Alloway

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Coordinates: 55°25′48″N 4°38′10″W / 55.43, -4.636

Alloway
Scottish Gaelic: Allmhaigh
Alloway shown within Scotland
OS grid reference	NS333184
Council area	South Ayrshire
Lieutenancy area	Ayrshire and Arran
Constituent country	Scotland
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	AYR
Postcode district	KA7
Police	Strathclyde
Fire	Strathclyde
Ambulance	Scottish
European Parliament	Scotland
List of places: UK • Scotland

Alloway (Gaelic Allmhaigh, pronounced [aɫ̪avaj]) is a now extended village and suburb of Ayr on the River Doon, in Scotland. It is best known as the birthplace of Robert Burns, and is also where he set "Tam o' Shanter".

The ruined Alloway Kirk, or Auld Kirk, features in the poem—as the scene of the witches' dance—as does the old bridge over the River Doon, both of which attract tourists to the village. In the heart of the village lies the birthplace of Robert Burns, known as 'Burns Cottage' and the adjacent museum. Here you can find original manuscripts in the poet's own hand. There is a nineteenth century memorial to Burns designed by Thomas Hamilton at the foot of the village next to the church. Robert Burns' father, William Burns, is buried in the Auld Kirk. At night, green lights are illuminated over the Auld Kirk, adding to its ghostly appearance. In addition to Burns Cottage and museum,the village has a Burns related visitor centre.

The National Trust for Scotland has plans (for which they are currently fundraising), to establish a new purpose built Burns heritage centre in Alloway.

There are two main parks in Alloway. The first, Rozelle, hosts Ayr Flower Show each summer and has an art gallery which holds various exhibitions throughout the year. It also has interesting permanent collections which include a Henry Moore scultpture and a series of outdoor sculptures by Ronald Rae^[1]. Belleisle Park, houses a golf course, walled garden, Camelia House, animal park and playground.

Alloway is served by a primary school, library, post office and general store, pharmacy and gift shop.

Sport

Cambusdoon New Ground is located in Alloway and has played host to a number of Scotland Cricket Internationals, as well as being the home of Ayr Cricket Club. The old Cambusdoon ground houses the ruins of a former boys school. Ayr Hockey Club also play out of the Cambusdoon ground, on a purpose-built astroturf pitch.

Also in Alloway is Millbrae, the home of Ayr Rugby Club, it is located behind the Monument and gardens.

References

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