Area Programmes

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Area Coordinator

Michael Hitchon
Kyle & Carrick Civic Society
1 Barns Terrace
Ayr
KA7 2DB
Tel: 01292 619800

Area Programmes

Ayrshire: 01 September 2012 – 02 September 2012

Doors Open Days in Ayrshire are organised by volunteers from the Kyle & Carrick Civic Society, with help from other voluntary groups. Established in 1967, the Society campaigns to protect and improve the environment. It has a particular interest in the conservation of historic 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 these aims.

In 2012 there will be many buildings taking part in Ayrshire's Doors Open Day - watch this space as details are added...

Displaying 1 - 77 of 77 results by building (A - Z)

Results Per Page:

Ayr: No.125 Masonic Lodge

02.09.12 (10.00-16.00)

Fullarton Street, Ayr, KA7 1UB

Lodge St James Newton on Ayr consecrated 1771 and moved here to former Newnham School for Girls in 1931.

See Souter Johnnie's Masonic Apron and other artefacts including fine stained glass windows. Guided tour.

Wheelchair access ground floor only.

Ayr: Rozelle House and the MacLaurin Art Gallery

01.09.12 - 02.09.12 (10.30-4.30)

Monument Road, Ayr

This beautiful house was built in 1760 in the style of Robert Adam. It was gifted to the Royal Burgh of Ayr in 1968.
Building Date: 1760

Guided tours, Exhibitions: A Stitch in Rhyme, Tam o' Shanter and Your Paintings.

Art and artists

Ayr: St Andrew's Parish Church

02.09.12 (13.00-16.00)

Park Circus, Ayr, KA7 2DL

Perpendicular Gothic in red sandstone, 1893 with landmark 146 ft spire. Hall built in 1897 by William McClelland, extended in 1963 and 1983.
Architect: John B Wilson
Building Date: 1893

Fine stained glass by John Blyth, CWS Design of Lisburn, Marcus Lundie and G Maile Studios of Canterbury and Roland Mittland. Tours.

Service 11.00.

Ayr: St Margaret's RC Cathedral

02.09.12 (14.00-16.00)

John Street, Ayr, KA8 0BS

Ayr: St Margaret's RC Cathedral - Image 1

Opened 1827, the first Catholic Church in Ayrshire since the Reformation. Refurbished 1999-2000. Became the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Galloway and dedicated in 2007. Fine stained glass, including Pan Am 103 memorial by Susan Bradbury who will be present for part of the afternoon. Two-manual organ by Hardy & Sons, 1894.
Architect: James Dempster
Building Date: 1826

Mass Sunday 10.00 & 11.30. Tours.

Art and artists

Ayr: Tower of St John's

02.09.12 (12.00-16.00)

Bruce Crescent, Ayr, KA7 1JH

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 14C. 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 landmark to seamen, it offers magnificent panoramic views.
Building Date: c.1300

Guided tour. Stout footwear required, supervised access.

Image (c) www. scran.ac.uk

Scottish Archaeology Month & Doors Open Day joint event

Ayr: University of the West of Scotland

01.09.12 - 02.09.12 (10.00-16.00)

University Avenue, Ayr, KA8 0SX

New Ayr Campus opened 2011 providing state-of-the-art facilities for the teaching of Education, Health and Creative Industries. Also houses the Scottish Agricultural College with shared library and IT facilities in riverside location.
Highly rated green credentials.
Building Date: 2011

Guided tours of training wards, TV and radio studios.

Ayrial View - Ayr from the Sky

01.09.12 - 02.09.12 (various)

Burns House, 16 Burns Statue Square, Ayr, KA7 1UT

Ever wondered what the view looks like from top of Burns House, the tallest building for miles around? Head to Burns Statue Square to find out.

Hourly tours from the top for anyone who wants to find out what Ayr looks like from the sky.

Booking: contact the THI Project Support on 01292 617606 or email: Toria.Cassidy@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

Bookings will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

Ayrshire Bridge Centre

01.09.12 (11.00-16.00)

4 The Riggs, Prestwick, KA9 1BD

As the game of Bridge is popular in Ayrshire, seven clubs use the Centre, which is also used for league matches, competitions and classes.

See how the game is played, get information on classes, watch a demonstration game, and enjoy free refreshments.

Beith Parish Church - High Building

02.09.12 (14.00-16.00)

Kirk Road, Beith, KA15 1EX

Built 1807-10 to replace Auld Kirk, extended 1885. Gothic T-plan church with prominent tall five-stage tower. Interior woodwork of note by craftsmen employed in local furniture industry. Imposing organ, and stained glass by Gordon Webster.
Building Date: 1807-10

Exhibition and tours.

