Category B listed.

Originally built as the church hall for the adjacent St Peter's Church. Notable for fine stone detailing including lower floor arched openings and complex roof. Forms a group with the church and former school building to the east. Converted for use by the Air Cadets in late 1990s.

]]> Classic Border tower restored in 1990s by Lord and Lady Steel of Aikwood and now their family home. Recipient of local and international architectural awards.�

]]> Developed by the Barrmill Conservation Group with garden walks and features of interest including a 19th century cholera pit the Deid Man's Plantin', traditional quoits pitch, history of Barrmill exhibition and an art project to celebrate 30 years of Doors Open Day.

]]> The Energy Agency and Home Energy Scotland South West invite you to visit an energy efficient, private home in the heart of Ayr which uses technology of the future. To learn more about the measures and technology that Liz has put into place in her traditional home, including a fuel cell heating system - micro combined heat and power gas boiler - please book an appointment. Liz will also chat to you about the impact and benefits of the underfloor insulation and secondary glazing she has installed. A specialist advisor from Home Energy Scotland will also be on-hand to offer tips and suggestions on making homes greener; all questions are very welcome. After the tour you will be offered the option to sign-up for a free Home Energy Scotland home visit; one of our specialist advisors will arrange a suitable time to come to your own home(s) where they will provide you with tailored advice and a detailed report on how to make your home more energy efficient. Each visiting household will be given an Energy Agency and Home Energy Saving goody bag.

]]> In the Arts and Crafts manner, of Mauchline red sandstone. Features oak doors and furniture by Robert Thompson of Kilburn, Norh Yorkshire displaying his distinctive carved mouse trademark. Organ by J J Binns, rebuilt 1987. Fine stained glass by Guthrie & Wells, William Wilson, and Douglas Strachan. Inspirational community art project in the Hall.

]]> H E Clifford & Lunan, 1914, opened as United Free Church. Perpendicular Gothic in white sandstone with fine tracery in the great north and nave windows. Interior has blonde Austrian oak pews and fittings. Stained glass chancel window donated in 1920 as a war memorial by Mr A F Steven. Iona marble in chancel. Two manual organ by Harrison & Harrison. Service 10.30 a.m.

]]> Visit the Robertson Aquarium and Museum, learn about what can be found under the water of the Clyde, learn about the history of marine biology in Millport, take a tour of the aquarium and watch the animals getting fed and try your hand at rock climbing.

]]> Guided tours of South Ayrshire Council's Museum Store, where cultural treasures are housed. The collections include textiles, social history, fossils, art, archaeology, natural history and much more. Guided tours last 90 minutes and start at 10 a.m., 12 noon, and 2 p.m. Pre-booking essential due to restricted space. To reserve a place, ring 01292 445 447 before 4 p.m. on Friday 6 September.

]]> Cambusdoon Sports Club is situated in historic Alloway, just over the road from the Auld Kirk, and has a heritage of 160 years as Alloway Cricket Club was formed in 1859. These days we offer Cricket, Lawn Bowls and Football to our playing members and have a large social membership. For Doors Open Day, we should like to welcome new friends to the Club, providing tours of our Clubhouse (home since 1997) and, weather permitting, the opportunity to participate in some fun activities organised by Alloway Bowling Club, Ayr Cricket Club and Cambusdoon FC. Please wear suitable footwear (trainers) if you wish to participate in the sporting activities.

]]> Ayr Ice Rink is run by Ayrshire Curlers Limited to provide curling ice for c. 50 clubs from September to March. Five ice hockey teams are based here and there is year-round members' skating. All clubs welcome youngsters and coaching is provided in all sports. Scott Andrews, Olympic Silver Medallist, is the curling development officer.

]]> Designed by John Bennie Wilson, opened 1902 at a cost of ?5,000. Stained glass by Alexander Walker, 1912-3, Guthrie and Wells 1945, Susan Bradbury 1997, and Moira Malcolm.?Resurrection?window by Roland Mitton unveiled by HRH The Princess Royal, 2002. Cultured pencil tower with new carillon of eight bells which has been recently completed and will be on display and you are welcome to "come and try". Binns pipe organ recently restored. Children's quiz sheet.

]]> Ruined 15th century castle, medieval church and graveyard, once the site of a Privy Council meeting and rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of William Wallace. Stronghold of the Eglinton clan and destroyed by the Cromwellian forces in mid 1600s.?

