Barr, Ayrshire
Coordinates: 55°12′06″N 4°42′42″W / 55.2018°N 4.7116°W
Barr is a picturesque village in the South West of Ayrshire, Scotland, located approximately 8 miles (13 km) from the town of Girvan. There are various opinions as to the origins of the name. The most likely are either Gaelic meaning 'a meeting of water' or Brythonic meaning 'round'. It is believed to have been established in the 17th century by smugglers who needed a safe place close to the secluded bays of the Ayrshire coast while having access to the Raiders Road which runs close by. Barr has not changed much since that time. Currently Barr Village has a population of approximately 110, while the total for the Parish of Barr is in the region of 260.
Location
The village is situated in the Stinchar Valley where the River Stinchar meets the Water of Gregg. The meeting point of these two watercourses is known locally as The Pot. Local residents and visitors often picnic on the banks of the Stinchar.
The village can be accessed from three directions. Each enters the village along a single track road with passing places. The main route is known locally as The Screws because of the twisting nature of the road. The Screws pass through the Hadyard Hill Wind Farm which was established by Scottish and Southern Electricity. Visitors can walk along the service routes and read about the wind farm at the information point in the car park.
Attractions
Natural features
Barr has many naturally occurring features and a wealth of wildlife. It is popular with many people who enjoy the peace and quiet of the village and surrounds. There are several signed walks[1] in the area, many of which pass through Forestry Commission land, although there are many which follow farm settings.
Buildings
The parish has a strong Covenanters history with several being laid to rest in the village cemetery. The village has a beautiful church which is open at all times. In addition, Kirk Angus lies at the heart of the village. Although the main building of the church has been converted into private residence, the clock tower was donated to the people of Barr. At present options are being investigated for ways to utilise this valuable and historic resource for the community.
Activities
Barr has a bowling green and putting green, both of which can be accessed behind the village hall. There is a play park and football pitch behind The Clachan. The village hall comprises a large hall, small hall, 2 meeting rooms and a stage. Weekend visitors can enjoy tea in the village hall on Sunday afternoons during summer months.
Barr is a sociable community and has many activities for residents on various evenings of the week. The Community Council and Community Assoc Management Committee meet on a monthly basis to look after village affairs and to manage the hall on behalf of South Ayrshire Council.
There are many scenic trails to walk or cycle. Mountain bikes are available to hire for the price of a donation from the village store.
Another of Barr's features is that there is no mobile signal in the village. There is a public telephone outside the village store.
Every two years, the people of Barr open selected gardens of the village to raise funds for Scotland's Garden Scheme. The alternative year the community hosts the annual Dailly and Barr Garden Show.
Lodging
Barr has a small hotel called The King's Arms[2] which provides a restaurant and bar for villagers and visitors. Alton Albany Farm B&B is a short walk from the village and offers traditional farmhouse hospitality Alton Albany Farm B&B There are also several other Bed and Breakfast and self-catering holiday homes for rent in the area.
Legends
There are many local legends such as the fight between the Laird of Changue and the Devil. The 'evidence' for this fight can be found as the Devil's Footprints on top of Craigenrery hill.
Language
According to a reference in The Carrick Covenanters by James Crichton, the last place in the Scottish Lowlands where Gaelic was spoken was the village of Barr on the River Stinchar in Ayrshire. Barr was once regarded as one of the most isolated places in that part of Scotland, though situated only a few miles from Girvan as the crow flies. Crichton gives neither date nor details.[3]
References
- ↑ Barr Village Paths, Ayrshire Paths website. Last accessed 16 August 2010.
- ↑ The King's Arms Hotel website
- ↑ For further discussion on the subject of Gaelic in the South of Scotland, see articles "Gàidhlig Ghallghallaibh agus Alba-a-Deas" ("Gaelic of Galloway and Southern Scotland") and "Gàidhlig ann an Siorramachd Inbhir-Àir" ("Gaelic in Ayrshire") by Garbhan MacAoidh, published in the literary magazine Gairm, Numbers 101 and 106.
External links
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