Ayrshire History

Riding in Ayrshire opens the eye to stunning views and the mind to historical Scotland.

Ayrshire is a warrior and a bards county …

Steeped in Scottish history with links to William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Robert Burns.

• William Wallace (1270-1305), began his rise to fame by operating as an outlaw in Ayrshire.
• Robert the Bruce (1274-1329), was born at Turnberry Castle in south Ayrshire, and became Scotland’s greatest King.
• Robert Burns (1759-1796), is Scotland’s best known poet and was born in Alloway in the south of Ayrshire.
• The Burns Monument designed by William Fraser and completed in 1896 is situated in the growing village of Mauchline, 8 miles southeast of Kilmarnock.

  The Burns House Museum is in the centre of Mauchline among period buildings and cobbled streets. The museum houses the room in which Robert Burns began his married life and provides information on Rabbie Burns life in Mauchline (1784-1788).

There are over 40 castles throughout Ayrshire, many of which can be visited.

The Ayrshire castles and their grounds were acquired by clans that supported Scottish Kings in battle, the braver the clan in battle, the greater the reward.

Famous Ayrshire clans include …