In Person

Ayrshire

Ardrossan Castle

12 September 2026

13 September 2026

First recorded in 1149, the ruins of Ardrossan Castle sit atop Ardrossan Castlehill, an elevated rocky outcrop with wide panoramic views of the Firth of Clyde. Ardrossan Castle is one of the oldest castles in Scotland, with links to William Wallace, Oliver Cromwell, and the Declaration of Arbroath. Ardrossan’s First Parish Church is located nearby on Castlehill - a large managed parkland with public walkways, viewpoints, picnic benches, and recently renovated children’s playpark

In Person

2026 Theme

Ayrshire

Auchinleck House

12 September 2026

13 September 2026

Auchinleck House is set in its own extensive grounds with fields, woodland and riverbanks, just waiting for you to explore them. The goal of most walks here is to find the ice-house and grotto. The nearby village of Ochiltree, with its charming main street of single storey cottages, is one of the oldest in East Ayrshire. Auchinleck House was built between 1755 and 1760 by Alexander Boswell, 8th Laird of Auchinleck and the father of James Boswell, the celebrated diarist and biographer of Samuel Johnson.

In Person

Ayrshire

Auld Kirk of Ayr

12 September 2026

The church is steeped in history. Built in 1654 to the designs of Theophilius Rankine and with 1,000merks provided by the Cromwellian Government. Successor to the medieval St John`s Church. Original stained glass and pulpit. Three lofts. Historical connections to the Covenanters and Robert Burns, whose family church it was, where his father was an elder.

In Person

Ayrshire

Auld Kirk of Kilbirnie

12 September 2026

13 September 2026

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 Arthur Spiers, and carved work make this one of the finest churches in Scotland.

In Person

Ayrshire

Ayr Town Hall

12 September 2026

13 September 2026

Designed by Thomas Hamilton of Edinburgh, 1827, at a cost of £10,000, and refurbished in 2007. The elegant landmark steeple is 225 feet high. The Lewis Pipe Organ dating from 1904 is one of the finest of its kind, played every Monday at noon till the end of November.  For Doors Open Days come and walk around the Town Hall, including the old police cells! 

In Person

Ayrshire

Ayrshire Archives

12 September 2026

The Headquarters of Ayrshire Archives is situated on South Harbour Street.  It stores records of historical importance for the three local authorities of the county, and private records relating to the historical development of Ayrshire and Arran.  In the state-of-the-art archive store designed to assist long-term preservation of the collections, is the oldest record: the Royal Burgh of Ayr Charter dated 1205 and signed by William the Lion, King of Scotland.  Researchers are attracted from all over the world.

In Person

2026 Theme

Ayrshire

Barr Castle

12 September 2026

13 September 2026

Built by the Lockhart Family, who held the Barony of Galston, Barr Castle in the centre of town ‘probably dates from c. 1500’. Constructed of sandstone believed to be taken from the local Burn Anne, it stands approx. 100ft and features vaulted ceilings on the ground and first floors. Barr Castle was formerly known as Lockhart’s Tower, home of Lodge St Peter 331 for over 130 years. George Wishart 1545 and John Knox 1556, the Scottish reformers preached here as the church doors were locked against them. See also the Robert Burns inscribed window as featured on BBC Repair Shop.

In Person

Ayrshire

Beith Auld Kirk and Kirkyard

12 September 2026

13 September 2026

Partially ruined building of a church which was the original kirk of Beith built c 1590 with 18th century additions, including the belfry, with attached graveyard. In the vestibule several monuments are mounted on the wall and at the rear of the building is the Spiers monument. Beith Auld Kirk is associated with Dr John Witherspoon signatory to the American Independence Document and a founder member of Princeton University.

In Person

Ayrshire

Beith Parish Church

13 September 2026

The building was opened in 1810 as Beith Parish Church. It was extended in 1885, at which point it was reckoned to have a capacity for 1254 people. It was renamed the Beith High Church in 1929. This was because a congregation called Beith Trinity Church joined the Church of Scotland around about that time. The two churches united in 2011. The Trinity building was sold. The High Church was kept and renamed Beith parish Church.

In Person

2026 Theme

Ayrshire

Burns House Museum, Mauchline

12 September 2026

13 September 2026

The house where Robert Burns and Jean Armour began their married life in 1788. Their room is preserved and a small museum illustrates his life and legacy. Access is also available to what was once Nanse Tannock`s ale house frequented by Burns which houses exhibitions of curling stones and Mauchline Ware.