Beith: Auld Kirk and Kirkyard

01.09.12 (10.00-13.00) - 02.09.12 (13.00-16.00)

Beith Cross in town centre., 200 yard from Townhouse., Beith, KA15 2DR

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.
Building Date: 1590

Exhibition and tours.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk

Beith: Beith Townhouse

01.09.12 (10.00-13.00) - 02.09.12 (13.00-16.00)

Corner of The Strand and Eglinton Street., Beith KA15 1DT

Classic Georgian building with attractive belfry, funded from public subscriptions and opened 1817 to replace earlier building. Ground floor reopened by Beith Cultural and Heritage Society April 2011 as an Information and Heritage Centre.
Building Date: 1817

Exhibition- Bieth Furniture Industry, tours, audio-visual displays.

Beith: Former Trinity Church

02.09.12 (14.00-16.00)

Roebank Road, Beith, KA15 2XD

Former UP church by Robert Baldie, 1883 with graceful 80ft octagonal tower. After a fire in 1917 it was rebuilt and extended in 1926. It returned to the 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.
Architect: Robert Baldie
Building Date: 1883

Music, exhibition, tours.

Beith: Our Lady of Perpetual Succour R C Church

02.09.12 (14.00-16.00)

Mitchell Street, Beith, KA15 2BD

Built 1816 with churchyard to replace 1761 bulding on a different site, re-built 1910, became Roman Catholic place of worship 1921.
Building Date: 1816

N/A

Beith: Spier's Old School Grounds

01.09.12 (12.00-15.00)

On B706 Beith to Dunlop road - parking in grounds, Beith

Site of school built 1887, demolished 1984, with grounds laid out by the Earl of Eglinton’s Head Gardener. Since 2010 area restored by Friends of Spiers/North Ayrshire Council partnership. Wide range of animal and plant species, including specimen Dawn Redwood planted 1953 for the Coronation.

On B706 Beith to Dunlop road - parking in grounds

Open Saturday 12 noon – 3 p.m.

Church of Our Lady of the Assumption & St Meddan

02.09.12 (14.00-16.00)

St Meddan's Street, Troon, KA10 6NN

Church of Our Lady of the Assumption & St Meddan - Image 1

Very impressive design, replicating many features of late 15C details, reminiscent of the Church of the Holy Rude in Stirling. Note the crowsteps on the chancel roof, the small buttresses, the arrangement of tower and spire. Refurbished with rood beam including a Calvary scene restored to its original position.
Architect: Reginald Fairlie
Building Date: 1911

Service at 11.00.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk

Croy House

01.09.12 - 02.09.12 (10.00-16.00)

Access down narrow road to Croy Shore. KA19 8JS

Studio of Roddy McKenzie and Art Gallery in historic house, where artists living and working in Scotland can display their work. Original works and prints available.

Beautiful situation by the sea. Exhibition & Refreshements.

Image (c) www.artatcroy.com

Art and artists

Dundonald Castle

02.09.12 (10.00-16.00)

Dundonald, KA2 9HD

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 remains of elegant rib-vaulting. Gloomy prison with fireplace and latrine surmounts oubliette.
Building Date: 13th -14th century

Regret castle not fully accessible to wheelchair users. Exhibition of castle models, artefacts, 14th century coins and mediaeval banqueting in Visitor Centre. Café.

Exhibition and guided tours.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk

Castles

Dundonald Parish Church

02.09.12 (13.00-16.00)

Main Street, On the B730, Irvine to Tarbolton road, Dundonald, KA2 9HG

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 and Beard. Artefacts illustrating church history. Tidy graveyard with some interesting stones.

Building Date: 1804

Church can be found at the top of Main Street, Dundonald. Guided tours.

Service at 11.00

Fairlie Parish Church

01.09.12 (10.00-16.00) - 02.09.12 (12.00-16.00)

KA29 0AD

Begun 1834, present building by J J Stevenson 1883. Superb windows by Alfred and Gordon Webster, J H Dearle, Morris, Powell and recently Moira Malcolm of
Prestwick. Organ by William Hill & Co, pulpit by Bennett exhibited at 1888
Open Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday 12 noon – 4 p.m. KA29 0AD
Architect: JJ Stevenson
Building Date: 1883

Empire Exhibition. Fairlie Stone early medieval sculptured stone. Service 10.30 a.m.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk

Fenwick Parish Church

02.09.12 (14.00-17.00)

Kirkton Road, Fenwick, KA3

Built 1643 in the shape of a Greek cross with arms of equal length. Steeped in history of the Convenanters with the flag raised at the battle of Drumclog, Captain Paton's bible and a large wall hanging made by a team led by Bunty Bryson. The world's frst co-operative was witnessed here 1761.
Building Date: 1643

Paintings by Nana Morton and display by Moscow Rural and Fenwick Rural.

