Discover Ayrshire & Arran

Stretching up about 80 miles of Scotland's jagged and unspoiled west coast, the historic and naturally stunning Ayrshire, and its island neighbour of Arran, offer some of Scotland's finest experiences; from golden beaches and extreme sports to native culinary delights, centuries of rich history and some of Scotland’s most rewarding hill walking.

SEPTEMBER 2009

In the year of Homecoming, how better to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns than by visiting Ayrshire itself; Burns Country. The national bard was born in Alloway and a visit to the Burns National Heritage Park will uncover a number of key sites in this great Scotsman’s life; from the place of his birth to the debating society he founded, The Bachelors’ Club. Currently The National Trust for Scotland is creating the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum which is intended to open next summer as an integrated and comprehensive Burns museum.

Known for its surprisingly vast range of terrain and landscape, Arran is a natural wonder at only 167 square miles.  It makes an ideal weekend or short break as it is only a 55 minute ferry ride from Ardrossan on Scotland’s west coast.

From the 18 - 21 September 2009, the Arran Outdoor & Walking Festival gives you the chance to “experience the 7 wonders of Arran”. With about twenty different guided walks taking place across the island, each one at the hands of an experienced local guide, the festival showcases just how good an environment Arran is for any level of walker. From the fairly low-impact paths around the coast, or over to Holy Isle, to the far more challenging hikes up Cioch na h-Oighe’s knife-edge ridge or even the north face of Goatfell; the island’s highest peak. The festival also combines the island’s other top quality outdoor pursuits. Kayaking FUNdamentals gives 6 years+ the chance to get to grips with a kayak in the sheltered waters of Lamlash Bay, alternatively take to the hills for some serious mountain climbing under experienced supervision.

For something altogether more resplendent and celebratory, mix with the "in crowd" at Ayr's Gold Cup Festival (17 - 19 September). This three day horse racing competition, held at Ayr Racecourse, attracts a total of around 25,000 people to the west coast of Scotland each year. The highlight of the races is the £20,000 William Hill Kilkerran Cup, which is just over one mile two furlongs long. Running for nearly 200 years, since 1804, the race has now reached the status of the richest sprint handicap horse race in Europe with the race horses selected on the 28 heaviest who have entered to compete. Traditionally, the next 28 heaviest who have entered will get the chance to compete for the Ayr Silver Cup over the same course.

As with every fixture at Ayr Races there's entertainment in the evening after the racing has finished for the night. "Frankie's Monster Mash" will be appearing in the Horseshoe Bar after the last race and in the Ayrshire Suite there will be a sensational tribute act.

This autumn, Ayr's premier arts festival Septembayr returns for three weeks of music, art and comedy at various venues across the town in September. With the full programme still to be released, a tempting highlight so far includes a stage version of the popular BBC television show Still Game. Street theatre entertainment already confirmed includes Ayrshire Amateur Operatic Society, a Pianothon, Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra, Dal

mellington Brass Band, FIB Youth Theatre, Ayr Fort Players and Ayrshire Philharmonic Society to name but a few. 

For more information on Ayrshire’s attractions and activities, visit the region's website.