West Shore

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Ayrshire

Scotland

West Shore

Ardrossan Castle Construction of the castle as we know it began in the 13th century. However little is known of any buildings at the site before the Lands of Ardrossan were gifted to Richard de Barclay by the local feudal lords of the de Morvilles in the 12th century.
The lands passed into the hands of the Eglinton family following the death of the last Barclay Baron of Ardrossan without heirs.
Thereafter it transferred to John de Montgomerie through his marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Hugh Eglinton sometime after 1736.
The Montgomeries were responsible for a huge programme of reconstruction at Ardrossan Castle, which carried on well into the 15th century. It was the chief seat of the family until the time of Alexander, the first Lord Montgomery, who made Eglinton his principal residence.
Ardrossan remained a stronghold until it was finally destroyed in the 17th century, allegedly at the hands of Oliver Cromwell. — Ardrossan Castle Credit: Raibeart MacAoidh

West Shore is a prominent coastal feature located in Ayrshire, Scotland. It is a headland that extends into the Firth of Clyde, forming a point that separates the town of Ayr from the adjacent area of Newton on Ayr. This picturesque headland offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Covering an area of approximately 1.5 hectares, West Shore boasts a diverse landscape consisting of rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and grassy areas. The headland is predominantly made up of sedimentary rocks, with layers of sandstone and shale visible along its slopes. These geological formations provide a unique insight into the region's geological history.

The headland is home to a variety of plant and animal species, making it an important ecological site. The grassy areas are adorned with wildflowers during the summer months, attracting butterflies and bees. It is also a haven for birdwatchers, with several species of seabirds, including gulls and cormorants, nesting along the cliffs.

West Shore offers numerous recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. The sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and building sandcastles. It is also a popular spot for water sports such as kayaking and windsurfing. The headland's extensive network of walking trails provides opportunities for hikers to explore the area and enjoy the breathtaking coastal vistas.

Overall, West Shore is a beautiful and diverse coastal feature that offers a unique blend of geological significance, ecological importance, and recreational opportunities. It is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil escape by the seaside.

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West Shore Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.63163/-4.7978591 or Grid Reference NS2341. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ardrossan Castle

Construction of the castle as we know it began in the 13th century. However little is known of any buildings at the site before the Lands of Ardrossan were gifted to Richard de Barclay by the local feudal lords of the de Morvilles in the 12th century. The lands passed into the hands of the Eglinton family following the death of the last Barclay Baron of Ardrossan without heirs. Thereafter it transferred to John de Montgomerie through his marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Hugh Eglinton sometime after 1736. The Montgomeries were responsible for a huge programme of reconstruction at Ardrossan Castle, which carried on well into the 15th century. It was the chief seat of the family until the time of Alexander, the first Lord Montgomery, who made Eglinton his principal residence. Ardrossan remained a stronghold until it was finally destroyed in the 17th century, allegedly at the hands of Oliver Cromwell.

Raibeart MacAoidh

'The Burning Place' - Saltcoats, North Ayrshire

The Burning Place of Sarah Vincent of Saltcoats. Sarah Vincent was the last witch to be executed in Saltcoats. The inscription has been worn away, but the word Saltcoats can still be seen.

Raibeart MacAoidh

A1 Service bus on Dalry Road, Saltcoats â 1970

The housing here was still in the course of development, as compared with this 2009 view taken around 200 metres further north Link . A1 Service was a consortium of a number of local bus operators who ran a network of local services in the Ardrossan/Irvine area as well as a trunk service between Ardrossan and Kilmarnock. OFS968 is a former Edinburgh Corporation Guy Arab IV with Alexander bodywork on local service to the Hayocks area of Stevenston. This is one of a series of views featuring buses in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Link

Alan Murray-Rust

Landsborough and Trinity Church

Alan Reid

Countess Street and the Town Hall

Alan Reid

View towards Saltcoats

From Stevenston Point.

Richard Sutcliffe

Sea wall and groynes

The end of the sea wall and groynes on Stevenston Beach.

Richard Sutcliffe

Slipway onto Stevenston Beach

At the end of Seaview Road. The large rocks are to prevent erosion.

Richard Sutcliffe

Seaview Road

Looking from the end of the road towards Saltcoats.

Richard Sutcliffe

Signs above the beach

The large panel describes the sand dune system at Stevenston Beach. The sand dune system was declared a Local Nature Reserve by North Ayrshire Council in 1998. The other signs direct walkers and cyclists inland of the dunes beside the railway line on National Cycle Route 73.

Richard Sutcliffe

Beach groyne

On Stevenston Beach.

Richard Sutcliffe

Boat yard

Mick Garratt

Entrance for Arran Ferry at Ardrossan

Chris Morgan

Caledonian MacBrayne's Ardossan terminal

Chris Morgan

Vehicle lanes and ferry terminal building

Ferry facilities at Ardrossan harbour. This area is expected to be re-modelled for extra capacity and speed of loading when the new ferry takes up the service.

Jonathan Wilkins

MV Caledonian Isles

The ferry from Brodick on Arran enters the harbour at Ardrossan.

Jonathan Wilkins

MV Caledonian Isles docking

The ferry on approach to the linkspan with bow-visor raised.

Jonathan Wilkins

Old milestone

This milestone was probably erected for the tollroad from Irvine to Ardrossan and Greenock. The eroded legend on this face may read Ardrossan/½/Largs/12½. It is on South Crescent Road at the junction with South Beach Road.

Bill McMillan

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West Shore is located at Grid Ref: NS2341 (Lat: 55.63163, Lng: -4.7978591)

Unitary Authority: North Ayrshire

Police Authority: Ayrshire