front

Doors Open Days® in Scotland

and Scottish

Archaeology Month

AYR

Loudoun Hall Through Boat Vennel from New Bridge Street

recorded in the late 15th century. Purchased in the 16th century as the town

demolition by 4th Marquess of Bute and restored by Robert Hurd. Refurbished

1998. Displays by Ayrshire Philatelic Society, Ayrshire Archaeological and

Natural History Society, and Kyle and Carrick Civic Society.

Open Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. KA7 1JX

Holy Trinity Scottish Episcopal Church Fullarton Street, near Bus Station

John Loughborough Pearson, 1898. Category A listed, 13th century Gothic in

style. His designs for tower and steeple were abandoned and a truncated tower

by Roger Pinkney completed the building in 1964. Outstanding stained glass by

Clayton & Bell and others. Splendid reredos. Service 10.30 a.m.

Open Sunday 12 noon – 4 p.m. KA7 1UB

No. 125 Masonic Lodge Fullarton Street

Lodge St James Newton on Ayr consecrated 1771 and moved here to former

Newnham School for Girls 1931. See Souter Johnnie’s Masonic Apron and other

Open Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. KA7 1UB

St Andew’s Parish Church Park Circus

Perpendicular Gothic by John B Wilson in red sandstone, 1893 with landmark

146 ft spire. Fine stained glass by John Blythe, Marcus McLundie, CWS Designs

of Lisburn, G Mailes Studios of Canterbury, and Roland Mittand. Hall 1897 by

William McClelland, extended 1963 & 1983. Service 11 a.m.

Open Sunday 1 – 4 p.m. KA7 2DL

County Buildings

Alex Mair, 1931. Built on site of Ayr Prison. Now the headquarters of South

Ayrshire Council. Attractive woodwork. Impressive collections of paintings and

stained glass.

Open Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. KA7 1DR

Ayr Baptist Church Centre Fort Street

Built 1817 as Theatre Royal, later Queens Rooms Theatre. Used as Baptist

Church since 1880. Now a modern multi-purpose centre and Church with

Baptistry, and stained glass windows from Glenapp Castle. Refurbished 2004.

Services 10.30 a.m., 6 p.m.

Open Sunday 2.30 – 5 p.m. KA7 1DH

Auld Kirk of Ayr Access from High Street at Kirkport or River Walk.

Theophilus Rankine 1654. Successor church to mediaeval St John’s (at Bruce

Crescent), funded partly by one thousand merks to assist in building the new

Kirk to succeed original, relinquished by Cromwellian army of occupation.

Family church of Robert Burns, whose father was an elder. Fine interior with

original pulpit, stained glass and three notable lofts. Sunday Service 11 a.m.

Open Saturday 10.30 a.m. – 4 p.m. KA7 1QB

Carnegie Library 12 Main Street

By Campbell Douglas and Morrison 1893, funded with £10,000 from Andrew

Carnegie. Impressive Renaissance-style red sandstone front with decorative

wall tiling in entrance. Splendid full-height stained glass staircase window by

Stephen Adam & Co. Bust of Burns by Amelia R Hill and heraldic panel from Ayr

Malt Cross 1697. Extensions include lecture hall added 1934. See the lady with

six toes!

Open Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. KA8 8EB

Tower of St John’s Bruce Crescent

Remaining part of the original parish church of Ayr. The church, in its time the

largest in Ayrshire, was cruciform in shape and the tower was perhaps added in

the 14th century. In 1315 Robert the Bruce convened the Scottish Parliament in

the church. Restored by J K Hunter for the 3rd Marquess of Bute in 1913-14. A

required, supervised access.

Open Sunday 12 noon – 4 p.m. KA7 1JJ

ALLOWAY

Alloway Parish Church Beside the B7024, south of Burns Cottage, opposite the ruined Alloway Kirk

Campbell Douglas, 1857-58 added to 1877, 1890. Gothic-style. Twenty stained

glass windows give a mini history of the art from 1858 to the present including

works by Clayton & Bell, McLundie, Mayer & Co, Webb, Whall, Hamilton,

Crombie, Webster, 1996 Four Seasons and Robert Burns memorial, and 2001

Alpha & Omega windows from Susan Bradbury. Cambusdoon Cross early

Christian carved sandstone slab. Sunday Services 9.45, 11.15 a.m.

Open Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday 12.15 – 4 p.m. KA7 4PQ

MAYBOLE

Maybole Castle

century additions. Fine oriel window with nine carved heads on exterior. Barrel

vaulted cellars below main hall. Formerly a town house of the Kennedys of

MaybolePast & Present.Open Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

St Oswald’s Scottish Episcopal Church Cargill Road

Pretty little building in ‘English style’ 1883 with apse, chancel and plain but

tranquil interior to seat about 90. Organ by Alfred Kirkland, 1892. Hall added

1970s. Convenient for Railway Station. Sunday Service 11.30 a.m.

