Kyle, Ayrshire facts for kids
Kyle is an old region in Scotland. It covered parts of what are now East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire. People say it got its name from Coel Hen. He was a legendary king of the Britons. It is believed he is buried under a mound near Coylton.
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Where is Kyle Located?
Kyle is bordered by other historic areas. To the north is Cunninghame. To the east is Clydesdale. To the south is Carrick. The Firth of Clyde is to the west. This is a large sea inlet.
Kyle was the middle of three areas in the old sheriffdom of Ayr. A sheriffdom was like a large county. The area was naturally divided by three main rivers. All these rivers flow west into the Firth of Clyde. The River Irvine forms Kyle's northern border with Cunninghame. The River Doon forms its southern border with Carrick.
How Kyle was Divided
Kyle itself was split into two parts. North of the River Ayr was "Kyle Stewart." This land belonged to the FitzAlans. They were a powerful family who later became the Stewart Kings of Scotland. South of the River Ayr was "Kyle Regis," or "King's Kyle." These lands were kept by the king. They were managed from the royal castle in Ayr.
How Kyle's Government Changed
In 1889, Kyle was joined with Cunninghame and Carrick. This happened under a new law. The law created a system of county councils. This changed how many areas in Scotland were managed.
Kyle and Carrick District
From 1975 to 1996, "Kyle and Carrick" was a local government district. It was part of the larger Strathclyde region. However, most of the historic Kyle area formed a different district. This was called Cumnock and Doon Valley. In 1996, Kyle and Carrick became a "Unitary Authority." This means it was a single council. It was then renamed South Ayrshire.
Kyle Today: A Council Ward
Today, Kyle is a council ward. This is a small area used for local elections. It is part of the South Ayrshire Council area. It borders other wards like Troon and Prestwick.
Villages in Kyle Ward
The Kyle ward has three local councillors. They belong to different political parties. These include the Conservative Party, the Scottish National Party, and the Labour Party. The area of Kyle includes several villages. These are Annbank, Mossblown, Tarbolton, Monkton, Symington, and Dundonald. It also has smaller places like Craigie and St Quivox.
The Kyle ward covers the northern part of South Ayrshire. It does not include Troon, Prestwick, or Ayr. It is bounded by the northern and eastern borders of South Ayrshire. These borders touch North Ayrshire and East Ayrshire. The southern border follows the River Ayr. It runs between Ayr and the border with East Ayrshire.
Kyle Castle: A Look at the Past
Near Cumnock, you can find the ruins of Kyle Castle. This castle was built in the 15th century. It stands where two rivers, Guelt and Glenmuirshaw Waters, meet.