BURNS BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM

For Auld Lang Syne

Robert Burns was born in 1759 into a farming family on the outskirts of the town of Ayr, and would rise to become one of Scotland’s most celebrated literary figures.

Still celebrated each year in Scotland on his birthday, the 25th January, he remains a global icon of Scottish culture around the world. Visit the extensive Burns Birthplace Museum in the enchanting village of Alloway to learn more about the life and inspirations of Scotland’s Bard.

CULZEAN CASTLE

Robert Adam’s Clifftop Masterpiece

Situated in extensive pleasure gardens and perched atop a dramatic cliff plunging down to the Firth of Clyde below, Culzean Castle is the model of 18th Century aristocratic opulence.

Designed by celebrated Scottish architect Robert Adam, the castle was the home of the Kennedy family, the Earls of Cassilis.

Marvel at the treasures of the rich interior and dramatic oval staircase, or relax in the wider country park, complete with landscaped gardens, ornamental swan pond, large children’s play park and farm shop.

The top floor apartments were gifted to Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1945 in thanks from the Scottish people for his wartime service, and the future President was a regular visitor to the area.

TURNBERRY

Birthplace of Kings

Now home to an enormous and luxurious golf resort with its famous lighthouse adjacent to the 9th green, the ruined Turnberry Castle is thought to be the historic birthplace of Scotland’s greatest champion, the warrior king Robert the Bruce.

According to legend, the future king’s father, also called Robert, arrived at the castle to inform it’s owner, the Lady Marjorie, that her husband had died in the Holy Lands. Making the best of a bad situation, the newly widowed Countess promptly had the handsome young knight imprisoned until he agreed to become her second husband.

Bruce fought a long guerilla war throughout Scotland to regain Scottish independence after the nation’s occupation by the Planagenet kings of England, culminating in his great victory at Bannockburn in 1314.

Ayrshire is famous for its many golf courses, with nearly fifty in the region, including the famous Open venues at Royal Troon and Turnberry.

ARRAN

Scotland In Miniature

A short ferry journey from the mainland port of Ardrossen, the Isle of Arran has been described as a geologist’s paradise and ‘Scotland in miniature’. Boasting spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife, the island is home to resort hotels and many outdoor pursuits, in addition to the impressive Brodick Castle, former seat of the Duke of Hamilton.

The island has a number of local artisanal products for you to sample, including a distillery, microbrewery, cheesemaker and Arran Aromatics, specialising in luxury toiletries and candles.