Girvan

Girvan grew up around the fishing industry and is sunny and dry, sheltered on the east by the hills which rise behind it. Offshore is the hauntingly beautiful Ailsa Craig an 1110ft rock uninhabited except for its lighthouse keeper and the gannet colony which is one of the best breeding areas. Killochan Castle, 3 miles northeast is the impressive 16th century stronghold of the Cathcarts of Carleton in the valley of the Water of Girvan Kennedy's Pass is the most dramatic part of the coastal road to Ballantrae with its sand and shingle beaches.