Nostalgic memories of Ayr's local history
Share your own memories of Ayr and read what others have said
For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.
Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.
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Displaying Memories 11 - 20 of 27 in total
I lived in Ayr from 1966 to 1968, married a Scot in 1969 and then moved to Glasgow. I have fond memories of a kind Ayr landlady, visits to the cinema, strolls around the lovely little town and catching the bus to Kilmarnock for my first (temp) job with the Kilmarnock Electric Co. where my 'Canadian' spelling got me into trouble with my Scots boss! I felt safe staying at the YWCA residence in Ayr and enjoyed sharing ...see more
On tv at last, school bus, with a clippie, snowed in, couldn't get from Drongan to Cumnock Academy, should have been a good day off, but had to walk through loads of snow from Coalhall to Drongan, no thermals in those days! Old village of Drongan, initially miners row, expanded to one small council estate, then incomers, who lived across the water, other side of the burn, to work in the pits, foreigners from as far afield as Glasgow and Lesmahagow, how times change!
I remember in the 1950s a 'rag store' in Wallace Street. It was on the opposite side from the rent office of that time. I don't remember the name of the owner though.
There was also a pet shop near the corner with River Street. We called it the 'big' pet shop. That was the one with the black monkey called 'Snowy'. They had a myna bird as well I think. Or was that the other pet shop round the corner? Anyway I remember a parrot as well!!
His name was Mr Mathias and his place was in Allison St, my friends and I used to take rags to get enough maoney to go to the pictures. He was well known around the streets.
Doe anyone remember Mr Rossi who had a chip shop Main Rd, Whitletts. He had a coca cola machine with ice cold coke in a glass bottle. He also used to sell the bits of batter that came off the fish - I used to buy a twopenny bag and loved it . Very fond memories of his chip shop.
My great great gran used to own pawn shops which my mother said was on the four corners Wallace Street, George Street, Princes Street, maybe King Street.
I would love to know if anyone remembers them and what her name was. Also in the early 30's there was a young boy killed and found behind a jump at Ayr racecourse - any memories - the boy came from Lochside.
I remember going to visit a Mrs Kelly with my granny and they used to sit and tell ghost stories. When we walked home we had to walk over Turners Bridge which was only dimly lit and I was told to watch out for 'Cut Throat Dan. I must have walked backwards all the way to Newtongreen in case he crept up behind us - scary days.
I remember when my mother and granny used to work in the chip shop, and I used to break the coal so it would fit the coal fired pans. There was always a big bottle of sweets under the counter which I would help myself to. The special, was fish chips and peas and the americans loved them. I always used to ask 'any gum chum?' Happy days .
I remember playing down the docks on a Sunday when there was no trains. Fishing off the old pier. Collecting sea coal off the shore. Building a fire and roasting potatoes. Listening to 'The Man in Black' on a Saturday night. A bottle of Careys Cola and a fourpenny bag of Peter Tortelly.s chips. Magic.
My great-gran Lizzie Mcgill had a shop at 54/56 King Sstreet, Ayr. If anyone remembers or has pics of her or the shop could you please leave a post.
Thanks.