Girvan

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Girvan




OS grid reference:	NX185975



Population:	6,992 (2001 Census)



Council area:	South Ayrshire
Constituent country:	Scotland
Sovereign state:	United Kingdom

Police force:	Strathclyde Police
Lieutenancy area:	Ayrshire and Arran
Former county:	Ayrshire

Post town:	GIRVAN
Postal:	KA26
Telephone:	01465


Scottish Parliament:	Ayr
UK Parliament:	Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
European Parliament:	Scotland

Girvan is a burgh in Carrick, South Ayrshire, Scotland, with a population of about 8000 people. Originally a fishing port, it is now also a seaside resort with beaches and cliffs. It lies 20 miles south of Ayr, and 30 miles north of Stranraer, one of the principal ferry ports from Scotland to Northern Ireland.

Boats also sail from the harbour to Ailsa Craig, an island in the Firth of Clyde. In the summer it is possible to sail around Ailsa Craig on the paddle steamer Waverley.

There are few attractions in Girvan itself, but Culzean Castle lies a few miles north of the town. The world-famous Turnberry golf course and hotel is located 5 miles north of Girvan. The coast line south of Girvan is famous for its geology, and also for Sawney Bean's Cave. Legendary murderer and cannibal Sawney Bean was a supposed resident of a nearby seaside cave until his eventual discovery and execution in Edinburgh.

Girvan is not considered a family holiday resort. Tourists may however enjoy the many walks around the town, with its historic church buildings in their various architectural styles.

Girvan has its own secondary school, Girvan Academy. The town's harbour can be seen from the webcam which is part of the Girvan Online community website.

Girvan Oasis [1] is a volunteer group which are currently based in the community centre (every thursday night 7.30 to 9.30pm)Oasis is for youths aged 13-18 years old. There are themed nights and day trips throughout the year. See website for more details. later in 2007 Oasis will be relocating to what was a pub called "the cranford".

[edit] The Hairy Tree

Historically, Girvan was significant as the home of the Hairy Tree. The Hairy Tree was planted by Sawney Bean's eldest daughter in the town's Dalrymple Street. However, when her family was arrested, the daughter was implicated in their incestuous and cannibalistic activities and was hanged by locals from the bough of the tree she herself planted. According to local legend, one can hear the sound of a swinging corpse while standing beneath its boughs. The Hairy Tree's whereabouts are currently unknown, but two high profile campaigns have been launched to relocate it. The Girvan Online website is running a campaign which was started by local investigative journalist and horoscope writer Andrew Penguin. More recently, former Scotland International footballer Alan Brazil launched his own independent campaign to the same purpose.