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	County Town: Ayr County Population: 370,000 (estimate)
	Ayrshire is bounded on the west by the Firth of Clyde, and to the north, east and south by scenic upland areas, many of which have peaks over 460 m (1,500 feet). The coastal plain is low-lying and fertile, with the islands of Great and Little Cumbrae just off the northwest coast, and the island of Ailsa Craig, a bird sanctuary, west of the town of Girvan.
	Successively occupied by prehistoric peoples, Picts, Romans and Vikings, Ayrshire became part of the Kingdom of Scotland during the 11th century AD, and invading Norwegians were defeated there at the Battle of Largs in the 13th century. One of the most important monuments in Ayrshire is the early 14th century Turnberry Castle, family seat of the leader of Scottish independence from England, Robert Bruce. During the late 19th century the county prospered from the mining of local coal deposits, but much of the county is now given over to agriculture.
	The hills of Ayrshire and the Galloway Forest Park are popular amongst walkers, and the coastline features a fine array of birdlife. Girvan is a pleasant seaside resort and fishing port, as is Troon, which is noted for its golf course. Alloway, just outside Ayr, was the birthplace of Robert Burns, the Scottish national poet.
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