]]> Starting from Burns Statue Square (formerly Townhead) discover the history behind the railways, markets, education and care of the poor, hospitals and forgotten philanthropists who made significant impact. The tour will visit Ayr Cemetery, where many graves have fascinating tales to tell. Discover the stories behind the Great Fire of Ayr and the poignant memorials to the Newfoundland soldiers of the First World War. Tour lasts 2 hours.?

]]> In 2018 the Church celebrates its 90th anniversary and 70 years in the building on Union Street. Many changes have taken place and a series of storyboards have been prepared to capture the flow of history of the church.

]]> Designed by the distinguished Edinburgh architect Hippolyte Blanc, 1894 - 95, Gothic-style and red sandstone with crenellated octagonal tower, on corner site. Stained glass by Guthrie and Wells, and Abbey Studio. Halls at rear in grey sandstone, 1883, with circular stained glass window. Church and halls have been renovated recently, part of an ongoing programme, with a heritage display highlighting the history of the area and the life of the church in the community.?

]]> John Honeyman, 1893-5, in local warm pink sandstone. Woodwork finely carved by John Crawford. Stained glass by William Guthrie, Stephen Adam and Son, Douglas Strachan, Morris and Co., C E Kempe plus two impressive windows relocated from Greenock and containing warships, seaplanes and the arms of Greenock. Wrought iron lamp standard attributed to Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who was an apprentice with Honeyman and Keppie.?

]]> Kilmarnock War Memorial was designed by James Miller and opened in 1927. Its walls are covered with the names of local men who fell in the two World Wars, nearly 900 in all. Inside is a bronze figure by David McGill,?The Victor?whose head is bowed in silent contemplation of the cost of war.?

]]> Designed by Robert Ingram and built 1883-5, recently refurbished using traditional materials whilst incorporating updated facilities to provide an arts and entertainment venue for shows, music, comedy club, and meetings, etc. Bust of Keir Hardie by Benno Shotz, 1939.

]]> Here's the perfect opportunity to have all your questions answered about what it's like to live in an energy efficient home!

Joe and his wife have a number of renewable technologies along with energy efficiency measures installed in their home.

In 2001, they installed a wood-burning stove to save resources and generate heat with wood sourced from the surrounding grounds.

They later self-installed a solar water heating system that provides the home with roughly half of its hot water needs. Following this, they had a solar PV system installed.

They have a wood pellet boiler which is also the cooker.

The property also benefits from insulation to ensure that no heat escapes through un-insulated walls, floors and roof spaces.

Joe will be delighted to show you the benefits of the technologies they've installed and the savings made.

To arrange an appointment between 10am - 4pm on Sunday 9 September, please contact Anne McGonigle on 01292 525512/521896.

]]> Striking, 2-storey building designed in-house by local authority, 1995-6, with wonderful views of the village and surrounding countryside. Lift, air-conditioning, wifi, computer access and printing. Drop in Osmo fun session and more . . . ?

]]> Opened in 1885 as a convalescent home for textile workers from Paisley, red sandstone, converted 1972 - 75. Now home to a vibrant youth dance group, table tennis club with young Scottish internationalists, youth group, gym, nursery, tai chi, yoga, etc. Adult Education programme. Many original features but is in transition to offer services and social opportunities for life and the community in the 21st century.?

Photo Credit: Michael Hitchon

]]> Designed by William Fraser, the cottages were built 1896-98 in red sandstone to provide accommodation and facilities for elderly residents as a living memorial to Robert Burns a hundred years after his death. Buildings were added 1909-10, 1930-1, and 1938. The inhabitants look out on the landscape, the village and the surroundings that Burns wrote about. No other memorial reflects the spirit of Robert Burns in this unique way.

Photo credit: Stanley Sarsfield

]]> Eglinton Country Park covers 400 acres with several miles of beautiful walks, the Englinton Tournament Bridge and the ruins of Eglinton Castle. This weekend take a step back in time with the Rangers as they unlock some of the heritage sites within the Country Park, 9.30 a.m. ? 12.30 p.m. Not suitable for wheelchairs. Pre-booking essential. Tel: 01294 551 776 to reserve a place.

]]> A Lodge about Freemasonry.

]]> Site of locally endowed advanced school designed by James Sellars, opened 1888 and demolished in 1984. The landscaped grounds were laid out by the Earl of Eglinton's head gardener. Since 2010, grounds sensitively restored by Friends of Spiers/Spiers Trust/North Ayrshire Council Partnership. The restored Coronation garden dating from 1953 was formally reopened in 2013.

