AYR - The Changing Face of a Town

A look at some old images of Ayr, ranging in date from the late 18th century to the 1970s, and comparing the view with modern video footage to see what might be the same and what has changed. Thankfully, in Ayr, not a great deal has changed, and the town's buildings retain the sort of architectural charm and beauty that makes a visit to Ayr an utter joy. Sadly, like too many towns in Scotland, Ayr's High Street is struggling, and too many shops lie empty with big 'To Let' signs on their frontage. As you can see, it was just a few decades ago that all these streets were bustling thoroughfares teeming with activity, but now there is an air of abandonment. But, as I say, we still have those wonderful old buildings. Starting at the railway station, we lament the closure of the majestic railway hotel, and trips on an old steam train to the seaside. But, of course, Ayr's not just about the seaside, although it does have a wonderful beach. We wander by Burns Statue Square, and on down the High Street, and pause awhile to admire old photographs of the Tam o' Shanter Inn, a lovely old building whose roof is still thatched. At the foot of Ayr's High Street, in what was once known as Fish Cross, we admire the variety of shape and form of the buildings around the Cross, but also see many vacant shops that lie quiet and empty. Hard to imagine that in the 19th century this area was absolutely heaving with markets and noise and people having fun. In Newmarket Street we see a photo dating to the 1970s and a shop that was the Sales District Office of the National Coal Board. Today, Scotland no longer has a coal industry, and all around are 'To Let' signs. As we can see, in Sandgate Street many of the town's old buildings have survived, and again it is the sheer variety of the architecture that makes this street so appealing to visitors to Ayr. By the River Ayr and the old bridge we are aghast at just how ugly the Marks & Spencer and British Home Stores buildings are. How did we manage to get planning permission for such architectural abominations in an area of such historical importance? We see how a decline in the town's many industries has led to either a change of use, or demolition, of many old industrial structures, and how the Ayr of today, while largely intact, bears the scars of a decline in industry and employment that is evident throughout Scotland. Many visitors or tourists to the area probably don't visit Ayr at all. I imagine they probably make directly for Alloway and the Robert Burns experience. If only they realised what they are missing in the wonderful historical streets of Ayr. (Accompanying music by Eddy Burns.)