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Daily Record
24-07-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Ayr Guildry plan public exhibition to mark historic 700th anniversary
The Guildry has had a long and storied history with the town. Ayr Guildry is celebrating its 700th anniversary this year. And as well as having a special civic reception to mark the occasion, they're asking for the public's assistance as they plan an exhibition in September. The Guildry came into existence following the Royal Charter granted by King William the Lion which proclaimed Ayr as a Royal Burgh. Throughout its history, the Guildry have been closely involved in the governance of Ayr providing Magistrates and Members of the Town Council. Up until the reorganisation of local government, in 1975, the Dean of the Guild sat as an unelected Member of the Town Council and was regarded as the second citizen of Ayr, after the Provost. The formal relationship between the Guildry and local Council ended in 1991 when the Chief Executive of Kyle and District Council ceased to be the Clerk to the Guildry. It has also had, and continues to maintain, a close relationship with the Auld Kirk of Ayr. During the 16th century, the Guild Court had special responsibility for keeping safe the vestments, books, and chalices of the parish church. In 1861, they donated a stained glass window to the Auld Kirk displaying the various crafts and trades of that time. Just last year, a significant donation towards having the window restored to its former magnificence. To celebrate this ancient and enduring relationship, there will be a special commemorative service held at the Auld Kirk on Sunday, October 3. The Guildry has also been at the forefront of attracting business and visitors to Ayr including, the formation of an Attractions Committee to stage The Pageant of Ayrshire in 1934, which attracted tens of thousands of visitors to the town for many years. In 1948, the Guildry were responsible for the establishment of the Ayr Chamber of Commerce and in 2005 were heavily involved in Ayr800, the year long celebrations of the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Charter. Today, the Guildry exists as a historical organisation and continues to recognise the importance of trade skills by sponsoring the annual Apprentice of the Year Award at the Ayrshire College, promoting trade by judging and awarding a trophy to the best presented retail shop window every Christmas and making small donations to appropriate local causes. To celebrate the 700th anniversary, the Guildry have produced ten cast bronze commemorative plaques which will be placed at locations of historic interest throughout the town. These include the site of the original Ayr Station in North Harbour Street, between 1840–1857, the current site of Corney & Barrow, Scotland's oldest working wine cellar, established in 1766 by Members of the Guildry, and the original Woolworths Store in the High Street. The Dean of the Guild, former MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, Allan Dorans, said: 'Ayr Guildry has been active in the history, culture and development of the town for the last 700 years and we are proud to be able to maintain that link and tradition in the future.' The Guildry is having a public exhibition with a display of Guildry related items and photographs at the Heritage Hub, 1-3 High Street, Ayr between September 3-30. If any member of the public has any Guildry related item that they would be happy to have displayed at this exhibition, please contact allandorans@ for further information.
The Herald Scotland
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
'Scotland's best bed and breakfast' put on market for sale
The "prestigious" Auld Kirk, a multi-award-winning bed and breakfast located in the Royal Deeside village of Ballater, has been placed on the market by CCL Property. The interior. (Image: CCL Property) The agent said: "This exceptional property and thriving business present a unique opportunity for investors or lifestyle entrepreneurs looking to own a highly regarded hospitality venue in one of Scotland's most sought-after locations. "The Auld Kirk is celebrated as the AA Bed & Breakfast of the Year Scotland 2024 and Scotland's Best B&B 2025 by the Prestige Hotel Awards." One of the seven rooms. (Image: CCL Property) Set within a "beautifully restored early Victorian former Scottish Free Church, the property features seven individually styled en-suite bedrooms, a guest-only bar, a lounge, breakfast room, plus private owners' accommodation". The agent added: "Its stunning granite façade, original stained glass windows, and soaring ceilings create an unforgettable stay for guests." READ MORE: The business "enjoys an impressive occupancy rate exceeding 90% during peak season, reflecting its strong reputation and operational success". The agent added: "Current owners Kevin and Helen Smith have carefully developed The Auld Kirk over seven years into a highly profitable, award-winning venue. In addition to the established business, the sale offers significant potential through previous consents for attic conversion to create additional apartments, subject to planning. David Pickering, commercial director at CCL Property, said: "The Auld Kirk is a truly remarkable property combining rich history, superb quality, and a proven business model in a prime Scottish tourist destination. "Opportunities like this rarely come to market – it offers a turnkey venture with outstanding potential for growth. We're excited to help find the next owner who can continue its exceptional legacy and benefit from the unique lifestyle Royal Deeside offers." The asking price is £750,000.
