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Something for everyone.  Forty five miles of rugged coastline; long sandy beaches; rolling countryside; coastal and market towns; rural villages; a rich and cultural heritage; world-class golf; award-winning local food and produce… South Ayrshire has a global reputation as a must-see destination.

Ayrshire’s most interesting, picturesque and historic places. Robert Burns trail, Irvine’s maritime history, Ayr Harbour, Culzean Castle, Turnberry Castle, World famous golf courses.

South Ayrshire is one of thirty-two council areas of Scotland, covering the southern part of Ayrshire. It borders onto Dumfries and Galloway, East Ayrshire and North Ayrshire. South Ayrshire had an estimated population in 2021 of 112,450, making it the 19th–largest subdivision in Scotland by population. With an area of 472 sq mi, South Ayrshire ranks as the 15th largest subdivision in Scotland.

South Ayrshire’s administrative centre is located in its largest town, Ayr. The headquarters for its associated political body, South Ayrshire Council, is housed at the towns County Buildings located in Wellington Square. Ayr is the former county town of the historic Ayrshire county, with the political activity of the Ayrshire County Council being based at County Buildings.

South Ayrshire’s population is mostly concentrated around the adjoining coastal towns of Ayr, Prestwick and Troon located to the north-west. Other areas of significance include the towns of Maybole and Girvan which are located to the south of the council area in the district of Carrick.

As Britain’s smallest historic county, it is often nicknamed “The Wee County”, bordering the areas of Stirling, Fife, and Perth and Kinross. In terms of historic counties it borders Perthshire, Stirlingshire and Fife. When written, Clackmannanshire is commonly abbreviated to Clacks.  The name is taken from the original county town of Clackmannan. Consisting of elements from three languages. The first element is from Scottish Gaelic: Clach meaning “Stone”. Mannan is a derivative of the Brythonic name of the Manaw, the Iron Age tribe who inhabited the area. The final element is the English word shire. The clack or stone now rests on a larger stone beside the surviving tower of Clackmannan Tolbooth and the Mercat Cross at the top of Main street.

The county became known for the weaving mills powered by the Hillfoots burns. Other industries included brewing, glass manufacture, mining and ship building. Now capitalising on its central position and transport links, Clackmannanshire attracts service industries and tourism.

 

The motto of Clackmannanshire is “Look Aboot Ye” (Circumspice in Latin). In 2007 a re-branding exercise led to the area adopting the slogan “More Than You Imagine”.

 

Clackmannanshire lies between the majestic Ochil Hills and the River Forth and provides the perfect year-round base to explore the stunning countryside, medieval castles and tower houses, an impressive collection of public art and an excellent range of outdoor activities. For leisure, there is Sterling Mills Outlet Shopping Village, five golf courses, a luxury spa, a fantastic choice of hotels, B&B’s, cottages and campsites, and a variety of places for pub grub, light bites and fine dining.