Audio-visual display. Guided tour.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk

Galston: Barr Castle

02.09.12 (10.00-16.00)

Barr Street, (in Town Centre), Galston, KA4 8HG

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 church doors were locked against them.

Home of Lodge St Peter 331 for over a hundred years.

Building Date: 15th century

Guided tour. Exhibition. Birds of prey display.

Demonstration by Kilmarnock and Loudoun Amateur Radio Club, call sign GMOADX.

New community garden.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk

Castles, Walking tours

Galston: Galston Parish Church

02.09.12 (13.00-16.00)

In town centre, Galston, KA4 8HU

Galston: Galston Parish Church - Image 1

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.
Architect: John Brash
Building Date: 1809

Service 11.00.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk

Galston: Loudoun Kirk (HLF)

02.09.12 (10.00-16.00)

Side road off A719, Opposite Loudoun Castle Park entrance, Galston, KA4 8PF

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.
Building Date: 1451

Guided tour. Exhibition.

Stewarding by The Friends of Loudoun Kirk.

Image (c) Friends of Loudoun Kirk

Galston: St Sophia's RC Church (HLF)

02.09.12 (11.30-16.00)

Bentinck Street, Galston, KA4 8HT

Galston: St Sophia's RC Church (HLF) - Image 1

Category A Byzantine-style red brick church, designed by Anderson for 3rd marquess of Bute, clearly inspired by Hagia Sofia in Istanbul. Interior design and diocesan links with William Burgess. Recent renovation part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland.
Architect: Robert Rowand Anderson
Building Date: 1885-86

Exhibition; guided tour; audio-visual display.

Mass Sunday 11.30.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk (Galston with church steeple in skyline)

Harbour Arts Centre

02.09.12 (10.00-16.00)

Harbourside, 114-116 Harbour Street, Irvine, KA12 8PZ

Fully equipped centre for music, comedy, theatre and exhibitions. Two multi-purpose state of the art studios, stylish cafe bar, gallery and foyer. Scottish Arts Council funded.

Craft Fair!

Photo is of 'Sea Window' by Susan Bradbury. Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk

Art and artists

Hunterston Castle and Gardens

02.09.12 (13.00-16.00)

Hunterston Castle and Gardens, West Kilbride, KA23 9QG

13th century Pele Tower restored 2001. Many unique features, including original roof beams with carpenters' marks and a fine barrel-vaulted basement.

Lived in continuously by Hunter family till 1803. Early 20th century restoration work carried out by Sir Robert Lorimer including a finely carved stone lintel of the Hunter coat of arms in the Great Hall. Now the centre of the Clan Hunter Association Worldwide.

Building Date: 13C to 17C

Ground and first floor access only.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk

Castles

Irvine Burns Club

02.09.12 (10.00-16.30)

Wellwood, Eglinton Street, Irvine, KA12 8AS

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 significant Burns treasure troves. New statue by Alan B Herriot.

Guided tours and exhibition.

Famous Scots, Walking tours

Irvine Old Parish Church

02.09.12 (13.30-16.30)

Kirkgate, off Hill Street, Irvine, KA12 0DG

Largely built 1774. Elegant steeple. Stained glass by W and 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.

Building Date: 1774

Tour of graveyard at 14.30.

Service 11.00

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk (Susan Bradbury window)

Kilmarnock: Henderson Parish Church

02.09.12 (13.00-16.00)

London Road, Situated in town centre near bus station and Grand Hall., Kilmarnock, KA3 7AJ

Imposing Gothic-style church of Ballochmyle sandstone completed 1907, architect Thomas Smellie, Kilmarnock.
Carillion of bells, 1950. Norman & Beard three-manual organ restored 1987. Stained glass in side chapel by Wendy Robertson, 1987.
Architect: Thomas Smellie
Building Date: 1907

Services 9.45 & 11am.

Tours and exhibition.

Kilmarnock: Johnnie Walker Bond

01.09.12 - 02.09.12 (Pre-booking required.)

