View source for South Ayrshire

{{Short description|Council area of Scotland}}
{{For|the UK parliament constituency of the same name|South Ayrshire (UK Parliament constituency)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                    = South Ayrshire
| native_name             = {{Unbulleted list
 |{{native name|gd|Siorrachd Àir a Deas}}
 |{{native name|sco|Sooth Ayrshire}}
 }}
| settlement_type         = [[Subdivisions of Scotland#Council areas|Council area]]
| image_skyline           = 
| imagesize               = 
| image_alt               = 
| image_caption           = 
| image_flag              = 
| flag_alt                = 
| image_shield            = Coat_of_arms_of_South_Ayrshire.svg
| shield_alt              = 
| shield_link             = 
| image_blank_emblem      = 
| blank_emblem_size       = 
| blank_emblem_type       = 
| blank_emblem_link       = 
| etymology               = 
| nickname                = 
| motto                   = Ne'er Forget the People 
| image_map               = South Ayrshire UK location map.svg
| map_alt                 = 
| map_caption             = South Ayrshire shown within [[Scotland]]
| coordinates             = {{coord|55|17|N|4|42|W|region:GB_type:adm2nd|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type        = [[Sovereign state]]
| subdivision_name        = [[United Kingdom]]
| subdivision_type1       = [[Countries of the United Kingdom|Country]]
| subdivision_name1       = [[Scotland]]
| subdivision_type2       = 
| subdivision_name2       = 
| subdivision_type3       = [[Lieutenancy areas of Scotland|Lieutenancy area]]
| subdivision_name3       = [[Ayrshire and Arran]]
| subdivision_type4       = 
| subdivision_name4       = 
| established_title       = District
| established_date        = [[Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973|1975]]
| established_title1      = Unitary authority
| established_date1       = [[Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994|1 April 1996]]
| established_title2      = 
| established_date2       = 
| named_for               = 
| seat_type               = Administrative{{nbsp}}HQ
| seat                    = [[County Buildings, Ayr]]
| parts_type              = 
| parts                   = 
<!-- Government -->
| government_footnotes    = <ref name="Council leadership">{{cite web |url=https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy |title=Council and democracy |website=South Ayrshire Council |access-date=22 December 2024}}</ref>
| government_type         = [[Local government in Scotland|Council]]
| governing_body          = [[South Ayrshire Council]]
| leader_title            = [[Political make-up of local councils in the United Kingdom|Control]]
| leader_name             = {{UK council control|GSS=S12000028}}
| leader_title1           = [[Provost (civil)|Provost]]
| leader_name1            = Iain Campbell 
| leader_title2           = [[Local government in Scotland#Leader of the council|Council leader]] 
| leader_name2            = Brian Connolly
| leader_title3           = [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MPs]]
| leader_name3            = {{Collapsible list |title=2 MPs
 |[[Elaine Stewart (politician)|Elaine Stewart]] ([[Labour Party (UK)|L]])
 |[[Alan Gemmell]] ([[Labour Party (UK)|L]])
 }}
| leader_title4           = [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSPs]]
| leader_name4            = {{Collapsible list |title=2 MSPs
 |[[Siobhian Brown]] ([[Scottish National Party|SNP]])
 |[[Elena Whitham]] ([[Scottish National Party|SNP]])
 }}
<!-- Area -->
<!-- ALL fields with measurements have automatic unit conversion -->
| area_footnotes          = <ref name="popstats">{{UK subdivision statistics citation}}</ref>
| area_total_km2          = {{UK subdivision area|GSS=S12000028}}
| area_land_km2           = 
| area_water_km2          = 
| area_rank               = [[Subdivisions of Scotland#Council areas|{{Scottish council area rank|GSS=S12000028}}]]
<!-- Population -->
| population_footnotes    = <ref name="popstats" />
| population_as_of        = {{UK subdivision statistics year}}
| population_total        = {{UK subdivision population|GSS=S12000028}}
| population_rank         = [[Subdivisions of Scotland#Council areas|{{Scottish council population rank|GSS=S12000028}}]]
| population_density_km2  = {{UK subdivision density|GSS=S12000028}}
| population_demonym      = 
<!-- demographics (section 1) -->
| demographics_type1      = 
| demographics1_footnotes = 
| demographics1_title1    = 
| demographics1_info1     = 
<!-- demographics (section 2) -->
| demographics_type2      = 
| demographics2_footnotes = 
| demographics2_title1    = 
| demographics2_info1     = 
| timezone1               = [[Greenwich Mean Time|GMT]]
| utc_offset1             = +0
| timezone1_DST           = [[British Summer Time|BST]]
| utc_offset1_DST         = +1
<!-- Codes -->
| postal_code_type        = [[Postcodes in the United Kingdom|Postcode areas]]
| postal_code             = 
| area_code_type          = [[Telephone numbers in the United Kingdom|Dialling codes]]
| area_code               = 
| iso_code                = [[ISO 3166-2:GB|GB-SAY]]
| blank1_name             = [[GSS coding system|GSS code]]
| blank1_info             = S12000028
| website                 = {{URL|south-ayrshire.gov.uk}}
}}

