The Scottish Firth of Clyde riverport town of Ayr has historical roots going back to the 13th century. To put the length of time into perspective, Ayr existed before the Magna Carta was signed and several years before the Fifth Crusade. From the castle built in 1197 to the present day, Ayr is steeped in more than 800 years of history. A Royal Burgh charter was issued to Ayr in 1205 and is the oldest surviving founding Royal Burgh charter in Scotland.

Delving into Ayr’s past, you’ll find that the town was held by the British for a very few years (1301-1312). Although the church it was attached to was demolished, St John’s Tower was the site of the first “sitting” of Parliament of Scotland led by in 1315 and still stands. This “sitting” of the Parliament of Scotland led by Robert the Bruce occurred 13 years before he was declared King of Scotland. Read the full story