15 Strand Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 4HL

Kilmarnock: Johnnie Walker Bond - Image 1

Built as bonded warehouse 1895-97, extended 1898 and 1907. This four-storey,multi-bay, French Renaissance style brick and slate, category B listed building is the only reminder of the former complex that dominated this area.

Refurbishment and conversion to office accommodation is a key element of the East Ayrshire Council’s work to retain and enhance the character of the historic town centre.

Guided tours and exhibition.

Open Saturday and Sunday for guided tours. Pre-booking essential.

Tel: 01563 576790 or e-mail: BuildingStandards@east-ayrshire.gov.uk before 29 August. Please advise of any access requirements.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk

Industry

Kilmarnock: Kilmarnock Burns Monument Centre

02.09.12 (10.00-15.00)

Kay Park, Kilmarnock, KA3 7RU

Kilmarnock: Kilmarnock Burns Monument Centre - Image 1

The UKs first dedicated centre for genealogical research housing registration services, family history research room and some archives under one roof. Built following fire of 2004 around the iconic 1879 statue of Robert Burns by William Grant Stevenson, the centre also boasts a 3D digitised version of Burns's "The Kilmarnock Edition" of Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect.

A new venue for weddings, ceremonies and conferences.

Tours. Exhibition and audio-visual display.

Famous Scots

Kilmarnock: Kilmarnock Community Fire Station

01.09.12 (10.00-16.00) - 02.09.12 (10.00-16.00)

Campbell Street, Riccarton, Kilmarnock, KA1 4HP

Fully operational with modern fire appliances, Ariel Rescue platform and Mass Incident Unit. Up to date training facilities and community safety education room with 64 operational fire fighters.

Built on the site of Riccarton Castle, birthplace of Alan Wallace, father of William Wallace.

Guided tour and exhibition.

Famous Scots

Kilmarnock: New Laigh Kirk

02.09.12 (12.00-16.00)

Access from John Dickie Street or Bank Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 1BL

Body of the church by Robert Johnstone, 1802. Enlarged 1831 with later 19C Session Room. Major refurbishment 1995. Civic Trust award 1997. Clock tower 17th century. Interesting monuments and fine stained glass by Norman MacDougall, J T and C Stewart, A C Whalen and Susan Bradbury. Kirkyard contains graves of Covenanters Ross and Shields as well as Rev J McKinlay and Rev John Robertson, both mentioned in The Ordination and Tam Samson, friend of Robert Burns.
Architect: Robert Johnstone
Building Date: 1802, tower 17C

Refreshments and guided tours.
Service at 11.00.

Art and artists, Famous Scots

Kilmarnock: Old High Kirk (HLF)

02.09.12 (13.00-16.00)

Church Street, At Soulis Cross, Kilmarnock, KA1

Kilmarnock's oldest church building, built 1732 of local stone by the Hunter Brothers to a design adapted from St Martin in the Fields, London.

Austere exterior contrasts with pleasing interior enhanced by unique set of 23 stained glass windows by W & J J Kier., 1860s. Kirkyard with tombs including John Wilson, publisher of Robert Burns' first book of poems and Thomas Morton, telescope maker and inventor.

Architect: Hunter Brothers
Building Date: 1732

Exhibition, guided tour.

Service 11.00.

Kilmarnock: Sheriff and J.P Court

01.09.12 (10.00-15.00)

St Marnock Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 1ED

Kilmarnock: Sheriff and J.P Court - Image 1

Modern red sandstone court complex completed 1987. Two large jury courts, three small non-jury courts, sheriffs' chambers, witness and jury rooms, staff offices and solicitors’ facilities. Lower ground floor area for custody section.
Architect: David M Gregory
Building Date: 1987

Guided tours; audio visual display

Image (c) www. scran.ac.uk

Kilwinning Abbey Tower Heritage Centre

02.09.12 (11.00-16.00)

Main Street, Kilwinning, KA13 6EG

Kilwinning Abbey Tower Heritage Centre - Image 1

David Hamilton replaced the NW tower of the 12th century Tironensian Kilwinning 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. Census records, matchstick models, clock mechanism and bells to view. Access to top of Tower possible for magnificent views.

Architect: David Hamilton
Building Date: 1816

Exhibition and guided tour.

