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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
Man has left his mark in Ayrshire and Arran. In his passage through the area, and through time, you'll find barely discernible traces, robust ruins and still inhabited structures which point to a past rich in history and in the echoes of those who made it. 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 destiny. Today Ayrshire's gently rolling hills and well-husbanded farmland offer few hints to its often turbulent past. Its hedge-lined lanes, wooded riverways and glens are deceptively peaceful, covering layers of history and the forgotten lives of those who made it.
Throughout the ages there have been times when privileged individuals, following the feelings of their people, have sensed that they could make a difference to the nation's development.
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Today's now widespread self-confidence can arguably trace its source back to those who fought for what they believed in and its expression in what the yet unformed nation needed for survival... independence. Ayrshiremen loom large during this critical period of the Wars of Independence, dominated by two larger than life figures, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. 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. |
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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. In addition to such commitment to the founding of the nation, Ayrshire had yet further contributions to make. During the Industrial Revolution which all but engulfed traditional cottage industries, much happened to change the way of life of most of its people. |
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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. |
Forget all doubts regarding his makeup however. This was a man with an acute insight into the workings and frailties of the human mind...his own? His imaginative use of language, his graphic descriptions of culture and customs bring life to a period of dramatic change in society, with his influence on today's mindset a tribute to his understanding of the human condition whatever the era. He valued freethinking and the original viewpoint. Look at Ayrshire and Arran in a similar light and you'll benefit greatly from its history and how that impacts on the present.
| 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 Burns Museum and the Scottish Maritime Museum are just some of the venues created to tell the story of the area and its people through the ages.
Discover them at your leisure. |
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