Saturday, 5 June 2010
Kilmarnock - East Ayrshire, Derives Its Name From St Marnock By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author
In Ayshire, there are many towns which bear the prefix "Kil." This prefix has been translated from the Celtic as meaning "Cell" or "Church", so Kilmarnock according to local tradition means the Church of St. Marnock.The first settlements in this area more than likely were due to the expansion of Christianity, somewhere around 397 AD after St. Ninian established a church on the Solway coast in Whithorn. However remain like the Dragon Stone indicate that there were prehistoric people living in East Ayrshire.
East Ayrshire abounds with castles and towers which date as far back as the 13th, 14th and 16th Century. This was when Scottish Barons were enjoying the height of their power and intimately involved in national affairs. One period in particular stood out when Edward I (known as Edward Longshanks) was making his advances on Scottish territory. This was at the time of William Wallace, who had much connection with the area. The Wallace family castle stands at Riccarton which is now a part of Kilmarnock. He is well know for his ambush of the English in 1297 at Loudoun Hill. We also know that Robert the Bruce, or Robert I was active in this area and won a battle also at Loudoun Hill, against Edward I in 1307.
Today this area is no longer at conflict and it is one of the most beautiful of the many exquisite Scottish places to visit. It is also the home of many famous Scotsment, including Johniie Walker of the whiskey fame. And a statue in tribute to him stands near Laigh Kirk. Andrew Fisher who was a miner at Crosshouse, became the Prime Minister of Australia and Sir Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin was born near Darvel, receiving his basic education at Kilmarnock Academy.
Dean Castle Country Park makes for an excellent free day out for the family. It covers 200 acres of glorious woodland walks, a pets corner, tearoom, play-park and 14th century castle which displays historic relics such as armor, weapons and musical instruments. The original keep of the castle dates back to 1350, and has very strong connections with events and people in Scottish history.
For a wide selection of Kilmarnock hotels just click here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone
East Ayrshire abounds with castles and towers which date as far back as the 13th, 14th and 16th Century. This was when Scottish Barons were enjoying the height of their power and intimately involved in national affairs. One period in particular stood out when Edward I (known as Edward Longshanks) was making his advances on Scottish territory. This was at the time of William Wallace, who had much connection with the area. The Wallace family castle stands at Riccarton which is now a part of Kilmarnock. He is well know for his ambush of the English in 1297 at Loudoun Hill. We also know that Robert the Bruce, or Robert I was active in this area and won a battle also at Loudoun Hill, against Edward I in 1307.
Today this area is no longer at conflict and it is one of the most beautiful of the many exquisite Scottish places to visit. It is also the home of many famous Scotsment, including Johniie Walker of the whiskey fame. And a statue in tribute to him stands near Laigh Kirk. Andrew Fisher who was a miner at Crosshouse, became the Prime Minister of Australia and Sir Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin was born near Darvel, receiving his basic education at Kilmarnock Academy.
Dean Castle Country Park makes for an excellent free day out for the family. It covers 200 acres of glorious woodland walks, a pets corner, tearoom, play-park and 14th century castle which displays historic relics such as armor, weapons and musical instruments. The original keep of the castle dates back to 1350, and has very strong connections with events and people in Scottish history.
For a wide selection of Kilmarnock hotels just click here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone
Kilmarnock - Whiskey, Trains and Carpets By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author
Kilmarnock is a town in Scotland and is the second largest town in Ayrshire. The name is comprised of three different words that translates into Church of my little Eman. This may be the name of a saint that started the church in the 7th century. Much of the first town is part of the Low Church area. There are not many old buildings left in Kilmarnock because of a fire that destroyed the town in 1668.
Most of the industry revolved around heavy engineering and textiles. Locomotives and valves are still produced and carpets are still a big industry. BMK carpets has been in Kilmarnock since the end of the 1800s and they produced carpets up until 2005.
Kilmarnock also had one of the first tram railways of anywhere in the world. The Glasgow and South western Railway also have production lines in Kilmarnock. Today locomotives are built and serviced by Hunslett-Barclay.
Johnny Walkers scotch whiskey originates in Kilmarnock. This whisky has been produced for 189 years in Kilmarnock though the bottling plant is scheduled to close in 2011. Since the industries have declined the town council has started to make plans to regenerate the town. This not only includes heritage sites but also the quality of life for residents.
The Dick Institute contains a museum, library and art gallery in town. The institute was founded by an Australian James Dick and was opened in 1901. The Burns monument was built to remember the poet Robert Burns. Burns work was published in Kilmarnock and combines neo-Gothic, Scots Baronial and Italianate elements. The monument was damaged but plans have been made to restore it.
Dean castle was first built in 1350 and was the home of the Boyd Family for over 400 years. The land and castle was given to the Boyd family by Robert the Bruce. The castle was built originally for defense purposes. It was later expanded into a palace and gatehouse. In 1946 the entire castle and grounds was restored.