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

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk 'Old Tower of Kilwinning Abbey as it stood in 1806'

Scottish Archaeology Month & Doors Open Day joint event

Kirkoswald Old Kirkyard

02.09.12 (14.00-16.00)

A77, Southern end of village, , Kirkoswald, KA19 8HZ

Old church c.1230 is a ruin. It is reputed to have been built on the site of a church built by Oswald, King of Northumbria. It contains an old font from Crossraguel Abbey said to be the one in which Robert the Bruce was baptised. Graves of many of Burns’ family are marked, and many of the characters from Tam o’ Shanter.
Building Date: Medieval

Tours

Please park at Parish Church.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk

Scottish Archaeology Month & Doors Open Day joint event

Kirkoswald Parish Church

02.09.12 (14.00-16.00)

At southern end of village up hill at the Shanter , Kirkoswald, KA19 8HY

At southern end of village up hill at the Shanter Hotel
Robert Adam church 1777, restored 1997, which replaced 1230 building now a ruin in Old Church Kirkyard. Links with Robert Burns who studied mathematics here, and with Dwight D Eisenhower who worshipped here when President of the USA.
Architect: Robert Adam
Building Date: 1777

Tours

Service 11.15.

Amazing and A-listed

Largs: Barrfields Theatre

02.09.12 (11.00-17.00)

40 Greenock Road, Largs, KA30 8QL

Access all areas! Backstage tours on the hour to show you behind the scenes and reveal technical aspects of the stage. Hear about stars who have performed here, learn of the superstitions.

Guides from Barrfields Theatre User Group.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk

Art and artists

Largs: Clark Memorial Church

02.09.12 (12.00-16.00)

Bath Street, Largs, KA30 8BL

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.
Architect: T G Abercrombie
Building Date: 1890-92

Service 10.00.

Largs: Largs Museum

01.09.12 - 02.09.12 (14.00-17.00)

Kirkgate House, Manse Court, off Main Street, Largs, KA30 8AW

Largs Museum Trust presents a fine collection of domestic artefacts, seaside souvenirs, and photographs of old Largs and Australian connections; and archival material for researchers.

Exhibition: The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and her visits to Largs.

Largs: Skelmorlie Aisle

01.09.12 - 02.09.12 (14.00-17.00)

Off Main Street, Near Museum, Largs, KA30 8AW

Within Auld Kirkyard, off Main Street, near Museum
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.
Building Date: 1636

Owned by Historic Scotland. Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane Mausoleum in Kirkyard.

Guided tour.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk

Walking tours

Largs: St Columba's Parish Church (HLF)

01.09.12 (10.00-16.00) - 02.09.12 (14.00-16.00)

Gallowgate, Largs, KA30 8BE

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 Strachan, Gordon Webster and Winfield. Father Willis organ. Memorial to General Sir Thomas MakDougall Brisbane, astronomer, soldier and Governor of NSW, Australia.
Architect: Henry Steele & Andrew Balfour
Building Date: 1891-93

DVD on sale.
Service at 11.00.

Maybole: The Carrick Centre

01.09.12 (10.00-16.00) - 02.09.12 (13.00-16.00)

Culzean Road in town centre, beside Railway Station and the Greenside KA19 7DE

This new building is a joint project between Maybole Parish Church and the local community providing a wide range of facilities. See a multi-purpose auditorium and church sanctuary, meeting rooms, games hall, soft-play area and cafes.

Meet artist Gordon Cockburn and view his paintings and work from Maybole and District Young Arts Groups. Soft-play are open for youngsters.

Image (c) www.carrickcentre.co.uk

Art and artists, Great for kids!

McKechnie Institute

01.09.12 (10.30-16.00) - 02.09.12 (12.00-16.00)

40A Dalrymple Street, Girvan, KA26 9AE

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: Open Art and Small World.
Architect: John McKissack
Building Date: 1888

Wheelchair access to ground floor only. Audio visual display and exhibition.

Monitoring Post Museum

01.09.12 (Pre-booked tours only) - 02.09.12 (Pre-booked tours only)

On A78, Near Skelmorlie

The first fully restored monitoring post (built 1965) in
Scotland following the 1991 stand-down of the ROC facilities that would have reported nuclear explosion and fall-out in the Firth of Clyde. Measure radiation and hear attack warning with original equipment.

Building Date: 1965

Tour lasting an hour restricted to six adults and teenagers. Pre-booking essential - telephone 01475 672 134 before 29th August. Open both days for free booking-only tours.

Access by climbing down a 15 ft vertical steel ladder and viewing restricted to 6 people at one time. Warm clothing and sensible shoes required.

