Ayrshire & Arran

South Ayrshire has long sandy beaches and superb sports and recreational facilities, making the area an ideal base for family holidays. Here the popular holiday resort of Troon has an award-winning beach overlooking the Isle of Arran and an esplanade which caters for families. The town’s busy harbour attracts anglers and Yacht enthusiasts, the latter being able to enjoy first-class facilities at one of the Clyde’s leading sailing centres. Girvan down the coast has a deserved reputation for its floral displays which include Knockcushan Gardens, Orchard Gardens and Rose Gardens and is handy for the Carrick Forest which can be explored on foot or bike.

Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns was born on the outskirts of Ayr and visitors can make trips to his birthplace. The city is a popular seaside resort where you can catch the sea-going paddle steamer PS Waverley which cruises down the Firth of Clyde in the summer or maybe go racing at Ayr Racecourse all year round.

Sporting and recreational activities are high on the agenda in Ayrshire. Golf is a major attraction; in fact Ayrshire and Arran have over forty quality courses in total to choose from, including seven on the Isle of Arran. Of particular note are the championship courses of Turnberry, Troon and Old Prestwick. And water sports enthusiasts will not be disappointed either; The Firth of Clyde is an international centre for yachting with the Sportscotland National Watersport Centre on the isle of Cumbrae and the Scottish Sailing Institute at Largs.

The Isle of Arran is reached by ferry from Ardrossan. This fascinating and surprising island has an amazing mixture of different landscapes for its size, which really is ‘Scotland in miniature’. Visitors will find mountains and woodlands, beaches, heritage sites and outdoor activities. The capital is Brodick and is the site of Brodick Castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes of Hamilton.