Open Saturday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday 1 – 4 p.m. KA19 8AF

Crossraguel Abbey On A77, 2 miles south of Maybole

Founded early in the 13th century by the Earl of Carrick and its remains include

the church, cloister, chapter house and domestic premises. Owned by Historic

Scotland.

Open Saturday 9.30 a.m. – 5.30 p.m., last admission 5 p.m. KA19 8QH

GIRVAN

McKechnie Institute 40A Dalrymple Street

Scottish Baronial landmark building by McKissock & Rowan, Glasgow, 1888 from

bequest of local merchant, Thomas McKechnie, the Institute houses an Arts and

Museum Centre run by South Ayrshire Council. Ailsa Craig display and Bronze

Age cinerary urns. Exhibitions: Davidson Hospital and period doctor’s surgery;

Open Art; William Bell Scott Valentine.

Open Saturday 10.30 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday 12 noon – 4 p.m. KA26 9AE

Stumpy Tower In town centre

now free standing. Exhibits include 16th century wrought iron cannon, maps

and photographs.

Open Saturday and Sunday 12 noon – 4 p.m.

North Parish Church Montgomerie Street

William G Rowan, 1884, red sandstone church built in 13th century Gothic style,

with dominating 150 ft spire. Interior has painted ceiling symbolising Creation.

There are shells and seaweed to represent the sea bed and undulating lines the

heavenly stars. Four stained glass windows.

Open Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday 1 – 4 p.m.

TARBOLTONBachelors Club Tarbolton village centre, signposted

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.

Open Sunday 1 – 4 p.m. KA5 5RB

Tarbolton Masonic Lodge 67 Montgomerie Street

The Lodge was consecrated in 1771 and has strong connections with Robert

Burns with displays of memorabilia in Museum and Lodge Room. Visitors can sit

in the chair once occupied by Burns. Photographs of the Lodge are allowed.

Open Sunday 12 noon – 4 p.m. KA5 5QB

STAIR

Stair Parish Church

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 drawings. Almost full birth and marriage records and full cemetery

index plus other artefacts. Sunday Service 10 a.m.

Open Saturday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday 1.30 – 4 p.m. KA5 5HW

MAUCHLINE

National Burns Memorial Tower Kilmarnock Road

The 67ft tower in Scots baronial style was designed by William Fraser and

fame. It served for many years as a museum but is now empty and awaits a new

use.

Open Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. QL5 5AK

Burns House Museum Castle Street

Robert Burns and Jean Armour lived here for a few months in 1788. The recently

refurbished museum displays Burns manuscripts and memorabilia. A 20-minute

audio-visual show gives an introduction to the poet and his work, and a ‘snug’

provides readings from his Mauchline period.

Open Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. KA5 5BZ

AUCHINLECK

Auchinleck House

Built c.1760 by Lord Auchinleck and inherited by his son James Boswell,

biographer of Dr Johnson. Johnson visited the house in 1773. Good example of

with elaborate detail and quote from Horace about the contentment to be

found in country life. Saved by the Scottish Building Preservation Trust.

Restoration completed by the Landmark Trust with splendid plasterwork and

period furniture.

Open Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. KA18 2LR

Doors Open Day visitor sites

Kyle and Carrick Civic Society Scottish Charity Number: SC014718

Established in 1967, the Society campaigns to protect and improve the environment. It has a a particular

interest in the conservation of historic buildings, good design of new buildings, protection of open space,

the improvement of public transport and the encouragement of continued residential use of town centres.

Membership is open to all who support the Society’s aims. Details of its many activities and membership can be obtained by writing to the

Honorary Treasurer, Tricia McKeand, 15F North Harbour Street, AYR, KA8 8AA. To join, send £10 cheque payable to ‘Kyle and Carrick Civic Society’.

sident,

Michael Hitchon, 1 Barns Terrace, AYR, KA7 2DB on receipt of an SAE.

Doors Open Day

Ayrshire3rd and 4th September 2011

Visit 70 of Ayrshire’s finest buildings FreePart of European Heritage Days Organised by Kyle and Carrick Civic Society Scottish Charity Number SCO14718

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East Renfrewshire; Inverness and Nairn

Ayrshire; Clackmannanshire

East Fife & St Andrews

Aberdeen; Easter Ross & Black Isle; Midlothian; Western

Isles; West Lothian

East Dunbartonshire; Inverclyde; North Lanarkshire;

Renfrewshire; South Lanarkshire; Stirling

Central Fife & Kirkcaldy; East Lothian

Aberdeenshire; Caithness & Sutherland; Eyemouth & the

Coast; West Dunbartonshire

Angus; Falkirk; Glasgow; Loch Lomond & The Trossachs;

Shetland

West Fife & Dunfermline

Skye, Lochaber & Wester Ross

Dumfries & Galloway; Edinburgh; Kintyre, Argyll & Bute;

Perth & Kinross

All dates September 2011

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3 & 4

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10

10 & 11

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17

17 & 18

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24

24 & 25

Scottish Archaeology Month events are also taking place throughout

September.

