Understand
Ayrshire is a largely rural area incorporating a number of small towns. The primary attractions for tourists are walks and cycling routes, coupled with castles and other historic sites. Ayrshire's history as a tourist destination stems from its proximity to Glasgow and at one time the coastal towns functioned as resorts for those wishing to holiday during the summer. The large growth in air travel towards the end of the twentieth century has largely put an end to this; however tourists still visit the area to take in the scenery which, though qualitatively different from that of the Scottish Highlands, remains visually appealing.
