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Ayrshire

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Our domain of the Borders consists of three distinct regions quite diverse in their history from the rest of Scotland as they are to each other, but every bit proud Scots as the rest of the nation.

At the time of Macbeth the whole area was hotly contested by the new Scottish Kingdom to the north and the land hungry mixture of peoples to the south in what we now know as England. That nation of the period was as yet not defined because of the Viking and Norman versus Angle and Saxon conflicts which were still going on. and, to the rulers of Cumbria and Northumberland the lands to the north were most inviting. Such was the struggle over those years that the borders changed hands frequently depending on who had the most powerful force in the land at that particular time.

King Duncan with his predominance for disaster lost much of these lands in his usual crass way, thus signalling his own overthrow and death at the hands of Macbeth. At least that's how history portrays it, for, Macbeth as we know was the main benefactor from the deed even if he had not personally performed the task. We do know that of his seventeen-year reign, fifteen of these were quiet ones for the borders and they were quite happily part of a Scotland basically at peace with itself. Duncan's son Malcolm Canmore however was to change all that with his invasion of revenge against Macbeth thus plunging Scotland back into conflict which even after the defeat and death of the king was to be our destiny until the Bruce regained the nationhood so stupidly lost.

The region of Ayrshire is the western coastal strip of land stretching from the Clyde Firth to the Dumfries Border. It has a terrific sandy coastline almost continual in its length thus making it a major part of Scotlands' seaside attractions. Seaside towns like Girvan, Ayr, Prestwick, Irvine, Troon, Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Largs plus the beautiful island resorts of Arran and Millport all provide excellent holiday opportunities for those who might just like a good Scottish vacation.
Inland the region boasts wonderful agricultural country with its lovely towns and villages such as Galston, Cumnock, Kilwinning, Kilmarnock and Beith amongst many others.
I cannot go on without saying that this is the land of arguably Scotlands' most famous son, the same Rabbie Burns, whose works are known the world over.

The region of Dumfries and Galloway lies from the southwest corner of Scotland, along the northern coast of the Solway Firth, until it reaches the Borders at Gretna. The coastline is one of sheer beauty and at times ruggedness, with many inlets harboring some wonderfully scenic towns and villages. The area inland is one of agriculture with again many beautiful towns and villages all with a story to tell and all well worth a visit. The main places in the region are Stranraer, Kirkcudbright, Wigton, Whithorn, Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie, Annan, Lockerbie and Dumfries.
This is the land which belonged rightly or wrongly to the Bruce family, who, at a later stage in Scotlands' history, was to dominate the life of our country. Where would we be if Robert the Bruce had not ridden out of this patch in our land to raise Scotland once more to the dizzy heights of nationhood. Our history would no doubt be the poorer because as a nation we need our heroes, probably more than any other, for by our nature each and every one of us Scots is a macho man and perhaps that's been our greatest weakness.

The region known as the Scottish Borders stretches from Gretna to Berwick upon Tweed on the east coast up to the Lothian and Lanarkshire boundaries. It is predominantly agricultural land with most of its industry based on the results of that produce.
The towns of the Borders have risen up through the years thanks to the woollen products required by Scotlands' population and the wider world markets. Unfortunately Scotland does not have a growing population because of our natural propensity for emigration, and, the wider world having learned for themselves of how to produce the same goods at cheaper cost thereby make these industries here struggle to maintain their markets, their workers and their jobs. However, the quality of the goods still being manufactured in the region is second to none and certainly attracts thousands of tourists to the shops where armfuls of products are purchased.
The main centres of the region are Peebles, Lauder, Coldstream, Galashiels, Melrose, Kelso, Hawick and Jedburgh with many smaller towns and villages all well worth a visit.

The three regions have much to offer holidaymakers, which will be highlighted in the town pages accessed from the regional maps. Please enjoy your browse through these pages and may you come soon to our wonderful country.