Image (c) www.nuclearburst.co.uk

Mother Lodge No 0 Masonic Museum

02.09.12 (14.00-16.00)

99 Main Street, Kilwinning, KA13 6AW

The Mother Lodge was founded in Kilwinning c. 1140. Present building consecrated 1893. Masonic and other artefacts, some dating back to the early 17th century, portraits, furnishings, and transcription of Lodge Minute Book of 1600.

Architect: John Armour
Building Date: 1883

Tours and exhibition

North Ayrshire Heritage Centre

01.09.12 (10.00-13.00, 14.00-17.00)

Manse Street, Saltcoats, KA21 5AA

Housed in the rubble-built former Ardrossan Parish Church (1744), its collections of photographs, paintings, Victoriana and other artefacts illustrate the history of North Ayrshire from the Bronze Age to the present.
Building Date: 1744

Artefacts and exhibitions.

Scottish Archaeology Month & Doors Open Day joint event

North Parish Church

01.09.12 (10.00-16.00) - 02.09.12 (13.00-16.00)

Montgomerie Street, Girvan, KA26 9HE

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 surface of the sea. The earth is represented by flowers of the field and there are heavenly stars. Four stained glass windows.
Architect: William G Rowan
Building Date: 1884

Music, tours, exhibition.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk.

Owl Cote

02.09.12 (10.00-16.00)

Middlefield Farm, near Darvel TV mast public road, Newmilns, KA16 9LS

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.
Building Date: 2008-10

Display of a memories bottle bank, maps indicating local archaeological sites, Burnanne rock pebbles and eco purpose of moorland peats.

Narrow road.

Exhibition and tours.

Animal magic

Portencross Castle

01.09.12 - 02.09.12 (11.00-16.00)

Portencross KA23 9QA

Built by Robert Boyd c.1360, and extended to form a tower with five-storey 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.
Architect: Robert Boyd
Building Date: c. 1360

Regret wheelchair access limited to ground floor cellar.

Image (c) www.scran.co.uk

Castles, Scottish Archaeology Month & Doors Open Day joint event

Portland Parish Church

02.09.12 (14.00-16.00)

St Meddans Street, Troon, KA10 6JU

Designed by H E Clifford & Lunan, 1914. Perpendicular Gothic style in white sandstone, last church in Ayrshire built in ‘the grand manner’. War Memorial window by S Metyard, last of the Pre-Raphaelites, donated by A E Stephen of
shipbuilding family. Hammer beam roof, fine window tracery, Iona marble in chancel, halls extension 1964 & 2000.
Architect: H E Clifford & Lunan
Building Date: 1914

Service 10.30. Organ recital, Exhibition, guided tour.

Private Telephone Museum

01.09.12 - 02.09.12 (10.00-16.00)

1 Burn Road, Near the Turf Hotel, Darvel, KA17 0AJ

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.
Building Date: 1767

Exhibition. Tour.

Weird and wonderful

Projecting the past

02.09.12 (10.00-16.00)

Ayr County Buildings, Wellington Square, Ayr, KA7 1DR

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to examine buildings from different periods side by side? Compare the characters of buildings from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries in our Projecting The Past exhibition.

Photographs, paintings, plans and drawings of buildings from each of these three walls will be projected on to the three walls of the exhibition space so that you can see the town's development unfold before your eyes and compare how buildings have changed over the last 250 years. This exhibition draws on previously unseen material from the Ayrshire Archive and Carnegie Library.

Rowallan Old Castle

01.09.12 - 02.09.12 (Pre-booked tours only)

Kilmaurs, KA3 2LP

Magnificent Renaissance mansion house c. 1560 on a site with origins dating back to the Bronze Age. A castle of the Mure family 13th to 17th centuries, charting changing styles of architecture from mediaeval castle to country house.
Building Date: c.1560

As spaces on the tours are limited, all visitors must pre-book by phoning 0131 550 7603 before Wednesday 29 August.

Guided tours Saturday and Sunday.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk

Castles, Scottish Archaeology Month & Doors Open Day joint event

Smugglers @ The Cells

01.09.12 - 02.09.12 (10.00-16.00)

Town Hall Jail Cells, New Bridge Street, Ayr, KA7 1JX

Smuggling, forgery, assault and robbery - the crimes of Ayr's past are laid bare in an intriguing exhibition in the Old Court in the Town Hall Jail Cells.

Take a look at the specially commissioned pieces by our 10 Rooms artists, and enjoy the public art exhibition, where members of the public will display their own work.

Art and artists, Great for kids!