For details of special events and happenings in your area, contact

Archaeology Scotland on Tel: 0845 872 3333

E-mail: info@archaeologyscotland.org.uk

For full listings of events visit:

www.scotttisharchaeologymonth.com

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Further information on each of the Doors Open Days ® in Scotland may be obtained from:

Abigail Daly, The Scottish Civic Trust, 42 Miller Street, GLASGOW, G1 1DT.

Tel: 0141 248 1188 Fax: 0141 248 6952 E-mail: dod@scottishcivictrust.org.uk

www.d oorsopendays.org.uk

Opening times of all buildings are given and church service times are indicated. All visitors are welcome to participate.

On Doors Open Day ® Ayrshire a warm welcome is extended to you to enter and explore many buildings of various types and

All in

Admission to all buildings is free on these days.

Doors Open Day ® is a Council of Europe initiative and in 49 countries it will be celebrated with the opening of some of each

country’s most impressive buildings to heighten the public’s awareness of their own heritage.

In Scotland, Doors Open Day ® is promoted by the Scottish Civic Trust. In Ayrshire it is supported by the Councils of East and South

Ayrshire. The event is organised by Kyle and Carrick Civic Society with help from other voluntary groups.

The Society would like to express its gratitude to all those who have so readily co-operated in opening their buildings. It is only

through their generosity and support, together with the help of their guides, that such a day is possible. Please note that visitors

enter the buildings at their own risk: neither sponsors nor participants are responsible for any accidents or damage incurred.

Guided tours, demonstrations and workshops in Ayr have been arranged in conjunction with the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI)

team at Ayr Renaissance.

On Doors Open Day ® Ayrshire Saturday 3 September 2011, the telephone in Loudoun Hall, Ayr, will be 01292 611290 for emergency

messages.

Look out for the blue Doors Open Day Balloons and Banners Doors

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DayDoorsOpen

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Key to facilities

Access for wheelchair usersW

RefreshmentsR

Musical entertainmentM

ExhibitionE

Guided tourG

Audio visual displayA

ToiletsT

Visitor sites continued on following page

Kilmarnock Burns Monument Centre In Kay Park

services, family history research room and archives under one roof. Built

Stevenson, the centre boasts a 3D digitised version of

Scottish Dialect, the Kilmarnock Edition. A new venue for weddings, ceremonies,

conferences and events.

Open Sunday 12 noon – 4 p.m. KA3 7RU

Dean Castle In Dean Park

Built by the Boyds of Kilmarnock whose home it was for over 400 years, the

was a ruin until restored by the 8th Lord Howard de Walden in the 20th century.

Exhibitions of arms and armour, and musical instruments. Guided tours only.

Open Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. KA3 1XB

Riccarton Parish Church and Graveyard Old Street, Riccarton

Landmark building standing on former Moot Hill. Category B listed, opened

1825. Chancel added 1910 and beautiful War Memorial window 1919. Former

minister, Rev Alexander Moodie mentioned by Burns in The Twa Herds and TheHoly Fair, is buried in the Graveyard. Local artist Hugh Rankin. Service 11 a.m.

Open Sunday 2 – 5 p.m. KA1 4DX

Kilmarnock Community Fire Station Campbell Street, Riccarton

Incident Unit. Up to date training facilities and community safety education

birthplace of Alan Wallace, father of William Wallace.

Open Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. KA1 4HL

DUNDONALD

Dundonald Parish Church On the B730, Irvine to Tarbolton Road, at top of village Main Street

Traditional stone church of 1804 on site of two earlier buildings. Fine

pre-Raphaelite stained glass, including windows by Henry Dearle, Edward

Burne-Jones, William Morris, Philip Webb and Gordon Webster. Pipe organ

1906 by Norman & Beard. Artefacts illustrating church history. Tidy graveyard

with some interesting stones. Service 11 a.m.

Open Sunday 1 – 4 p.m. KA2 9HG

Dundonald Castle

14th century tower-house of Robert II, founder of the Stewart Dynasty.

Impressive barrel-vaulted laigh hall above which is a stately upper hall with

surmounts oubliette. Regret castle not fully accessible to wheelchair users.

Exhibition of castle models, artefacts, 14th century coins and mediaeval

banqueting in Visitor Centre. Café.

