The history of Ayr

In 1197, William the Lion of Scots, built a royal castle between the rivers Doon and Ayr.

In 1205 a burgh was created taking its name from the river on which it lay. It is believed that the name Ayr means, ' rapid river'; 'violent river' or 'clean river' in contrast to the 'dark river' Doon, and was probably given its name by the pre-Celtic people who lived in the area.

In 1207, Carrick, Kyle and Cunningham formed the new Sheriffdom of Ayr and the first recorded Sheriff was Reginald de Craufurd of Loudoun, a vassal of the Lord Cunningham and Galloway, who was made a royal official, the king's representative in Ayrshire and Governor of the royal castle, by William the Lion.

The castle was located near the mouth of the River Ayr in what became the grounds of Cromwell's fort in the 17th century. The first castle was constructed of wood before it was replaced in 1307 by a stone one. It may me that the burgh coat of arms portrays an exact representation of the castle.

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