Under Scottish law, couples from anywhere in the world can get married in Scotland without having to be residents. And if you’re ever down in Ayrshire- Scotland’s very own Elysium- with your significant other, you will appreciate just how befitting it is. Bask in the green-gold splendour of a land so beautiful that it’s easy to believe it, even now, to be the home of faeries. Rediscover the meaning of romance and dreams within the centuries-old walls of its hauntingly beautiful manors and castles. And fall in love all over again.

In a land as beautifully unreal as a tapestry woven on the loom of dreams, no affianced couple would wish to wait till an uncertain future to exchange rings and lives. Consider the Kelburn Castle of Fairlie. Set in a panorama of lush woodlands and rolling glens, Kelburn is a wonderland of cascading waterfalls, exquisite pleasure gardens and even its very own pagoda, all guarded by the watchful eyes of a lordly castle. The marriage is conducted in the majestic splendour of its eighteenth century drawing room, or the sheltered intimacy of its private gardens, the ‘Plaisance’. The wedding party is given access to all of the grounds for the day, and a more magical backdrop to the magical event could not be asked for.

Or take the Glenapp Castle Hotel of Ballantrae. The battlemented walls and pennants take you back to a day and age when chivalry was yet alive, when every lover was a knight and his lady a princess. Added to this antique charm are all the luxuries that only a five star Relais & Châteaux hotel of the 21st century can provide- the best, in other words, of both worlds. Glenapp Castle hosts weddings on an exclusive basis, giving the wedding party of up to thirty-four guests exclusive occupancy of the castle and grounds. From there, all that awaits you is a vision of perfection… from the thirty-six acres of immaculate gardens to the Irish Sea and Island of Arran, and the magical Fairy Rock-the Ailsa Craig. A place as far removed from the noisome cares of everyday life as the middle heavens from the lower earth. A place to make one feel that their marriage was, truly, sanctified beyond the earthy confines of the common world.

Ayrshire offers you more than just beauty on your wedding day. It offers to make the day timeless and unforgettable, in the way it should be, in the way that everyone in this world wishes it ought to be. So come to Ayrshire and know it for yourself. And experience that magical moment of eternity that lives on long, long after it has ceased to be. Image source: Flickr

The Wickerman Festival takes place for the eighth successive year near Dundrennan in Dumfries and Galloway. The festival has proven popular with Ayrshire music lovers, being close to home and promoting Ayrshire talent into the bargain over the previous years.

The Liverpool based band the Zutons and 80s band the human league.

Headliners this year will be Liverpool band The Zutons and 80s band The Human League. Unlike the bigger commercial festivals it has a more family orientated feel with kids welcomed and catered for. It also runs throughout the night only stopping for a few hours to clear up and start again. There is music from an array of genres for the most discerning of music fans; reggae, rock, indie, ska, punk, electronic and several styles of dance with house legend Danny Rampling even giving classes to the wannabe DJs among the campers.

There’s also spoken word, poetry, comedy and even a retro outdoor cinema – where yes, you can watch the original Wickerman movie starring Edward Woodward.

Ayr-based ska band The Hostiles will grace the stage in the scooter tent where Bad Manners will headline on Saturday.

At midnight on Saturday there’s a feast of pyrotechnics and a giant Wickerman effigy is set ablaze to the sound of the bagpipes. The Wickerman Festival takes place this weekend on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July, check out www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk for more info. Weekend tickets cost £80 including camping and parking and kids under 14 go free if accompanied by an adult.

There is so much to do in and around Ayr, it is difficult to decide what to do and when. Given that the area is steeped in history, activites that take a step back in time are high on the list of “to-dos”.

Ailsa Craig

Sitting 10 miles offshore and easily seen from Girvan, a huge granite monolith is a haven for a multitude of birds. Prominently positioned on Ailsa Craig sits the ruins of a medieval tower. The rock, known by its Gaelic name is Ailsa Craig, or “Fairyland Rock” is renowned for its high quality granite. “Ailsite” is the name of the granite and is used for many things including curling stones. Read the full story

Scotland’s golf courses are some of the best in the world. Perhaps this is because the game of golf is credited as starting in Scotland and Scottish pride demands excellent courses for “their” game. A stone’s throw from Ayr lays Preswick, Scotland. This small town is home to an international airport and three excellent golf courses including the world-renowned Preswick Golf Club, home of the British Open. There are several golf courses within the area and these courses make Prestwick and Ayr an alluring destination to visitors. The Ayr/Prestwick area is a golfer’s paradise!

Founded in 1851, Prestwick Golf Club hosted the first Open in 1860. At the course’s inception, Tom Morris was brought in to be the Keeper of the Green, Ball and Club Maker. His son, young Tommy, grew up on the links and honed his skill at the game of golf. In later years, young Tommy went on to win an as yet unmatched 4 Opens. This course will challenge and delight you. The Pow River creates a natural obstacle as it flows through the course. The famous third hole (par 5) abruptly ends 300 yards from the tee at a deep bunker, “the Cardinal”. This hole has dashed many a golfer’s goal of winning their round. Read the full story

Ayr Racecourse bills itself as being the premier racecourse in Scotland. It is a very impressive racecourse with great horse races, jumping events, and outstanding facilities. Affordable entertainment at affordable pricing in a terrific facility makes a visit to Ayr Racecourse a must in every visitor’s itinerary.

In 2009, 27 events are on the schedule for Ayr Racecourse. The racecourse offers a broad selection of tickets, including memberships, which will suit everyone’s pocketbook. From the £5 Value Day to the £260 Club Season Ticket, and everything in between, offers good value for the money. Many of the prices have been held at the 2008 level. There is always a good reason to attend the races. Read the full story