]]> In June 2015, Irvine Royal Academy had 1,000 Solar Photovoltaic panels installed. These generate electricity for the school to use. The panels form a 250kW system and cover approximately 2,000m². The system generates 167,000kWh per year and the school is still able to export some of the electricity that is generated. Since the install, about 10, 746kWh has been exported to the grid. There are 8 inverters which convert the generated electricity the current from DC to AC to allow it to be exported. This system is the largest PV array to be installed in a school in Scotland.

The school also houses two 500kW biomass boilers. The boilers are fuelled by wood chip and use approximately 300 tonnes per year. The wood chip is blown into a store in the school and filtered through into the feed-in pipe into the boiler. There is also a back-up mains gas central heating system. Accompanying the boilers are two buffer tanks which hold 5,000 litres of water each.?

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External Wall Insulation

Would you like to keep warm in winter and lower your fuel bills?

Come and see External Wall Insulation (EWI) being installed in a number of properties and view the various stages that take place before completion. As well as transforming the appearance and comfort of your home, the insulation can save up to ?415 a year on heating bills.?

There will be walk rounds and explanations of each stage throughout both days as well as opportunities for questions.

To arrange an appointment on Saturday and Sunday 8th and 9th September between 10am - 4pm, please contact Anne McGonigle on 01292 525512/521896.

]]> A wonderful opportunity to visit a home where energy saving measures have been retro fitted, and discuss the pros and cons with the occupiers.?

This property requires no appointment, visitors are welcomed between 10am and 4pm on both Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September.

]]> A wonderful opportunity to visit a home where energy saving measures have been retro fitted, and discuss the pros and cons with the occupiers.

This property requires no appointment, visitors are welcomed between 10am and 4pm on both Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September.

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A "culturally unique" building in Scotland's Craft Town, the Barony is a place where creativity inspires! Set within a restored Victorian church, the Centre boasts an impressive exhibition space, a gallery shop offering an eclectic range of work by local and national makers and artists, and an award winning cafe. We have 9 working craft studios open to the public where you can see the works in progress.Exhibition by Phil Lavery.

]]> 13th century Pele Tower restored 2001. Many unique features, including original roof beams with carpenters' marks and a fine barrel-vaulted basement.

Lived in continuously by Hunter family till 1803. Early 20th century restoration work carried out by Sir Robert Lorimer including a finely carved stone lintel of the Hunter coat of arms in the Great Hall. Now the centre of the Clan Hunter Association Worldwide.

]]> Arts and Crafts sandstone village hall by A N Paterson, 1900. Museum is upstairs (regret no lift). The collection shows the story of local mediaeval castles, farming, weaving, Ayrshire embroidery, and Victorian family life. Over 1,000 photographs of the area. Also Old Ayrshire Ordnance maps and local history objects.?

Evening Concert in Village Hall: Vertex Festival launches with 3hattrio from Utah. They are exponents of American desert music that mixes the routine with the unusual, fusing American folk music with outsider elements like autotune, psychedelia, and minimalism. It captures the natural world of their sacred homeland near Zion National Park, '. . . extended landscapes of sound, bare mesas that ring with electronic echoes of acoustic instruments, twisting and turning as the wind shifts'. 7 for 7.30p.m., Ticket £10 from 01294 824 839.

]]> Site of locally endowed advanced school designed by James Sellars, opened 1888 and demolished in 1984. The landscaped grounds were laid out by the Earl of Eglinton's head gardener.

Since 2010 grounds have been sensitively restored by Friends of Spiers / Spiers Trust / North Ayrshire Council partnership.

The restored Coronation garden dating from 1953 was formally reopened in 2013.

Wide range of animal and plant species, including a specimen Dawn Redwood from China planted in 1953.

The Ballochmyle red sandstone entrance gates and walls on Barmill Road continue to be listed.

]]> Mr and Mrs Dickson lived in an old, draughty property in Beith for over 30 years before deciding to demolish it and rebuild a brand new air-tight and energy efficient home. The property will be 3 years old this October and throughout the project, the Dickson's lived in a caravan in their back garden.

The family incorporated many renewable technologies along with energy efficiency measures in the home. There is no central heating system in the property because Mr and Mrs Dickson over specified many aspects of the property, including the walls which are thicker than the required standard to allow more insulation and air flow. There is a 12kW wood burning stove in the main living area which is used in winter and this is able to heat a lot of the property.

