Introduction

A work that purports to be historical may well be left to speak for itself. That the story of the county of Ayr is worth telling there is no occasion to demonstrate ; it is because it is worth telling—and well worth telling—that this book has been written.

The author anticipates, with the confidence that some experience has given him, that the History of Ayrshire will be read by many leal sons and daughters of the ancient shire, not only within the bounds, but in other parts of the United Kingdom, and beyond the seas. His hope is that it may have some effect in stimulating their pride of birth, and in the men and women who have made Ayrshire what she is—a worthy mother of her children.

The story is one of ups and downs, of fightings for freedom and faith, of local and feudal jarrings and turmoils, of steady persevering through it all on the pathway of progress. Much broken and chequered, it is nevertheless a consistent whole.

The second volume is given to the history of the leading families of the shire. In its preparation the author has received much valuable assistance from members of those historic houses; and he takes this opportunity of gratefulty acknowledging their kindness. He has avoided endless genealogies, his object having been to show the part the families themselves played in the making of the county, in Scottish national life, in the work of the United Kingdom. And in this part of the book the reader will find a multitude of incidents and episodes that cast many an instructive light upon the general procession of events.

The History is dedicated to the County herself, with all the loyalty that is due to her, by one of her many sons.

Volume 1  |  Volume 2