Open Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. KA2 9HD

SYMINGTON

Symington Parish Church

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. Recent restoration

work. Sunday Service 10.30 a.m.

Open Saturday 1 – 4 p.m.; Sunday 12 noon – 4 p.m. KA1 5QP

TROON

Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and St Meddan St Meddan’s Street

Reginald Fairlie, 1911. Very impressive design, replicating many features of late

15th century details, reminiscent of the Church of the Holy Rood in Stirling.

Note the crowsteps on the chancel roof, the small buttresses, the arrangement

of tower and spire. Refurbished with rood beam including Calvary scene

restored to its original position. New lighting system. Centenary celebrations

on 8 December 2011. Service 11 a.m.

Open Sunday 2 – 4 p.m. KA10 6NN

Portland Parish Church St Meddan’s Street

window donated in 1920 as a war memorial by Mr A F Steven. Two-manual

organ by Harrison & Harrison. Service 10.30 a.m.

Open Sunday 2 – 4 p.m. KA10 6JU

St Ninian’s Scottish Episcopal Church Bentinck Drive

James A Morris, 1912-13, in the Arts and Crafts manner, of Mauchline stone.

Features oak doors and furniture by Robert Thompson of Kilburn, North

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. Sunday Service 10.30 a.m.

Open Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday 12 noon – 4 p.m. KA10 6HZ

St Meddan’s Parish Church St Meddan’s Street

Built of Mauchline red sandstone in 1888, St Meddan’s was designed by John

Bennie Wilson in Gothic style, with its prominent spire the tallest structure in

Troon. It houses a clock from Glasgow University’s Old College, dating from

1751. Superb stained glass window illustrating the healing of Jarius’ daughter,

a memorial to former Provost James Gillies and voted third in Scotland’sTreasured Places 2008, restored 2010. Other windows by John Blythe, Norman

McDougall and William Smith. Service 10.30 a.m.

Open Sunday 12 noon – 4 p.m. KA10 6HT

Troon Old Parish Church Ayr Street

Neo-Gothic in red sandstone by Hippolyte Blanc dedicated 1895. Stained glass

Ascension window by Morris Studio, others by Gordon Webster. Alabaster

canopy and stands above a mosaic pavement of the Paschal lamb and below

stained glass window. Richly carved pulpit, font and communion

table. Service 10.30 a.m.

Open Sunday 2 – 4 p.m. KA10 6EB

PRESTWICK

St Nicholas Parish Church Main Street

Impressive red sandstone church designed by P MacGregor Chalmers and built

WW1 and WW2 memorials. There will be music and a display of art work

created by members of the congregation, including the superb Millennium

window designed by Prestwick artist Moira Malcolm. Others by R Douglas

McLundie, Gordon Webster, G Mailes & Son and Harvey Salvin. Sunday

Service 11 a.m.

Open Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. KA9 1NW

ST QUIVOX

St Quivox Church In village

Category A listed. The mediaeval building was restored in 1595 and extended

contains the mausoleum of the Campbells of Craigie by W H Playfair, 1822.

Service 11.30 a.m.

Open Sunday 2 – 4 p.m. KA6 5HJ

Oswald Hall

The estate was bought in 1764 by Richard Oswald the Peacemaker born in

1705, who negotiated the Peace Treaty following the American War of

and ornamental doorcases. Category A listed building extensively restored

externally with funding from ERDF, Historic Scotland and SAC, with support of

Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire. Owned by the Scottish Agricultural College, which

teaches land-based courses. Exhibition: Brave Original Art. Open Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. KA6 5HW

AYRSHIRE’S FIRST GREEN DOORS OPEN DAY

Tradunnock Farm

.yadnuS . gnidliub enots lanoitidart a ni gnivil ygrene woL

Visit by appointment only – telephone 07711 552 693

LARGS

Largs M useum

souvenirs, and photographs of old Largs and Australian connections; and

archival material for researchers. Exhibition: Burgh of Largs and its TownCouncil.Open Saturday 2 – 5 p.m.; Sunday 12 noon – 5 p.m. KA30 8AW

Skelmorlie Ailse

1636 Renaissance-style canopied tomb within mausoleum to Montgomerie

family. Splendid painted barrel-vaulted timber ceiling. Owned by Historic

Scotland. Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane Mausoleum in Kirkyard.

Open Saturday 2 - 5 p.m.; Sunday 12 noon – 5 p.m. KA30 8AW

Clark Memorial Church Bath Street

T G Abercrombie, 1890-92. Impressive Early Gothic decorated style in red

sandstone. Rich interior with hammerbeam roof, organ by Willis, stained glass

by C W Whall, Stephen Adam and Meikle & Sons. Service 10 a.m.

