Wikipedia will give you all the facts about Ayrshire. It'll tell you that it is home to about 367,000 folk, that it is crescent shaped (apparently so!) and has some of the most agriculturally fertile lands in Scotland and that it has an impressive industrial heritage. It lists some of its famous people from Robert Burns to Bill Shankly, Alexander Fleming to Steve Clarke!

You can find other sites that will tell you it has a coastline that stretches in and out to a length of 84 miles and others that describe the three councils or the key towns of Irvine, Kilmarnock and Ayr. You'll find out about it's excellent sailing waters, it's golfing history and how it's seaside resorts grew with the advent of the trains into popular destinations for the good folks of Glasgow and central Scotland.

Research farther and you'll find literary genius, political influencers, sporting legends and influential philanthropists and a list of people who have taken a bit of Ayrshire with them to all corners of the globe.

This site is borne out of all of that. Ayrshire Connect. It's about the visitor, it's about the retail, it's about the history, activities, events, sports, culture. All of that.

It's been a bumpy few years and this project was all about connecting and indeed re-connecting. Re-connecting businesses with customers, businesses with businesses, and all of us to each other. It is about highlighting the very best of what each of our own towns and villages have to offer and sharing it with others. It's about exploring shops, restaurants and landmarks that we haven't heard of or had forgotten about. 

For the visitor it will provide information - over time - on every business and place of interest you'd ever wish for but it will be written and presented without hyperbole or fuss. That's what the real Ayrshire is about. Interesting, surprising and real.

It is different, not always polished but genuine and endearing. You can connect with whatever you want in Ayrshire and whether it be luxury resort hotels, world class golf courses or multi awarded fine dining you shouldn't miss out on those recommendations from the locals who will all boast about their wee place that has the best fish 'n' chips or the best ice cream or the best sunsets or the best pint or the best wee gift shop. 

So whether you've lived here all your life or just visiting for the weekend just go out there and Connect.