They have a 4kW Solar Photovoltaic system. This consists of 16 panels situated on a South-facing roof. Mr and Mrs Dickson have adapted their lifestyle slightly to optimise their solar panels, including using the bulk of their electricity during the day when they are generating electricity.

They also installed an internal Air Source Heat Pump to heat their hot water. This works well in the property because there are few variations in room temperature and it is higher than outside temperatures. The heat pump is accompanied by a 300 litre hot water tank. There is an LCD control display but the couple opt to manually turn on the water heating in the afternoon for a few hours. Because the tank is fully insulated, it is able to retain heat very well and if the shower is used in the morning, it still needs to be mixed with cold water because it is too hot!

]]> New state of the art community leisure centre opened in April. Deck level, four-lane 25m swimming pool plus two-storey soft play zone, fully equipped fitness and health gym and two studio spaces for fitness classes and community use. See the technology behind the scenes.

Guided tours only. To book, ring 01465 915 200.

Tour times: 10.30 a.m.; 11.15 a.m.; 12 noon; 12.45 p.m.; 1.30 p.m.; 2.15 p.m.; 3.30 p.m.

Open Sunday 3 September 10.30 a.m. ?3.30 p.m.

]]> Gary Torbett, past president or Hugh Watson of Kilmarnock Historical Society, leads a 90-minute walk round the historic centre of Kilmarnock, taking in the red sandstone Opera House, the impressive brick Johnnie Walker Bond, the stone marking the exact spot where the gallows stood at Kilmarnock Cross and 'No Name Lane'.

Meet on Platform 1, Kilmarnock Railway Station at 3pm on Sunday 10 September.

]]> At the heart of Belleisle Estate lies an 18th century walled garden. In conjunction with Ayrshire College, the Scottish Lime Centre Trust, Morrison Construction and South Ayrshire Council.

]]> Guided Walk of 18th and 18th century Ayr. Brexit, Banks and the Founding Fathers - From a violinist reputed to be in league with the devil, actions that promted a banking collapse, negotiations between two of America's founding fathers and an Ayrshire estate owner that could be the template for the Brexit talks, hear some of Ayr's forgotten stories.

Meet Ken Nairn at 3pm by the War Memorial in Wellington Square on Saturday 9 September.

Walk lasts 1 hr 45 mins.

]]> The Club is a private members club known locally as The Gentleman's Club, and mainly on the first floor. It has been in existence since 1884, and contains many original features including a large stained glass window and one of the finest billiards rooms in Ayrshire.

]]> R S Ingram, 1888, it is the only Church of Scotland congregation left in Darvel. Splendid stained glass by Douglas Strachan and by Moira Parker, and a very fine 1908 Forster & Andrew pipe organ. New hall at the rear was completed in 1998.

]]> Local children and young people have worked to create an amazing 3D replica of Ayr's High Street.

]]> Sitting at the heart of historic Irvine, this 1862 building is now a cultural and heritage hub hosting art and heritage exhibitions, family and local history resources as well as a beautiful venue for civic events and weddings. View this stunning building to see for yourself the renovations and learn about its journey through history! Escorted tours start from The Portal foyer at 11:00 and at 13:00.

]]> The 18th century Heckling Shed, with its thatched roof, is where Robert Burns learnt the flax trade.

Restored in the 1980s and now the place to trace your family tree and learn about the rich heritage of the area. Good collection of Ayrshire material, including books, maps, photographs and newspapers plus access to records from further afield.

]]> Vale Grove and Vale View (Beechgrove) Gardens created by the Barrmill Conservation Group, the Barrmill & District community Association and other volunteers, assisted by NAC Ranger Service. Features also include restored Dead Man's planting site of a 19th century cholera pit, wish trees, wishing well and doors to Elfhame. New raised beds area.

Guided walks at 11am & 2pm each day.

Treasure map competition.

Traditional Ayrshire Quoits games for children and adults.

]]> Traditional style round tower built 2008/10 to provide nest site for wild barn owls. Inner core re-uses recycled bricks from former lace factory.

Displays of Industrial Heritage including old bottles, Ayrshire bricks, local archaeology, geology and ecology.

Clay building blocks from local Victorian water culvert. Narrow approach roads.

]]> The Lodge was consecrated in 1771 and has strong connections with Robert Burns with displays of memorabilia in Museum and Lodge room.
Burns was Depute Master of the Lodge 1784-88.

]]> The 17th century thatched cottage where Robert Burns and his friends formed a literary and debating society in 1780. Restored for the Burns Bicentennial, the house contains fascinating Burns memorabilia.