Open Sunday 12 noon – 4 p.m. KA30 8BL

St Columba’s Parish Church Gallowgate

Red sandstone church by Henry Steele and Andrew Balfour, 1892, recently

renovated. Three-stage tower with spire and clock. Interesting carved

octagonal pulpit and notable windows by Stephen Adam, Cottier, Douglas

General Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane, astronomer, soldier and Governor of

NSW, Australia. Heritage Centre. DVD on sale. Service 11 a.m.

Open Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday 2 – 4 p.m. KA30 8LX

St John’s Church Bath Street

Congregation dates from the Disruption of 1843. Building reconstructed late

19th century in French Romanesque style by Archibald J Grahame, his only

monument. Fine stained glass by Douglas Strachan. Services 11 a.m., 6.30 p.m.

Open Sunday all day. KA30 8BL

SKELMORLIE

Royal Observer Corps Monitoring Post Museum

Access by climbing down a 15ft vertical steel ladder and viewing restricted

to six people at one time. Warm clothing and sensible shoes required.

Complete with original equipment and instrumentation installed for Doors

Open Day, experience what life was like underground. Conducted tours lasting

one hour by ex-ROC personnel who served here during the 1980s until 1991.

Pre-booking essential – telephone 01475 672134 before 31 August.

Open Sunday only.

WEST KILBRIDE

Hunterston Castle and Gardens

13th century Pele Tower restored 2001. Many unique features, including

Lived in continuously by Hunter family till 1803. Early 20th century restoration

the Hunter coat of arms in the Great Hall. Now the centre of the Clan Hunter

Open Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. KA23 9QG

S SORCNETROP

Portencross Castle

wing. Robert II frequent visitor, signed charters here. Semi-ruinous, but major

conservation project 2010 allows access to the interior, including Great Hall with

original vaulted ceiling and to the roof for spectacular views. Regret wheelchair

Open Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. KA23 9QA

ARDROSSAN

The Old Town Hall (HLF) Harbour Street.

Built 1858, eleven years after Ardrossan became a burgh, and used as town hall

until 1946 when the Council and local Masonic Lodge St John RA No.320 agreed

that the Lodge take over the building. Exterior stonework restored 1997/8 with

assistance from national and local bodies. Newly refurbished Masonic Temple.

Open Sunday 1 – 5 p.m. KA22 8EA

St Peter in Chains R C Church 1 South Crescent.

Category A church designed by Jack Coia and T Wharnett Kennedy, 1938, in red

and yellow brick with red tiled roof and a simple, impressive interior.

Lighthouse Glass of Irvine. The Presbytery has recently been rebuilt. Services:

Saturday 10 a.m.; Sunday 10 a.m., 12 noon.

Open Saturday and Sunday 10.30 a.m. – 5 p.m. KA22 8DU

St Andrew’s Scottish Episcopal Church South Crescent

by J E W Guthrie, and Angel Gathering Tulips by Harrington Mann; reredos

paintings by William Hole. Service 11.15 a.m.

Open Sunday 1 – 4 p.m. KA22 8EA

KILBIRNIE

Auld Kirk of Kilbirnie At junction of B780 and B777

First mentioned in 1127, with an almost unbroken list of incumbents since 1361.

Tower built 1490; Aisle built 1597 and Crawford Gallery 1642 with its unique

woodwork and Armorials. C S S Johnston added northern extension 1903-05.

Superb windows by Guthrie & Wells, James Ballantine, Gordon Webster and

Sunday Service 11 a.m.

Open Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday 1 – 4 p.m. KA25 6HY

BEITH

Townhouse Corner of The Strand and Eglinton Street.

Classic Georgian building with attractive belfry, funded from public

reopened by Beith Cultural and Heritage Society April 2011 as an Information

and Heritage Centre.

Open Saturday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Sunday 1 – 4 p.m. KA15 1DT

Auld Kirk and Kirkyard Beith Cross in town centre, 200 yards from Townhouse.

On site of original parish church. A church was built c.1590 with later 18th

century extensions. The 1590 church was demolished early 19th century when

a new church was built up the hill. Part of the 18th century extensions and

belfry were retained with the burial ground, which contains some original

gravestones. Plaque marks links with Rev John Witherspoon, a signatory to the

US Declaration of Independence.

Open Saturday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Beith Parish Church - High Building Kirk Road

Built 1807-10 to replace Auld Kirk, extended 1885. Gothic T-plan church with

employed in local furniture industry. Imposing organ, and stained glass by

Gordon Webster.

Open Sunday 2 – 4 p.m. KA15 1EX

Beith Parish Church – Trinity Building Roebank Road

Former UP church by Robert Baldie, 1883 with graceful 80 ft octagonal tower.

