Wallace’s Heel Well, Ayr
Wallace’s Heel is a natural spring on the banks of the river Ayr associated with the legendary exploits of William Wallace. Many of the stories surrounding William Wallace originate from a poet/minstrel known as...
Country and County: Ayrshire
The Mermaid Of Knockdolion
‘THE old house of Knockdolion stood near the water of Girvan, with a black stone at the end of it. A mermaid used to come from the water at night, and taking her seat upon this stone, would sing for hours, at the same time combing her long yellow hair.
Big Cat Attack On Horse
There have been recent reports that a Black Puma attacked a horse in Ayrshire. The following article entitled ‘Big cat attack on horse puts parents on guard at holiday park’ was written by Steven Henry and Julie Anne Barnes for the Daily Mail, 22nd July 2009.
Portencross
The castle at Portencross dates to the 14th Century and is thought to have been used by the Scottish Kings as a halfway house between Dundonald and Rothsay. There is a story that Robert the Bruce stayed here.
Robert Burns and Folklore
Robert Burns was born on the 25th January 1759 during the ‘Age of Enlightenment’ but also in a time when the country superstitions and supernatural beings were an integral part of folk belief. The landscape of Burns’ was one where the natural rhythms of nature were much more intertwined in the day to day of working life.
Marymass
3rd or 4th Monday in August – Once said to have been celebrated with hilltop fires, the festival is now associated with Mary Queen of Scots. A Queen is voted from the local Irvine girls and a parade goes through the town along with other events.
Carleton Castle
This ruined castle is said to be the haunt of Sir John Cathcart, identified as a Scottish Bluebeard.
Culzean Castle
Culzean Castle stands on the site of a 15th century Kennedy stronghold. The castle was completely redesigned by Robert Adam between 1777 and 1792, under the 10th Earl of Cassillis.
Alloway
Alloway, the birthplace of Robert Burns, provided inspiration for one of his most famous poems Tam o’ Shanter.
Dean Castle
Dean Castle is a restored towerhouse and palace standing in a wooded valley – from which it derives its name – not far from the urban centre of Kilmarnock.
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