For a wide selection of Kilmarnock hotels just click here
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone
Most of the industry revolved around heavy engineering and textiles. Locomotives and valves are still produced and carpets are still a big industry. BMK carpets has been in Kilmarnock since the end of the 1800s and they produced carpets up until 2005.
Kilmarnock also had one of the first tram railways of anywhere in the world. The Glasgow and South western Railway also have production lines in Kilmarnock. Today locomotives are built and serviced by Hunslett-Barclay.
Johnny Walkers scotch whiskey originates in Kilmarnock. This whisky has been produced for 189 years in Kilmarnock though the bottling plant is scheduled to close in 2011. Since the industries have declined the town council has started to make plans to regenerate the town. This not only includes heritage sites but also the quality of life for residents.
The Dick Institute contains a museum, library and art gallery in town. The institute was founded by an Australian James Dick and was opened in 1901. The Burns monument was built to remember the poet Robert Burns. Burns work was published in Kilmarnock and combines neo-Gothic, Scots Baronial and Italianate elements. The monument was damaged but plans have been made to restore it.
Dean castle was first built in 1350 and was the home of the Boyd Family for over 400 years. The land and castle was given to the Boyd family by Robert the Bruce. The castle was built originally for defense purposes. It was later expanded into a palace and gatehouse. In 1946 the entire castle and grounds was restored.
For a wide selection of Kilmarnock hotels just click here
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Visiting the Location of Prestwick - South Ayrshire By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author
When you head to Prestwick - South Ayrshire, you will be going to the south west part of Scotland. Finding there a medium sized town that has a bunch of past history. A little way from Glasgow and close to the town of Ayr too, it is one beautiful location to see.
It would be in this town that the first every golf championship would be held, way back in 1860. It would be played on Prestwick Old course at that time. In fact twelve of the first every open championship would be held in this location.
The name of the town can be found to mean priests farm. This fits the location since it was first a town with a religious house located in it. It has seen many famous people through the ages pass through, including Robert the Bruce, and James VI. It would be at the St Ninians church that Bruce was said to be cured of leprosy. That well is still standing if you go to that church you can find it behind the church.
Many great famous locations can be seen when you head to this area. Head over to see those remains that still are around from the old parish church. That church was built during the 12th century, and you can still find the graveyard around the ruins.
There are many places around to visit for the children to play, or for some swimming, and even an indoor activity center to check out. Of course there are shops and pubs to visit in this location too.
But the best news is for the golfer in the family. Sporting three different courses to choose from, and two of which have held championships before. So there are many reasons to visit this spot, but more than one reason for the golfer to check out this spot!
Find your next Prestwick hotel
here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone
It would be in this town that the first every golf championship would be held, way back in 1860. It would be played on Prestwick Old course at that time. In fact twelve of the first every open championship would be held in this location.
The name of the town can be found to mean priests farm. This fits the location since it was first a town with a religious house located in it. It has seen many famous people through the ages pass through, including Robert the Bruce, and James VI. It would be at the St Ninians church that Bruce was said to be cured of leprosy. That well is still standing if you go to that church you can find it behind the church.
Many great famous locations can be seen when you head to this area. Head over to see those remains that still are around from the old parish church. That church was built during the 12th century, and you can still find the graveyard around the ruins.
There are many places around to visit for the children to play, or for some swimming, and even an indoor activity center to check out. Of course there are shops and pubs to visit in this location too.
But the best news is for the golfer in the family. Sporting three different courses to choose from, and two of which have held championships before. So there are many reasons to visit this spot, but more than one reason for the golfer to check out this spot!
Find your next Prestwick hotel
here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone
Learn the History of Scotland's Most Famous Poet on an Ayrshire Trip By Dipika Patel Platinum Quality Author
A trip to Ayrshire in Scotland would not be complete without time spent learning about one of its most famous names - the country's national poet, Robert Burns - and there are so many hotels on the west coast of Scotland that you will never be far away from somewhere of cultural significance in this part of the world.
Born in Alloway, Ayrshire, in 1759, Robert Burns is the most famous poet to ever come out of Scotland and wrote hundreds of verses, including The Battle of Sherramuir, Tam O' Shanter, Ae Fond Kiss and To a Mouse.
In and around the county there are plenty of Ayrshire hotels to choose from and whichever one you decide to stay in, you will probably not be far from the Robert Burns National Heritage Park, a definite must-see. The park is home to the very cottage in which Burns was born and you can also check out some of the places he made famous in his verses.
The cottage which was the childhood home of the poet is still in its original place and renovation work has seen the building restored to its former condition.
Famous visitors to the little house include Hollywood actor Clark Gable and legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Fellow poet John Keats has also paid the thatched cottage a visit in the past. While wandering around the park, you could head to the world famous Brig O'Doon. This bridge is made famous in verses by Burns and is also the subject matter of a number of well known paintings.
In one of Burns' most instantly recognisable poems, Tam O'Shanter, a reference can be heard to Mungo's Well. The well is in fact a real life water hole and can be found within the Robert Burns National Heritage Park boundary.