'''South Ayrshire''' ({{langx|sco|Sooth Ayrshire}}; {{langx|gd|Siorrachd Àir a Deas}}, {{IPA|gd|ˈʃirˠəxk aːɾʲ ə ˈtʲes̪|pron}}) is one of thirty-two [[council areas]] of [[Scotland]], covering the southern part of [[Ayrshire]]. It borders onto [[Dumfries and Galloway]], [[East Ayrshire]] and [[North Ayrshire]]. South Ayrshire had an estimated population in 2021 of 112,450, making it the 19th–largest [[Subdivisions of Scotland|subdivision in Scotland by population]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Mid-2021 Population Estimates Scotland |url=https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data/statistics/statistics-by-theme/population/population-estimates/mid-year-population-estimates/mid-2021 |website=National Records of Scotland |date=31 May 2013 |access-date=29 December 2022}}</ref> With an area of 472 sq mi, South Ayrshire ranks as the 15th largest subdivision in Scotland.

South Ayrshire's [[administrative centre]] is located in its largest town, [[Ayr]]. The headquarters for its associated political body, [[South Ayrshire Council]], is housed at the town's [[County Buildings, Ayr|County Buildings]], located in Wellington Square. Ayr is the former [[county town]] of the historic [[Ayrshire]] county, with the political activity of the [[Ayrshire#Local government|Ayrshire County Council]] being based at County Buildings.<ref>{{cite book |last=Shennan |first=Hay |title=Boundaries of Counties and Parishes in Scotland: as settled by the Boundary Commissioners under the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1889 |year=1892 |publisher=William Green & Sons |location=Edinburgh |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_meygAAAAMAAJ/page/n5 |via=Internet Archive}}</ref> From 1975 to 1996 under the name '''Kyle and Carrick''' ({{langx|gd|'''A' Chùil agus a' Charraig'''}}) it was one of nineteen [[local government (Scotland)|local government]] [[district (Scotland)|district]]s in the [[Strathclyde]] [[Local government areas of Scotland 1973 to 1996|region]].<ref name = uds>{{cite web | url = https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usfeatures/areas/kyleandcarrick.html | title = Kyle and Carrick | access-date = 8 March 2020 | publisher = Undiscovered Scotland}}</ref>

==History==
===Creation===
[[File:Kyle and Carrick.svg|thumb|South Ayrshire within [[Strathclyde]]]]
The district was created in 1975 under the [[Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973]], which established a two-tier structure of local government across Scotland comprising upper-tier regions and lower-tier districts. Kyle and Carrick was one of nineteen districts created within the region of [[Strathclyde]]. The district covered the whole area of seven former districts and parts of another two from the historic county of [[Ayrshire]], which were all abolished at the same time:<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=act|act=Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973|year=1973|chapter=65|accessdate=3 January 2023}}</ref>
*[[Ayr]] [[Burgh]]
*Ayr [[List of local government areas in Scotland (1930–1975)|District]] (except the part within the designated area of [[Irvine, Ayrshire|Irvine]] [[New towns in the United Kingdom|New Town]])
*[[Dalmellington]] District (part, being [[Coylton]] and that part of the parish of Ayr within that district - rest of district to [[Cumnock and Doon Valley]])
*[[Girvan]] Burgh
*Girvan District
*[[Maybole]] Burgh
*Maybole District
*[[Prestwick]] Burgh
*[[Troon]] Burgh

The district bordered districts of [[Cunninghame (local government district, Strathclyde region)|Cunninghame]], [[Kilmarnock & Loudoun]] and [[Cumnock and Doon Valley]] Districts of Strathclyde to its north and east as well as [[Stewartry]] and [[Wigtown Area|Wigtown]] Districts in [[Dumfries & Galloway Region|Dumfries & Galloway]].<ref name = uds/>

In 1974 Alistair Irving Haughan was appointed Chief Architect of Kyle & Carrick District Council, holding the post until he retired in December 1990. While Haughan was in post the work the Council undertook on the restoration of Tam o' Shanter's bridge, the Brig O' Doon in Alloway won a Stone Federation Award.<ref name = DSA>{{cite web | url = http://www.scottisharchitects.org.uk/architect_full.php?id=407423 | title = Alistair Irving Haughan | access-date = 8 March 2020 |  publisher = Dictionary of Scottish Architects}}</ref>