Church of Scotland in 1929. Following the union of June 2011, it is due to close

at a later date. The furnishings are a superb example of the former furniture

trade for which Beith was famous.

Open Sunday 2 – 4 p.m. KA15 2XD

Doors Open Day visitor sites continued

KILWINNING

Kilwinning Abbey Tower Heritage Centre Kilwinning Town Centre

David Hamilton replaced the NW Tower of the 12th century Tironensian Abbey

in 1816 after it had been struck by lightning in 1809. The Heritage Centre has

displays on the Abbey, the Tower, Robert Burns, Robert Service and local history.

French, German and Spanish translations available for history of Abbey and

Tower. Census records, matchstick models, clock mechanism and bells to view.

Open Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. KA13 6EG

Kilwinning Old Parish Church Main Street

John Swan, c.1774. Simple T-plan. Attractive Eglinton Loft supported on

Corinthian columns. Stained glass by W & J J Kier, Stephen Adam, Abbey Studio,

Sax Shaw and Paul Lucky. Foster & Andrew organ 1887. Wall tapestry and 800th

anniversary window. Cole Hamilton screen. Service 10.30 a.m.

Open Sunday 2 – 4 p.m. KA13 6AE

IRVINE

Irvine Old Parish Church

Largely built 1774. Elegant steeple. Stained glass by W & J J Kier, with 1996

window by Susan Bradbury to commemorate 200th anniversary of death of

Robert Burns, who worshipped here during his stay in Irvine. Churchyard has

several noteworthy graves and memorials, some dating back to

Pre-Reformation. David Sillar is buried here, and one of the Mauchline Belles.

Service 11 a.m.

Open Sunday 1.30 – 4 p.m., tour of graveyard at 2.30 p.m. KA12 0DG

Irvine Burns Club Wellwood, Eglinton Street

Fascinating display of original Burns material and items of the Royal Burgh of

Irvine. Collection of holograph letters, including Charles Dickens, Sir Arthur

Conan Doyle and Margaret Thatcher. Audio-visual display illustrating Burns’ life

in Irvine. Interesting glass in stairs and music room by Paul Lucky. Irvine Burns

Club, founded in 1826 and one of the oldest, has one of Scotland’s most

Open Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. KA12 8AS

GALSTON

Barr Castle In town centre

An old Norman keep built by the Lockhart family after an invasion of

Anglo-Norman people in the 12th and 13th centuries. George Wishart 1545 and

John Knox 1556, the Scottish reformers, both preached here as the church doors

were locked against them. Home of Lodge St Peter 331 for over a hundred

years. Birds of prey display. Demonstration by Kilmarnock and Loudoun

Amateur Radio Club, call sign GMOADX. New community garden.

Open Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. KA4 8HU

Galston Parish Church In town centre

John Brash, 1809. Rectangular, with pedimented gable above its three front

doors, and round-headed windows. Vaulted chancel, 1912. U-shaped gallery,

organ by James Binns of Leeds, 1913. Stained glass by Oscar Paterson.

Memorial to Dr Stirling, Minister 1824-78, inventor of the Stirling Steam Engine.

Covenanters’ graves. Service 11 a.m.

Open Sunday 1 – 4 p.m. KA4 8AL

Loudoun Kirk (HLF)

Recently restored 12th century Kirk. Partially restored by 3rd Marquess of Bute

in 1898. Covenanters’ graves, including Thomas Fleming, ancestor to Sir

Alexander Fleming. The memorial to the tragic Lady Flora Hastings is prominent

in the Kirkyard. Preservation work supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and

Historic Scotland and work with the Carved Stones of Scotland Association.

Display of paintings and photographs inspired by Loudoun Kirk. Stewarding by

the Friends of Loudoun Kirk.

Open Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. KA4 8PF

St Sophia’s R C Church (HLF) Bentinck Street

Category A Byzantine-style red brick church by Sir Robert Rowan Anderson,

1885-6, for 3rd Marquess of Bute, clearly inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.

Interior design and diocesan links with William Burges. Recent renovation part

funded by Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland. Mass Saturday 10 a.m.;

Sunday 11.30 a.m.

Open Sunday till 4 p.m. KA4 8HT

NEWMILNS

The Owl Cote

Traditional style round tower built 2008-10 to provide nest site for wild barn

owls. Inner core uses re-cycled bricks from former lace factory. Display of a

memories bottle bank, maps indicating local archaeological sites, Burnanne rock

pebbles and eco purpose of moorland peats. Narrow roads.

Open Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. KA16 9LS

DARVEL

Private Telephone Museum 1 Burn Road, near the Turf Hotel

Private museum containing unique display of telephone memorabilia dating

from early 1900s to the present. Housed within old bakehouse dating from

1767, adjacent to the Matthew Burn Green, only remaining public green in

Darvel.

