AYRSHIRE AND ARRAN

Bachelors’ Club
Tarbolton, South Ayrshire
Tel: (01292) 541 940
Open: Good Friday to 30 Sep, Fri–Tue 1–5.

A 17th-century thatched house where Robert Burns and friends formed a debating club in 1780.

Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park
Isle of Arran
Tel: (01770) 302 202
Open: castle, Good Friday to 31 Oct, daily 11–4.30 (closes 3.30 in Oct). Restaurant, same dates but closes at 5. Reception Centre, shop and walled garden, same dates but open at 10; also 1 Nov to 21 Dec, Fri/Sat/Sun 10–3.30. Country Park, all year, daily 9.30 sunset.

The site of the ancient seat of the Dukes of Hamilton. The 13th-century fortified tower has been extended over the centuries. Displays include superb silver, porcelain and paintings. Beautiful gardens and Country Park with walking trails.

Culzean Castle & Country Park
Maybole, South Ayrshire
Tel: (01655) 884455
Open: Castle and Walled Garden, Good Friday to 31 Oct, daily 10.30-5 (last entry 4). Visitor Centre, Good Friday to 31 Oct, daily 9.30-5.30; 1 Nov to Good Fri, Sat/Sun 11-4. Other visitor facilities, Good Friday to 31 Oct, daily 10.30-5.30. Country Park, all year, daily.

The Trust’s most visited property and one of the major tourist attractions in Scotland. Robert Adam’s castle, built 1772–90 on a clifftop site, is notable for the oval staircase and circular saloon. It is surrounded by magnificent gardens and an extensive Country Park.

Souter Johnnie’s Cottage
Main Road, Kirkoswald, South Ayrshire
Tel: (01655) 760 603
Open: Good Friday to 30 Sep, Fri-Tue 11.30-5.

The home of John Davidson, village souter (cobbler), a character in Burns’ poem Tam O’ Shanter. The thatched cottage contains Burns relics and the souter’s work-shop.