Community Curators Project

An old picture of Maybole High Street with horse and cart and people crossing the road.

1833 time capsule from Ayr

In March 1898, Turner’s Ayr and Newton Brewery was established to acquire the Watson and Brown Ayr Brewery located on Mill Vennel (later known as Mill Street), previously owned by the Dominicans. During its construction in 1833, a time capsule was placed within the masonry of the building by James Watson and Robert Brown. In […]

The Citadel of Ayr and the 1660 Restoration

Events at Ayr played a part in the power struggle which followed the death of Oliver Cromwell on 3rd September 1658, and which led to the restoration of the monarchy (which had been abolished in 1649 following the execution of King Charles I). John Lambert, the dominant figure in the army’s council of generals, was […]

The Royal Visits to South Ayrshire 1956 and 1995

On 3rd July 1956, Queen Elizabeth arrived by train at the Burgh of Troon to begin a one-day tour of Ayrshire. She was joined by the Duke of Edinburgh, who had come ashore at Troon Harbour from the Royal Yacht Britannia, and a civic welcome was extended by Provost Henry McCall and other dignitaries. After […]

From Jamaica to Coylton: the story of Alexander Waters, with a Great War postscript

On 3rd September 1894, a large crowd assembled at Coylton churchyard to pay their last respects at the burial of a highly-regarded member of the local community. He was Alexander Waters, whose obituary appeared in that week’s issue of the Ayr Advertiser. He was described as being tall and erect with a somewhat military bearing, […]

South Ayrshire Libraries Local History Drop-In Days at The Grain Exchange

The local history department in Ayr Carnegie Library holds a wealth of old photographs, maps, newspapers and other resources covering all aspects of the heritage of South Ayrshire in general and Ayr in particular. Staff from the department will be on hand on at The Grain Exchange, Ayr with a selection of this material to speak […]

Look Who’s Coming to the Fair

History on Your Doorstep: History and Family History Fair Saturday 15 June, 9am – 4pm There’s only a week to go until our History on Your Doorstep event at Ayr’s Carnegie Library. Not only do we have a fantastic line up of speakers, but we also have a variety of stalls that include Family History Societies […]

Full Programme for History on Your Doorstep 2019

South Ayrshire Local and Family History Fair Saturday 15 June, 9am – 4pm South Ayrshire’s Local and Family History Fair will this year be taking over the Carnegie Library, Ayr, for a full-day programme of informative talks from respected guest speakers. Visitors can also browse a variety of stalls offering advice and guidance on family […]

History on your Doorstep 2019

Save the Date. New Event! New Location! History on your Doorstep 2019 History & Family History Fair Come along to what promises to be an exciting new event. Our long-standing History Fair has moved to your Doorstep! Saturday 15th June 2019, Carnegie Library, Ayr We have a new location and new additions. During the day we […]

Roll up, roll up for South Ayrshire’s annual History and Family History Fair

Saturday 2 June, 9.30am – 4.30pm Looking for something different to do on the weekend? Join us at South Ayrshire’s History and Family History Fair at the Walker Halls in Troon. Whether you’re interested in exploring your family roots or wanting to take a more specialised look at a particular topic, the History Fair – and the […]