Open Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. KA17 0AJ

KILMAURS

Rowallan Old Castle

Bronze Age. A castle of the Mure family from 13th – 17th centuries, charting

changing styles of architecture from mediaeval castle to country house.

Exhibition of archaeological discoveries. Guided tours Saturday and Sunday.

As spaces on the tours are limited, all visitors must pre-book by phoning

0131 550 7603 before Wednesday 31 August.

FENWICK

Fenwick Parish Church

Built 1643 in the shape of a Greek cross with arms of equal length. Features

include outside stair to Rowallan Loft with coat of arms of the Mures of Rowallan

above the door, crow stepped gables and ‘the jougs’ on the south wall. Artefacts

several notable graves and monuments. Service 10.30 a.m.

Open Sunday 2 – 5 p.m. KA3 6DE

Lochgoin and Fenwick Covenanters’ Trust

Lochgoin is a working moorland farm where there is a museum room to the

Covenanters, and a monument to John Howie, author of The Scots Worthies.

Open Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. KA3 6EX

KILMARNOCK

Henderson Parish Church London Road. Situated in town centre, near Bus Station and Grand Hall

Imposing Gothic-style church of Ballochmyle sandstone completed 1907,

architect Thomas Smellie, Kilmarnock. Carillon of bells, 1950. Norman & Beard

three-manual organ restored 1987. Stained glass in side chapel by Wendy

Robertson, 1987. Services 9.45, 11 a.m.

Open Sunday 1 – 4 p.m. KA3 7AJ

New Laigh Kirk Access from John Dickie Street or Bank Street

Body of the Church by Robert Johnstone, 1802. Enlarged 1831 with later 19th

century Session Room. Major refurbishment 1995. Civic Trust award 1997.

Norman McDougall, J T & C Stewart, A C Whalen and Susan Bradbury. Kirkyard

contains graves of Covenanters Ross and Shields as well as Rev James MacKinlay

and Rev John Robertson, both mentioned in The Ordination plus Tam Samson,

friend of Robert Burns. Exhibition on art and conservation of church. Artists

welcome to draw and paint in interior and grounds. Service 11 a.m.

Open Sunday 2 – 4 p.m. KA1 1BL

St Marnock Street

Modern red sandstone court complex completed 1987. Two large jury courts,

David M Gregory.

Open Sunday 12 noon – 4 p.m. KA1 1ED

AYR

Loudoun Hall

MAYBOLE

Maybole Castle

MAUCHLINENational Burns Memorial Tower

ARDROSSAN

St. Andrew’s Episcopalian Church

ARDROSSANSt. Peter in Chains RC Church

KIMARNOCK

Burns Monument Centre

MAYBOLECrossraguel Abbey

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Ayr is a beautiful, historic town with all kinds of treats to offer the

casual observer and architectural devotee alike. Doors Open Day

is a great chance to discover more about our town, to go behind

doors that are usually locked and to uncover the real Ayr.

Ayr Townscape Heritage Initiative has helped to put together a

series of unique experiences and exciting tours and events to help

you to get the most out of this annual event. From a cup of tea up

a tower to a chilling spell in a dungeon, from making stained glass

to comparing a two hundred year old painting with the same,

current view of the town, these are all designed to give you a new

way of looking at Ayr.

We hope we have something here for everyone's taste, but spaces

are limited so be sure to book early.

Ayr Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) aims to ensure the survival

of the most important buildings in the historic heart of Ayr. We do

this by providing grants and developing ways in which the town's

architectural heritage can be more fully enjoyed and appreciated.

These Doors Open Day events are just the beginning: we plan

to do much more to help preserve and protect Ayr, and help you

to get the most out of your town.

For more, please visit us at: www.ayrthi.org.ukor join our mailing list by emailing: enquiries@ayrthi.org.uk

Guided ToursAll guided tours are free and mustbe booked in advance through theTownscape Heritage InitiativeOffice. Please email:enquiries@ayrthi.org.ukor telephone: 01292 616110.

Places will be allocated on a firstcome, first serve basis.

