Ayrshire

Ayrshire (Siorrachd Inbhir Àir in Scottish Gaelic) is a traditional county in south-west Scotland, located on the shores of the Firth of Clyde. Its principal towns include Ayr and Kilmarnock. The town of Troon (pop. 20,000) on the coast hosts the British Open Golf Championship every seven years, including the most recent one in 2004. Approximately 200,000 visitors come to Troon during this period.

Related Topics:
Scottish Gaelic - Traditional county - Scotland - Firth of Clyde - Town - Ayr - Kilmarnock - Troon - British Open Golf Championship

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Ayrshire is one of the most agriculturally fertile regions of Scotland. Potatoes are grown in fields near the coast, using seaweed-based fertiliser, and in addition the county produces pork products, other root vegetables, cattle (see below) and summer berries such as strawberries are grown abundantly.

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It became part of the kingdom of Scotland during the 11th century. In 1263, the Scots successfully drove off a group of Norwegian Vikings in a skirmish known as the Battle of Largs.

Related Topics:
11th century - 1263 - Norwegian - Viking - Battle of Largs

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A notable historic building in Ayrshire is Turnberry Castle, which dates from the 13th century or earlier, and which may have been the birthplace of Robert the Bruce.

Related Topics:
Turnberry Castle - 13th century - Robert the Bruce

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Historic sub-regions of Ayrshire include:

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• District of Carrick, Ayrshire
• District of Cunninghame, Ayrshire
• District of Kyle, Ayrshire

The Ayrshire breed of cattle originated here, prior to 1800.

Related Topics:
Ayrshire - Cattle

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The newly created Strathclyde administrative Region included Ayrshire in 1975. When the two-tier system was abandoned, Ayrshire split into the council regions of East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, and North Ayrshire, although the later also includes the isle of Arran, part of the county of Buteshire.

Related Topics:
Strathclyde - Region - East Ayrshire - South Ayrshire - North Ayrshire - Buteshire

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Glasgow Prestwick International Airport, serving Glasgow, is located in Ayrshire.

Related Topics:
Glasgow Prestwick International Airport - Glasgow

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Ayrshire: Some notable people born in Ayrshire ►