South Ayrshire sits on Scotland’s southwest coast, stretching from Prestwick and Troon in the north down to Girvan and the coastal villages of Carrick. The council area includes Ayr, where the River Ayr reaches the Firth of Clyde and Alloway, home to Robert Burns’ birthplace and the Burns National Heritage Park. Prestwick Airport lies close to the coast and Troon hosts Royal Troon golf course and other links courses that stage national tournaments. Ayr Racecourse stages flat and national hunt racing through the year.
Landscape alternates between sandy bays, rocky headlands and rolling farmland; Culzean Castle occupies a cliff-top site near Maybole and is managed as a historic property. Fishing harbours and small towns support local industry alongside agriculture and visitor services. Offshore, Ailsa Craig rises from the Firth and its microgranite was quarried for curling stones used across the world. Paths follow much of the shoreline and the area is a base for coastal walking, golfing and heritage visits.