Owned by the National Trust for Scotland.

]]> 12th century Norman with 18th century extension. Oldest church in Ayrshire still in use. Restoration by P McGregor Chalmers, 1919. Fine dog-toothed three-light windows and collar-beam roof with original timbers. Fine stained glass by Gordon Webster, Douglas Strachan and others.?

]]> Built 1696, renovated 1775 and widened 1825 with later additions. There is an unusual bell tower above the recently restored clock and a rare triangular window. Lainshaw Loft is used by local Foodbank and to store furniture from former Cairns Church which united with Laigh Kirk 1961 to form St Columba's.

New and restored windows were installed for the Tercentenary in 1996. The building has been adapted for contemporary use whilst maintaining its classical features.

Sunday service 11am

]]> Opened 1841, this active evangelical church has a long history. In the small hall, view the Cradle Roll going back several decades. Sunday Service 11.15 a.m.

]]> This small but very interesting museum on the first floor of the Townhouse is the result of many years hard work dedicated to the life of Stewarton - the Bonnet Toun, and its people with access to local family history.

]]> A wonderful opportunity to visit a home where energy saving measures have been retro fitted, and discuss the pros and cons with the occupiers.?

This property requires no appointment, visitors are welcomed between 10am and 4pm on both Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September.?

]]> Restrained Gothic built 1864 by architect William Alexander, in a lovely rural setting where a warm welcome awaits visitors. Early 20th century rose window with original design drawings. Almost full birth and marriage records and full cemetery index plus other artefacts.

Sunday Service 10am

Photo credit: Michael Hitchon?

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Formerly Stair School, c.1800-1969, the centre is now owned and run by Stair Community Association. You are invited to see how the building has changed over 200 years, and proposed future improvements. Heritage exhibitions relating to the old school, Trabboch village and the local area. Formal opening of disabled facilities and refurbished toilets with ribbon cutting and cake at 2pm.

Photo credit: Michael Hitchon

]]> Category A-listed. The medieval building was restored in 1595 and extended to form a T-plan in 1767. Good pulpit and 18th century?fittings, and the kirkyard contains the mausoleum of the Campbells of Craigie by W H Playfair, 1822.

]]> Category A church by Jack Coia and T Wharnett Kennedy, 1938, in red and yellow brick with red tiled roof rectangular tower and a simple, impressive interior. New stained glass by Lighthouse Glass of Irvine. Parish Centre added 1997; the Presbytery rebuilt 2006. Services Saturday 10 am & 5.30 pm; Sunday 10.30 am.?

]]> The congregation was established in 1847 to serve English and Irish weavers who worked in the main industry of the town at that time. The current building, a small, simple, gothic style sandstone church was built in 1883 on land gifted by the Cassillis Estate. Over recent years the church has undergone some refurbishment which includes replacing some pews and chairs.

Exhibition: History of St. Oswald's as we celebrate our 170th anniversary

]]> Impressive red sandstone church designed by P MacGregor Chalmers and built on a cruciform plan. In 2008 original entrance vestibule replaces by modern design to give a more open aspect and allow views into church.Many interesting features including 20 notable stained glass windows.

]]> Built in Mauchline red sandstone in 1888, St Meddan's was designed by John Bennie Wilson in Gothic style. It has a prominent spire?and bell tower, housing a clock dating from 1751, built by Andrew Dickie and originally from The University of Glasgow.?The church has a number of beautiful stained glass windows, the largest depicting the healing of Jarius' daughter and thought to be the last known existing work of William Smith of Marylebone Road, London. Other windows are by John Blythe and Norman McDougall. Recent restoration work partly funded by Scottish Heritage Lottery Fund.?

Sunday Service 11am.?

]]> Access by climbing down a 15ft vertical steel ladder. Warm clothing and sensible shoes required.

The first fully restored monitoring post (built 1965) in Scotland following the 1991 stand-down of the ROC facilities that would have reported nuclear explosion and fall out in the Firth of Clyde.

]]> Purpose-built Neo-Classical court house with majestic 4-columned Ionic portico. Recently refurbished to provide 2 large jury courts, 2 small non-jury courts, witness and jury rooms, and custody area. Interesting stained glass.

]]> A night-time scare-trail through Ayr's ghostly past, led by storyteller Rosie Mapplebeck.

All guided tours are free and must be booked in advance through the Townscape Heritage Initiative

Office. Please email: toria.cassidy@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or telephone: 01292 617606

Places will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis.

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