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Steeped in history and awash with Legend
Uncover the past in Ayrshire & Arran.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Robert the Bruce held his first parliament at St John's Tower, Ayr in 1315.
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History & Heritage
History & Heritage
The area's story is the chronicle of those whose deeds, both noble and humble, impacted not just locally but throughout Scotland, influencing events and the nation's future. Today Ayrshire's gentle rolling hills and lush farmlands offers a few hints to its often turbulent past.
Throughout the ages there have been times when privileged individuals have sensed that they could make a difference to the nation's development including , William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.
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Born at Ellerslie, William Wallace was an early exponent of the art of guerilla warfare, laying the foundations for the work completed by Robert the Bruce. From his birthplace at Turnberry Castle King Robert the First grew to embrace the struggle which, like that of Wallace, has become the stuff of legend laced with fact. In times of danger he sought shelter on Arran where we're told he watched the tireless efforts of a spider whose persistence encouraged him to continue with his task and ultimate victory at Bannockburn. |
For several centuries things were relatively peaceful in Ayrshire until the 17th century and the appearance of the Covenanters whose religious beliefs were sufficiently ingrained to allow them, like many of their ancestors, to lay down their lives for a cause. Such stubborn, principled behaviour is apparently an Ayrshire characteristic.
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One such was Robert Burns. No simple ploughboy, but a sophisticated, well-read man, in many ways a product of the Scottish Enlightenment, Burns' philosophy was social democracy yet his life points to a paradox where his links with the nation's 'glitterati' and his civil service job contrast markedly with his 'man of the people' image. |
| Ayrshire and Arran hosts many visitor attractions designed to bring events and activities from the past for the present generation's entertainment, information and education. Brodick Castle, Vikingar, Culzean Castle, the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and the Scottish Maritime Museum are just some of the venues where you can discover the story of the area and its people through the ages.
Discover them at your leisure. |
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