Air Above, Ayr BelowA tour of the best views in the towncentre from the highest buildingsaround, this tour will be ideal forphotographers, artists or generalAyr enthusiasts wishing to get viewsthey would never otherwise getaccess to. Participants will also get a pack of postcard-size high-levelimages of New Bridge Street andthe Sandgate, from the TownscapeHeritage Initiative's recent surveys.This is a strenuous tour for theable-bodied only.Saturday and Sunday – 11amTour duration: 1 and a half hours

Saints and Sinners See what it takes to transform a denof debauchery into heavenly havenand vice versa, become an inmate inAyr Town Hall's underground jailcells and view church interiors thatnever normally see the light of day.Saturday 11am and 2pmTour duration: 1 and a half hours

Conservation in AyrFind out about the ins and outs ofbuilding conservation with localconservation architects ARPL, whowill lead a guided tour of some oftheir most recent work and willexplain many of the techniquesinvolved.Sunday – 11amTour duration: 1 and a half hours

Self-Guided ToursCompAyrAyr's past and present in pictures.How much has Ayr changed? Howwould you know? By looking atpictures, of course. We havereproduced a variety of historic andcontemporary artist images of Ayron postcards - just follow thedirections on the back to stand inthe very spot the artist did and gazeon the view - the same, butdifferent. Try and spot how the townhas changed, or where paintershave clearly employed some artisticlicence.

Postcard packs can be picked upfrom the Townscape HeritageInitiative office at 11 High Street, Ayrfrom the 29th August - 4thSeptember, or download and printyour own pack from:www.ayrthi.org.uk from the 29thAugust.

Ayrshire Doors Open Day– events in Ayr

3rd and 4th September 2011

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Crooks in the NooksThe history of Old Ayr includesmany tales of law-breaking,imprisonment, execution andescape. Download local historylibrarian Tom Barclay's free audiotour of town centre sites associatedwith the rebels, smugglers, bodysnatchers, common criminals andthief-takers who have all playeddramatic parts in the town’scolourful past. Available fromwww.ayrthi.org.uk from the 29thAugust.

Focus on GlassA building's glass can be itsstandout feature, giving light andcolour to the most imposing offacades. Ayr Townscape HeritageInitiative is sponsoring a series ofevents to help you understand andappreciate the glass that is allaround us. All Focus on Glass Eventsare free and must be booked inadvance through the TownscapeHeritage Initiative Office. Pleaseemail: enquiries@ayrthi.org.uk orphone: 01292 616110. Places willbe allocated on a first come, firstserve basis.

Ayr’s Stained GlassThis tour will be led by local glasshistorian and artist Susan Bradburyand will cover the history andtechniques of some of Ayr's most

beautiful glasswork.Saturday – 10am and 2pmTour duration: 1 and a half hours

No space left on the tour? Susan'stour will be available as an audiotour soon after Doors Open Day:email: enquiries@ayrthi.org.uk tobe sent a link once it's available.

Alternatively, make your owntour over the weekend! The following Doors Open Daybuildings are noted for the qualityof their stained glass:

St. John's Church, Largs

Auld Kirk of Kilbirnie, Kilbirnie

Irvine Burns Club, Irvine

New Laigh Kirk, Kilmarnock

Old High Kirk, Kilmarnock

Riccarton Parish Church, Kilmarnock

Dundonald Parish Church,Dundonald

Symington Parish Church,Symington

St.Meddan's Parish Church, Troon

St.Nicholas Parish Church, Prestwick

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Ayr

Ayr Baptist Church Centre, Ayr

Stained Glass WorkshopTHI Manager Susan O'Connor is alsoan artist who works in glass.

Using copper foiling techniques shewill help participants to create theirown glass version of a choice ofAyr's most iconic buildings.Saturday and Sunday – 2pmDuration: 2 hours

Stained Glass DemonstrationLocal glass artist Leona Stewart willdemonstrate the process of creatinga leaded glass panel. Learn thetechniques involved and help Leonato construct a piece.Saturday and Sunday – 10am-4pmat Holmston House, Ayr, KA7 3BA

Tea and Tunes in the TowerRelax in Ayr's most exclusivetearoom, for one weekend only. Thefirst floor of the Town Hall Tower willbe transformed into a cafe for theweekend. Book yourself an hour slotand relax with tea or coffee andrefreshments in the Tower's gothicsplendour, your reverieaccompanied by music from someof Ayr's most promising musicstudents.Saturday and Sunday –10am-12pmand 2pm-4pm

Traditional Building SkillsLime raking out and repointing.Using the garden walls of HolmstonHouse in Ayr, local expert AndrewBrown of Sandstone Solutions willlead an engaging and informative

hand-on workshop on the use of limemortar for basic repairs. This is a greatway to learn how to use traditionalmaterials to do your own repairs.Saturday and Sunday – 10am-12pmDuration: 2 hours

10 RoomsOpen the doors of one of Ayr's mostbeautiful buildings and you might besurprised by what you find. Ayrshireartists will transform historicHolmston House into a feast of visualflair and creative abandon.The artists have been given licence to unleash their imaginations, eachusing a whole room of HolmstonHouse as their canvas. They will eveninvolve you in the process, showingyou their techniques and letting youtry them out in this beautiful setting.Information on the type ofworkshops available is at:www.ayrthi.org.ukAll workshops must be booked inadvance.

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