24-07-2025
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.
