South Ayrshire
Locator map for the Scottish administrative region of South Ayrshire.
Unitary authority in southwest Scotland, created in 1996 from Kyle and Carrick district (1975–96), Strathclyde region.
Area
1,245 sq km/480 sq mi
Towns
Ayr (administrative headquarters), Prestwick, Girvan, Troon, Maybole
Physical
coastal plain which rises to higher ground inland (500 m/1,640 ft); rivers Ayr, Stinchar, Water of Girvan; Brown Carrick Hill (287 m/942 ft); Ailsa Craig; many beaches interspersed with cliffs and caves
Features
Glasgow Prestwick Airport; Culzean Castle; Crossraguel Abbey; Royal Troon and Turnberry championship golf courses; Ayr racecourse
Industries
aerospace, high technology, tourism
Agriculture
fishing (Ayr), dairying, beef cattle, potatoes
Population
(2001) 112,100
History
birthplace of Robert Burns
Economy It is an affluent area with a diverse and prosperous agricultural sector, particularly to the south. The north is dominated by the buoyant economy of Ayr, which combines service sector, tourist, technology, and traditional (fishing) enterprise. |
Environment There are 31 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, one Special Protection Area, and one country park. |
Administrative history Prior to 1975, the area was part of the county of Ayrshire. |
Architecture Culzean Castle, 19 km/12 mi south of Ayr, was built by Robert Adam in the late 18th century for the 10th Earl of Cassillis. The ruins of Crossraguel Abbey (1244), a Cluniac monastery, lie near Maybole. |
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