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Quirky B&B in picturesque village crowned best in Scotland – and it offers a unique service
Scroll down to see the best of the rest PEW BEAUTY Quirky B&B in picturesque village crowned best in Scotland – and it offers a unique service Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A STUNNING B&B in an old church has been named the best in the country. Tourist destinations were recently honoured at the 'Oscars of the hotel industry' with everything from luxury resorts to self-catering stars presented with gongs. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The B&B is in Ballater, in Royal Deeside 3 The Auld Kirk has personal touches, which make it the best 3 The event was presented by Warren Paul and Des Clarke The lavish Innis and Gunn Prestige Hotel Awards, was held in Glasgow's Doubletree Hotel. And coming in top place for coveted B&B category was the Auld Kirk in Ballater, Aberdeenshire. Built in the 1860s, the guest house - run by husband and wife team Kevin and Helen Smith - is an example of an early Victorian Scottish Free Church in the heart of Royal Deeside, within the Cairngorms National Park. It has seven en-suite bedrooms, some with the old church's sloping roofs and round windows. And it's the ideal base to visit the attractions of Royal Deeside, Balmoral Castle and the many gorgeous walks and climbs in the area. Kevin and his team were overjoyed to take the title. He said: "We are absolutely delighted to win this prestigious award in the face of such strong competition, not just from our fellow finalists, but from all of the wonderful B&Bs in Scotland who provide an outstanding guest experience every single day. "To receive such a renowned industry award, voted for by guests and validated by a a judging panel is an acknowledgement of the hard work that the team puts in every single that we must be doing something right." Kevin reckons it's the personal touch that keeps guests coming back. He added: "We take the time to get to know all of our guests, where they're from, what brings them to the area and how we can help them get the very best out of their time not only at The Auld Kirk, but the wider Royal Deeside area. Hidden gem Scots caravan park with luxury hot tubs that's just five steps from the beach "We treat each guest as a friend or family member, which we hope will want them to return time and time again." The B&B website shows there's a comfy guest lounge in the former side chapel and they offer packed lunches for residents planning a day in the depths of GlenTannar or a hike up Lochnagar. But the best thing, in Kevin's opinion, are the 'little touches'. He added: "We have lots of lovely little touches - Royal Lochnagar Whisky in the rooms, fresh baked scones every morning. "But ostensibly, we are a small business with a team of for, me and Helen, who are the owners, and Lisa and Linda, our wonderful housekeepers. This ensures the service that we provide to everyone of our guests is a personal one." Warren Paul, who runs the awards, says the calibre of the finalists was incredible. He said: "They're all the very best operators in Scotland, delivering amazing service and much- needed escape from the rigours of modern life. 'We all need time out to rest, recover, recharge – especially right now – so our world-class, in fact world-beating hospitality industry should be celebrated and shouted from the rooftops. 'I really wish the powers that be would support and help the hard-working people who give up their weekends, days and nights to offer the rest of us all sorts of amazing breaks and escapes. 'Whatever you want to do, you can find it in Scotland – and here tonight. From the perfect wedding hotel to the most incredible hotel bar in the heart of Glasgow's music city, country retreats, island hotels, bustling city breaks, cosy retreats for private rental, all of it. 'We have it all, Scotland really is special and the offerings in this trade are stellar." BEST OF THE REST THE three runners up in the B&B category: Ardtorna, Oban Mabie House Hotel, Dumfries Roslyn House, Argyll & Bute Finalists from all over Scotland attended the ceremony which was hosted by Des Clarke. The best golf hotel was revealed as was the best value hotel in the country.
