This evening I am presenting some images of Prestwick. This is a town on the coast just south of Glasgow and perhaps best known for its airport which used by budget carriers. There are also some fine golf courses and beaches.

Here is a view of the town centre



Here are views of the beaches

Labels: Ayrshire

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:48 PM  0 comments

This evening, I am presenting some images of a recent visit to St. Columba's Church, Stewarton. This is a fascinating old church with many grave-makers dating back to the 18th century and beyond. In past years Stewarton was a major textile centre which industry generated considerable local wealth. Farming remains a major industry.

This very ancient stone is not very clear but seems to date to the early 1700s.


John Watt
Uncle of Robert Burns (national poet)

General views of church and graveyard




Overall, Stewarton is somewhat of a "mixed" town in terms of modern day prosperity but perhaps worth a visit on the way to Ayr. I found the churchyard fascinating.

Labels: Ayrshire

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:43 PM  0 comments

This evening I am posting some images from a recent tour covering South Lanarkshire and Ayrshire and mainly centering on the Avon Water valley between Strathaven and Darvel/Newmilns.

This area is traditional mixed farming country.

Here are some sheep; these animals outnumber people in Scotland by a ratio of 1.5:1


Do not tangle wuth this gentleman!

Labels: Ayrshire

posted by Catswhiskers @ 2:09 PM  0 comments

This evening, I am posting an image taken during a recent tour which included this fascinating ruin which dates to the 12th century.

Loudon Kirk is located down a road opposite the entrance to Loudon Castle. Although a ruin, the building and grounds are very well cared for and afford an oasis of calm.

Labels: Ayrshire

posted by Catswhiskers @ 3:05 PM  0 comments

This evening I am posting some video footage of a recent tour of Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire focusing on the Miller Family ancestry.

The following are videos taken at Burnfoot Farm where the Dykes Burn meets the Avon Water.

This semi-derelict house is where William Miller and Jean Cochrane lived.

To activate the video click on the little arrow under the still image.

Labels: Ayrshire

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:48 PM  0 comments

Today, I visited Loudon Hill near Darvel in East Ayrshire

Views of the stunning local scenery were aided by dry, sunny weather.

Loudon Hill is a very visible landmark on a relatively flat/undulating landscape. It would appear to be of volcanic origin.

Loudon Hill has a very interesting history, including:

Iron Age settlement

A nearby Neolithic Cairn

A Roman Fort

Battle sites: 1296 (William Wallace); 1307 Robert the Bruce; 1679 (Covenanters).

There are walking trails across/around the site.


This site is well worth a visit. Nearby is the Loudon Castle theme park.

Labels: Ayrshire

posted by Catswhiskers @ 2:33 PM  0 comments