South Ayrshire
Unitary authority in southwest Scotland, created in 1996 from Kyle
and Carrick district (1975-96), Strathclyde region
Area:
1,245 sq km/480 sq mi
Towns:
Ayr (administrative headquarters), Prestwick, Girvan, Troon, Maybole
Physical:
Coastal plain which rises to higher ground inland (500 m/1,640 ft);
rivers Ayr, Stinchar, Water of Girvan; Brown Carrick Hill (287
m/942 ft); Ailsa Craig; many beaches interspersed with cliffs
and caves
Features:
Glasgow Prestwick Airport; Culzean Castle; Crossraguel Abbey; Royal
Troon and Turnberry championship golf courses; Ayr racecourse
Industries:
Aerospace, high technology, tourism
Agriculture:
Fishing (Ayr), dairying, beef cattle, potatoes
Population:
(1995) 114,600
History:
Birthplace of Robert Burns.
Economy
It is an affluent area with a diverse and prosperous agricultural sector,
particularly to the south. The north is dominated by the buoyant
economy of Ayr, which combines service sector, tourist, technology,
and traditional (fishing) enterprise.
Environment
There are 31 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, one Special Protection
Area, and one country park.
Administrative
History Prior to 1975, the area was part of the county of Ayrshire.
Architecture
Culzean Castle, 19 km/12 mi south of Ayr, was built by Robert Adam
in the late 18th century for the 10th Earl of Cassillis. The ruins
of Crossraguel Abbey (1244), a Cluniac monastery, lie near Maybole.
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