Strathclyde Historic Towns and Villages to Visit

Ayr grew up as a royal burgh established by King William the Lion in 1197 to guard the Scottish border with the Kingdom of Galloway. On the edge of Ayr is Alloway, where poet Robert Burns was born, while in the town itself is the Tam O'Shanter Inn where Burns liked to drink. Look for the Auld Kirk, built in 1654 to replace a parish church seized by Oliver Cromwell to help build a military fort.
Ayr, Strathclyde, Scotland

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Heritage Highlight: 1654 Auld Kirk
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Blaxckwaterfoot is the largest village on the west coast of Arran, and a popular holiday centre. The village grew up around a small harbour, just south of an Iron Age promontory fort at Drumadoon Point. Blackwaterfoot boasts an unusual 12-hole golf course, established in 1896.
Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran, Arran, Strathclyde, Scotland

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Heritage Highlight: The Doon Iron Age fort
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Brodick is the major ferry port on Arran, with regular service from Ardrossan on the mainland. It is also home to historic Brodick Castle, once the seat of the Dukes of Hamilton. Brodick is home to the Arran Heritage Museum and to the popular Arran Aromatics shop.
A841, Brodick, Isle of Arran, Arran, Strathclyde, Scotland

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Heritage Highlight: 19th-century Brodick Castle
Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

Catacol is a small village south of Lochranza on the northwestern tip of Arran. The village is known for The Twelve Apostles, a terrace of 19th-century cottages looking out across a long beach to Catacol Bay and Kintyre. Walks lead from the coast along tumbling rivers to mountain lochs.
C147, Catacol, Isle of Arran, Arran, Strathclyde, Scotland

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Heritage Highlight: The Twelve Apostles 19th-century cottages
Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

Dalmellington is a pretty town in East Ayrshire on the banks of Muck Water. The town grew up beside a 12th-century Norman motte and bailey castle. The town centre is a Conservation Area, full of attractive older buildings. Outside Dalmellington is the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory.
A713, Dalmellington, Strathclyde, Scotland

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Heritage Highlight: Norman motte and bailey castle
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Lamlash is the largest village on Arran, facing east across Lamlash Bay to Holy Isle. It is a popular boating centre and holiday base for the island. Outside St George's Church is a medieval cross rescued from the monastery on Holy Isle.
A841, Lamlash, Isle of Arran, Arran, Strathclyde, Scotland

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Heritage Highlight: Medieval cross outside St George's Church
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Lochrannza is perhaps the prettiest village on Arran, located on a sea loch, and boasting the picturesque ruins of 13th-century Lochranza Castle. Red deer roam the area around the loch. West of the village is a ferry terminal with connections to the mainland.
A841, Lochranza, Isle of Arran, Arran, Strathclyde, Scotland

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Heritage Highlight: 13th-century Lochranza Castle
Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

A peaceful village on the east coast of the Kintyre peninsula between Carradale and Campbelltown. Saddell is famous as the home of the 12th-century Cistercian monastery of Saddell Abbey.
B842, Saddell, Argyll and Bute, Strathclyde, Scotland

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Heritage Highlight: Ruins of Saddell Abbey
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Whiting Bay is one of the largest villages on Arran, located in the south-east corner of the island south of Lamlash. A popular base for visitors exploring Arran, there are easy walks to Glenashdale Falls and to the Giants' Graves chambered tomb.

A841, Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran, Arran, Strathclyde, Scotland, BD1 2PW

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Heritage Highlight: Robert Bruce set sail from here in 1307 to seize the throne
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