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A walk around the town of Ayr, Scotland
On the shores of the Firth of Clyde Bay in the south west of Scotland and in the Irish Sea lies the quiet cosy town of Ayr. Formerly a royal town, it is now the administrative centre of South Ayrshire Council. Its picturesque streets with their many cafes and shops attract thousands of tourists who want to enjoy the space and architecture of old Scotland and learn fascinating historical facts about events of the past.
The town of Ayr dates back to 1197 when King William the Lion ordered a new castle to be built between the rivers Ayr and Doon. King William the Lion recognised Ayr as a royal trading town in 1205 and, twenty years later, the once small settlement consisting of one street and St John’s Church became a main seaport, market and administrative centre in Ayrshire.
Ayr was raided by the Norwegians several times during its existence, captured by the English in the 13th century and was soon recaptured by Robert the Bruce’s forces. It became the most important town in south-west Scotland in the Middle Ages. Salt and wine were imported and fish, wool and animal skins were exported through its port.
From the 18th century Ayr developed into an industrial centre with coal mining, a sugar factory and several other light industrial enterprises. After the opening of a railway in 1839, the town attracted a stream of tourists who wanted to get to the luxurious beach of Ayr and stroll along its cosy streets.
Today, Ayr continues to attract visitors not only from all over Scotland, but also from other countries who come here to watch international air shows and traditional Scottish steeplechase races.
Ayr sights
The main attraction of Ayr is the architecture of its local buildings and structures. Here you will not find high-rise skyscrapers in glass and metal, you will not go shopping in a huge modern supermarket or shopping centre – you can fully enjoy the splendour of low-rise houses and buildings which have an authentic appearance and delight the tourist’s eye with their old Scottish facades.
One feels a lot of positive emotions and special cosiness and local warmth when walking along the main street of the city named Haight Street. Numerous shops, stalls and cafes fill it and beckon visitors and tourists alike with their attractive signage and hospitality. The street is filled with residential buildings with local residents looking out of windows as well as buildings whose facades have retained architectural elements of the past and also acquired a more modern look.
The William Wallace Tower
Amongst all other architectural and historical landmarks located in Ayr there is one structure that stands out prominently among low-rise houses and buildings. This is the Wallace Tower which was built in memory of William Wallace, a Scottish knight who fought with honour and dignity for Scottish independence.
The William Wallace Tower is a 113-foot tall monument designed in Neo-Gothic style. By design there is an empty niche in the tower that contains a monument to this knight. According to legend, the tower is located on a site where, in the distant past, a barn stood where William Wallace is said to have held five hundred English soldiers captive after they attacked the city. Above the entrance is a Wallace family crest with the motto ‘Pro Libertate Patriae’ (For the Freedom of My Country), carved by local sculptor John Logan.
There are bronze panels on three sides of the base of the tower which depict the life of Wallace. Anyone can peruse them and learn about the virtues, triumphs and misfortunes of this freedom fighter. A spiral staircase leads up to the observation deck and offers a magnificent view of the city.
Auld Brig (Old Bridge)
The High Street brings travellers to New Bridge which connects two banks of the River Ayr. It offers a great view of its bigger brother, Auld Brig. It was the first bridge to span the river in the distant past. The first written mention of the bridge dates back to a charter by Alexander II, King of Scotland in 1236.
According to one legend the bridge consisting of four massive arches was built by two sisters, one of whom was mourning her lover who had drowned. There are even carved images of the sisters on the eastern parapet of the bridge.
Auld Brig was frequently repaired during the many years of its existence and eventually its structure became weak and it was recognised as being unsafe. A new bridge was built in 1788 which was located 100 yards downstream on the River Ayr.
Both bridges are immortalised in Burns’ poem “The Brigs of Ayr” where the two bridges have an argument with each other and the Elder tells the Younger that even after the new Brig falls the older bridge will still be standing in the same place for a long time to come. And it did! The new bridge was demolished and completely rebuilt after a storm occurred in 1879 while the Auld Brig is still standing in its original position and with its original appearance. The structure retains its 15th century foundations and each of the arches has different brickwork reflecting the many rebuilds and reconstructions of the bridge over the centuries. Today the Auld Brig is open for walking and is a cultural and historical monument in Ayr.
Wellington Square and the beach
There is a historical monument among the architectural monuments in Ayr – the statue of General James George Smith Neil, which is located in cosy and quiet Wellington Square. General Neil is a rather controversial figure in the history of Scotland. Despite his stature in putting down a rebellion in India, which came to be known as the Indian Mutiny, the general’s actions gained controversy because of the ruthlessness employed in crushing the resistance. Wellington Square is a fairly large area with well-maintained plant enclosures. You can relax in warm weather by taking a seat on one of the benches placed here and enjoy the magnificent view of the surrounding landscape.
Walking a little further on from the square, visitors reach a luxurious sandy beach known as Ayr Beach. The magnificent expanse of the bay opens up into view from the shoreline where the water surface gently merges with the sky’s horizon, creating the illusion of limitless space. The well-maintained promenade is a great place for strolling. Sit down on a bench, you can relax and put your thoughts in order, breathe the fresh sea air and rest your eyes and soul. A walk along Ayr Beach will give you visual and aesthetic pleasure as well as many memorable photos and positive feelings.
