and , accessing it for swimming and fitness education purposes during week days. Local communities can use it in the evenings, weekends, school holidays and specified weekday times. Facilities include a 25m swimming pool, state of the art gym suite, and multi-purpose studio which are both fully air-conditioned.

Be proud of what we have to offer Golf Courses

1 Annanhill 4 Doon Valley

Irvine Road, Kilmarnock, KA1 2RT. Tel: 01563 521512 Hillside, Patna, KA6 7JT Tel: 01292 531607 Municipal parkland course with wide tree-lined fairways. Challenging 9-hole, hillside course with spectacular views 18 holes, 6269 yards, par 71. Visitors welcome any day. of Banks and Braes of bonny Doon. Visitors and golf party Bookable 7 days in advance. Golf party bookings taken. bookings are welcome.

5 Loudoun Gowf Club

Newmilns Road, Galston, KA4 8PA. Tel: 01563 821993 Relatively flat, parkland course with tree-lined fairways. 2 Ballochmyle “Gowf” has been played here for over 400 years. 18 holes, 6005 yards, par 68. Welcomes mid-week visitors. Parties Mauchline, KA5 6LE. Tel: 01290 550469 must pre-book. Traditional Scottish club with tricky, well maintained greens in the heart of Burns Country. 18 holes, 5972 yards, par 6 Muirkirk 70. Visitors welcome. 65 Main St, Muirkirk, KA18 3QR. Tel: 01292 660184 3 Caprington Challenging 9-hole moorland course set amongst dramatic and picturesque hills. Ayr Road, Kilmarnock, KA1 4UW. Tel: 01563 521915 Municipal parkland course with excellent feature holes, and 7 adjoining 9-hole par 3 course. 18 holes, 5748 yards, par 68. Visitors welcome any day and golf party bookings taken. Lochhill, New Cumnock, KA18 4BQ. Tel: 01290 338848 Testing 9-hole parkland course overlooking a loch. Visitors welcome. 8 Rowallan Castle

Rowallan Castle Golf Club, , Ayrshire KA3 2LP. Tel: 01563 530 550

AYRSHIRE shines Transport

Timetabled public transport is available throughout Ayrshire in a variety of forms including regular bus and train services and both are based in the heart of the town centre. For bus or train information please visit www.travelinescotland.com

Kilmarnock Cumnock Ayr Kilmarnock Train Station New Cumnock Ayr Train Station Hill Street Train Station Smith Street Kilmarnock New Cumnock Ayr KA1 2AF KA18 4DG KA7 1TH Kilmarnock Bus Station Cumnock Bus Station Ayr Bus Station Green Street Cumnock Depot Ayr Road Sandgate Kilmarnock Cumnock Ayrshire Ayr Ka1 1 KA18 1EF KA7 1DD Accommodation

Ayrshire has accommodation to suit a wide range of tastes and budgets from B&Bs to Hotels to Camping. To browse available accommodation please visit www.visitscotland.com

The Park Hotel The Foxbar Hotel , Kilmarnock, KA1 1UR 62 London Road 01563 545994 Kilmarnock, KA3 7DD www.theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk 01563 525 701 Premier Inn www.foxbarhotel.com Moorfield Roundabout, Annandale, The Railway Hotel Kilmarnock, KA1 2RS 223 Main Street 0871 527 8566 Auchinleck, KA18 2BE www.premierinn.com 01290 421288 The Fenwick Hotel www.railwayhotelauchinleck.co.uk Junction 8 M77, Fenwick, Lochside House Hotel Kilmarnock, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, KA18 4PN KA3 6AU 01290 333000 01560 600 478 www.lochside-hotel.com www.thefenwickhotel.co.uk

Be proud of what we have to offer AYRSHIRE shines Be proud of what we have to offer