St Margaret's Parish Church

01.09.12 - 02.09.12 (12.00-16.00)

The Cross, Dalry, KA24 5AL

A church has been on this site since c.1604. Present building by David Thomson 1873, repaired after fire of 1951 destroyed roof and chancel. Stained glass by
Guthrie & Wells, Hemony bell c.1604, organ by Blackett & Howden rebuilt 1952 by Hill Norman & Beard.

Architect: David Thomson
Building Date: 1871-3

Yes

St Nicholas Parish Church

01.09.12 (10.00-16.00)

Main Street, Prestwick , KA9 1NW

Impressive red sandstone church designed by P MacGregor Chalmers and built on a cruciform plan. Newly constructed entrance vestibule. The building has 20 fine stained glass windows, including WW1 and WW2 memorials.
Architect: P MacGregor Chalmers
Building Date: 1908

The superb Millennium window was designed by Prestwick artist Moira Malcolm who will be available to discuss the windows and the stained glass studios and artists represented: R Douglas McLundie, Gordon Webster, G Mailes and Son and Harvey Salvin.

Musical entertainment, guided tour and audio-visual display. Sunday Service 11.00.

Art and artists

St Ninian's Scottish Episcopal Church

02.09.12 (12.00-16.00)

1 Bentinck Drive, Troon, KA10 6HZ

James A Morris, 1912 - 13, in the Arts & 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 JJ Binns, rebuilt 1987.
Architect: James A Morris
Building Date: 1912-13

Fine Stained glass by Guthrie and Wells, William Wilson and Douglas Strachan. Tours.

Service 10.30.

St Oswald's Scottish Episcopal Church

01.09.12 - 02.09.12 (13.00-16.00)

Cargill Road, Maybole, KA19 8AF

Pretty little building close to the railway station. Built in 'English style' 1883 with apse chancel and plain but tranquil interior. Organ by Alfred Kirkland, 1892. Hall added 1970s.
Building Date: 1883

Exhibition. Sunday service at 11.30.

St Peter in Chains RC Church

01.09.12 (10.30-17.00) - 02.09.12 (13.30-17.00)

1 South Crescent, Ardrossan, KA22 8DU

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.
Architect: Jack Coia and T Wharnett Kennedy
Building Date: 1938

Services - Saturday 10.00 and Sunday 10.00 and 12.00. Guided tours.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk

St Quivox Church

02.09.12 (14.00-16.00)

In village, Auchincruive, KA6 5HJ

Category A-listed. The medieval building was restored in 1595 and extended to form a T-plan in 1767. Good pulpit and 18th century fittings, and the kirkyard contains the mausoleum of the Campbells of Craigie by W H Playfair, 1822.
Building Date: pre-1595, 1767

Tours. Exhibition.

Service 11.30.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk

Amazing and A-listed

Stair Parish Church

01.09.12 (12.00-16.00) - 02.09.12 (13.30-16.00)

Stair, KA5 5HW

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 design drawings.

Architect: William Alexander
Building Date: 1864

Almost full birth and marriage records and full cemetery index plus other artefacts.

Sunday service 10.00. Guided tour; exhibition.

Image (c) www.stairchurch.homestead.com

Stumpy Tower

01.09.12 - 02.09.12 (12.00-16.00)

In town centre, Girvan, KA26 9AE

Erected 1825-27 to serve as a jail with cells on first, second and third floors, all barrel vaulted. Following loss of adjoining McMaster Hall by fire in 1939 it is now free standing.
Building Date: 1825-27

Exhibits include 16C wrought iron cannon, maps and photographs. Guided tours.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk

Symington Parish Church

01.09.12 - 02.09.12 (12.00-16.00)

In centre of village, Off A77, Symington, KA1 5QP

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.
Building Date: 12th century and 18th century extension

Sunday service 10.30. Tours.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk

Tarbolton Masonic Lodge

02.09.12 (12.00-16.00)

67 Montgomerie Street, Tarbolton, KA5 5QB

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.

Montgomerie Street is named after the first Master Alec Montgomerie of Coilsfield. Burns was Depute Master of the Lodge 1784-88.

Building Date: 1771

Guided tour, audio-visual display and musical entertainment.

Famous Scots

The Barony Centre

01.09.12 (10.00-17.00) - 02.09.12 (12.00-17.00)

50 Main Street, West Kilbride, KA23 9AW

Superb church conversion for Craft Town Scotland. Exhibition Modern Languages features five International Irish artists and designers.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk

Art and artists

The Bricks Are Alive - What do Buildings sound like?