There is plenty to see in the county of Ayrshire as a whole, including three impressive castle. Law Castle, Auchenharvie Castle and Barr Castle can all be found within easy distance of a number of high-quality Ayrshire hotels and are all well worth a visit.
Walking fans may also want to take a stroll to the Laigh Milton Viaduct.
If you're looking to book hotels west Scotland visit Luxury Scotland to book Ayrshire hotels - home of Scotland's national poet - Roger Burns.
Visit Luxury Scotland for luxury hotels, golf resorts, luxury spa hotels, country house hotels and other destinations that we believe reflect Luxury Scotland and experience the very best of Scotland.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dipika_Patel
Born in Alloway, Ayrshire, in 1759, Robert Burns is the most famous poet to ever come out of Scotland and wrote hundreds of verses, including The Battle of Sherramuir, Tam O' Shanter, Ae Fond Kiss and To a Mouse.
In and around the county there are plenty of Ayrshire hotels to choose from and whichever one you decide to stay in, you will probably not be far from the Robert Burns National Heritage Park, a definite must-see. The park is home to the very cottage in which Burns was born and you can also check out some of the places he made famous in his verses.
The cottage which was the childhood home of the poet is still in its original place and renovation work has seen the building restored to its former condition.
Famous visitors to the little house include Hollywood actor Clark Gable and legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Fellow poet John Keats has also paid the thatched cottage a visit in the past. While wandering around the park, you could head to the world famous Brig O'Doon. This bridge is made famous in verses by Burns and is also the subject matter of a number of well known paintings.
In one of Burns' most instantly recognisable poems, Tam O'Shanter, a reference can be heard to Mungo's Well. The well is in fact a real life water hole and can be found within the Robert Burns National Heritage Park boundary.
There is plenty to see in the county of Ayrshire as a whole, including three impressive castle. Law Castle, Auchenharvie Castle and Barr Castle can all be found within easy distance of a number of high-quality Ayrshire hotels and are all well worth a visit.
Walking fans may also want to take a stroll to the Laigh Milton Viaduct.
If you're looking to book hotels west Scotland visit Luxury Scotland to book Ayrshire hotels - home of Scotland's national poet - Roger Burns.
Visit Luxury Scotland for luxury hotels, golf resorts, luxury spa hotels, country house hotels and other destinations that we believe reflect Luxury Scotland and experience the very best of Scotland.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dipika_Patel
Attractions in the Isle of Arran - North Ayrshire By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author
The Isle of Arran - North Ayrshire is a beautiful country that contains many natural wonders. One of the main places to go in the region is the Clyde Muirshiel Regional park. The name actually refers to an area that has been set aside for conservation, not just a single park.
The site was declared as a conservation area back in nineteen hundred and seventy one. On the location are places like Castle Semple Loch. There you can also find Lunderston bay, Locherwood, and the Greenock Cut. These places are quite a sight to behold, and any one that gets a chance to try to take them all in. Due to efforts of many people to conserve this sight, there will be a good chance that, generations from now, people will still be able to enjoy all that this area has to offer.
There are two part visitor centers in the park. They can direct you to areas that are best for the outdoors activity that you are most interested in. Be that hiking, boating, or biking, you can find all sorts of things to do in this location.
The Sustrans Cycle track brings in many bicycle enthusiasts each year. It's a loop that starts from the Castle Semple Loch and goes for about fourteen miles around the park. The track was built along an old railway track that is makes it a fairly easy track and has the distinct advantage of being clear of most traffic throughout the year.
The Isle of Arran - North Ayrshire is a great place to take in a lot of different attractions. The historic sites as well as the lakes and mountains make it one of the most serene places in the country. Many people make the voyage to the area to take in this majestic beauty throughout the year.
For accommodation in Isle of Arran check this list of Isle of Arran hotels.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone
The site was declared as a conservation area back in nineteen hundred and seventy one. On the location are places like Castle Semple Loch. There you can also find Lunderston bay, Locherwood, and the Greenock Cut. These places are quite a sight to behold, and any one that gets a chance to try to take them all in. Due to efforts of many people to conserve this sight, there will be a good chance that, generations from now, people will still be able to enjoy all that this area has to offer.
There are two part visitor centers in the park. They can direct you to areas that are best for the outdoors activity that you are most interested in. Be that hiking, boating, or biking, you can find all sorts of things to do in this location.
The Sustrans Cycle track brings in many bicycle enthusiasts each year. It's a loop that starts from the Castle Semple Loch and goes for about fourteen miles around the park. The track was built along an old railway track that is makes it a fairly easy track and has the distinct advantage of being clear of most traffic throughout the year.
The Isle of Arran - North Ayrshire is a great place to take in a lot of different attractions. The historic sites as well as the lakes and mountains make it one of the most serene places in the country. Many people make the voyage to the area to take in this majestic beauty throughout the year.
For accommodation in Isle of Arran check this list of Isle of Arran hotels.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone
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