02.09.12 (10.00-16.00)

Dundonald Committee Room, Ayr County Buildings, Wellington Square, Ayr, KA7 1DR

What sounds do buildings make? experience architecture in an entirely new way, through soundscapes of some of Ayr's buildings.

Soundscapes will be mixed with poetry and other audio samples played on head phones to give you an alternative way of understanding our built environment.

Weird and wonderful

The Inspiration Tour

01.09.12 (11.00 and 13.30)

Ayr is full of beautiful and unexpected vistas, views and settings - perfect for any budding film-makers or painters looking to make their vision a reality. Have you got a great script, but no idea how to film it? Do you need ideas for new aspects of Ayr for your paintings or photographs? The Inspiration Tour is for you. This tour will bring you to the perfect spots to realise your artistic ambitions, and inspire you to create more interesting recordings of the lcoal environment.

Booking: contact the THI Project Support on 01292 617606 or email: Toria.Cassidy@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

Bookings will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

Art and artists

The Old Town Hall (HLF)

02.09.12 (13.00-17.00)

Harbour Street, Ardrossan, KA22 8EA

Built 1858, 11 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 came to agreement that Lodge take over the building.

Exterior stonework restored 1997-98 with assistance from national and local bodies.Original town clock.

Building Date: 1858

Guided tours.

Tinytown – Ayr’s High Street in Miniature!

01.09.12 - 02.09.12 (10.00-16.00)

Citadel Leisure Centre Foyer, South Harbour Street, Ayr, KA7 1JB

Local children and young people have worked to create an amazing 3D replica of Ayr's High Street.

Come and point out your favourite spots, get a bird's eye view of the town and even make your own building to add to the streetscape.

Great for kids!

Traditional Building Skills

02.09.12 (10.00-16.00)

Holmston House (front garden), Holmston Road, Ayr, KA7 3AU

Following on from lat year's highly successful workshops, local mason Andrew Brown will take a small number of participants through a full day workshop on the practicalities of taking out and repointing a garden wall, using traditional lime mortar and techniques.

Each participant will have the opportunity to repoint a section of wall during the workshop.

Booking: contact the THI Project Support on 01292 617606 or email: Toria.Cassidy@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

Bookings will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

Scottish Archaeology Month & Doors Open Day joint event

Treasure Hunt

01.09.12 - 02.09.12 (10.00-16.00)

Holmston House Gardens, Holmston Road, Ayr, KA7 3AU

Learn more about buildings and how they are put together in this fun treasure hunt for children (and parents) aged 7-12.

Collect your questionnaire from our helpers at Holmston House, answer correctly, and collect your prize pack!

Great for kids!

Troon Old Parish Church

02.09.12 (14.00-16.00)

Neo-Gothic in red sandstone by Hippolyte Blanc dedicated 1895. Stained glass Ascension window by Morris Studio, others by Gordon Webster. Alabaster reredos depicting Moses, St Paul and The Last Supper has a finely carved canopy and stands above a mosaic pavement of the Paschal lamb and below stained glass Crucifixion window. Richly carved pulpit, font and communion table.
Architect: Hippolyte Blanc
Building Date: 1895

Service 10.30.

Music and tours.

Walking Tour: Dramatic Scenery

01.09.12 (14.00)

From the famous Borderline Theatre to some lesser-known gems, Ayr has some fine architecture for entertainment, in more ways than one. Local historian and conservation officer Bob Orr will lead a tour of the town's hot spots, inside and out.

Booking: contact the THI Project Support on 01292 617606 or email: Toria.Cassidy@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

Bookings will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

Walking Tour: Sculpture in Ayr

01.09.12 (14.00)

Ayr is full of statues, some famous, some hidden away. Its buildings, too, contain sculptural elements. Find and assess Ayr's most interesting an dunusual 3-D work with Architect Niall Murphy of Peter Drummond Architects.

Booking: contact the THI Project Support on 01292 617606 or email: Toria.Cassidy@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

Bookings will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

Walking tours

Walking Tour: The Architects of Ayrshire

02.09.12 (11.00)

Walking Tour: The Architects of Ayrshire - Image 1

Learn all about Ayrshires' most famous architects by taking this tour of their buildings with Patrick Lorimer of ARPL architects. Highlights will include Ayr Academy, the Wallace Tower, Ayr Town Hall and the Back of the Isle.

Booking: contact the THI Project Support on 01292 617606 or email: Toria.Cassidy@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

Bookings will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

Walking tours

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