The district was abolished in 1996 by the [[Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994]] which replaced regions and districts with [[Council areas of Scotland|unitary council areas]]. South Ayrshire council area was formed with identical boundaries to Kyle and Carrick District.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=act|act=Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994|year=1994|chapter=39|accessdate=3 January 2023}}</ref>
<ref name = swseic>{{cite web | url = https://swseic.org.uk/partner/south-ayrshire-council/ | title = South Ayrshire Council | access-date = 8 March 2020 | publisher = The Southern Uplands Partnership}}</ref>

====Political control====
The first election to the district council was held in 1974, initially operating as a shadow authority alongside the outgoing authorities until it came into its powers on 16 May 1975. Political control of the council from 1975 was as follows:<ref name=compositions>{{cite web |title=Compositions Calculator |url=https://www.electionscentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/composition_calc.html |access-date=21 May 2025 |website=The Elections Centre |publisher=University of Exeter}} (Put "Kyle & Carrick" in search box to see specific results.)</ref><ref name = Bochel>{{cite web | url = http://www.electionscentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Scottish-District-Elections-1992.pdf | title = Scottish District Elections 1992 | access-date = 8 March 2020 | publisher = University of Dundee | author1 = J.M. Bochel | author2 = D.T. Denver| year = 1992}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!colspan="2"|Party in control!!Years
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Scottish Conservatives}} || 1975–1980
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Scottish Labour}} || 1980–1984
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Scottish Conservatives}} || 1984–1988
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Scottish Labour}} || 1988–1992
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Scottish Conservatives}} || 1992–1996
|}

====Premises====
The district council's headquarters were in Ayr,<ref name = uds/> where they established offices in Burns House in Burns Statue Square<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=20188|page=1269|date=18 November 1977|city=e}}</ref> with a satellite office in a two-storey, 19th century villa at 30 Miller Road.<ref name = Canmore>{{cite web | url = https://canmore.org.uk/site/202756/ayr-30-miller-road-kyle-and-carrick-district-council-offices | title = Ayr, 30 Miller Road, Kyle And Carrick District Council Offices | access-date = 8 March 2020 | publisher = Historic Environment Scotland}}</ref>

South Ayrshire was created in 1996 under the [[Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994]], which replaced Scotland's previous local government structure of upper-tier regions and lower-tier districts with unitary council areas providing all local government services. South Ayrshire covered the same area as the abolished Kyle and Carrick district, and also took over the functions of the abolished [[Strathclyde Regional Council]] within the area.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=act|act=Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994|year=1994|chapter=39|accessdate=29 December 2022}}</ref> The area's name references its location within the [[shires of Scotland|historic county]] of Ayrshire, which had been abolished for local government purposes in 1975 when Kyle and Carrick district and Strathclyde region had been created.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=act|act=Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973|year=1973|chapter=65|accessdate=29 December 2022}}</ref>

===City Status bid=== 

In 2021, South Ayrshire submitted a bid for [[city status in the United Kingdom|city status]] as part of the [[Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II|2022 Platinum Jubilee Celebrations]]. The bid was based on the area's rich history and links to royalty, and received backing from organisations and businesses including [[Ayrshire College]] and [[Scottish Enterprise]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/citystatusbid|title = SAC platinum civic honours competition|accessdate=29 December 2022}}</ref> The bid was ultimately unsuccessful, with eight other settlements across the UK, [[British Overseas Territories|overseas territories]] and [[crown dependencies]] being awarded city status, including Scottish town [[Dunfermline]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61505857|title=Eight towns to be made cities for Platinum Jubilee|last=O'Connor|first=Mary|date=20 May 2022}}</ref>

===2025 executive crisis===
[[File:Lyndsay McRoberts, Education Director, South Ayrshire Council.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Lyndsay McRoberts became Acting Chief Executive following the resignation of Mike Newall in June 2025]] 

In late April 2025, the [[Scottish Conservatives]] leader of the council, Martin Dowey, faced pressure to resign in the aftermath of leaked audio from a meeting that took place in his office at County Buildings in 2023.<ref name="Tory council chief recorded appearing to promise contracts for 'pals'">{{cite web |last1=Ferguson |first1=John |title=Tory council chief recorded appearing to promise contracts for 'pals' |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/tory-council-chief-recorded-appearing-35125423 |website=Daily Record |access-date=2 May 2025 |language=en |date=27 April 2025}}</ref> The audio from the meeting showed that Dowey appeared to have put measures in place to ensure contractors personally associated with him were in a stronger position to win forthcoming contacts for demolition works, including the [[Ayr Station Hotel fire|Station hotel]] which had recently went on fire.<ref name="Tory council chief recorded appearing to promise contracts for 'pals'"/> There were calls for him to resign with immediate effect, something he initially refused to do, instead, deciding to "temporarily step aside" in order to not become a distraction for both the council and the work of the council.<ref name="Deputy leader removed and provost resigns after explosive Scottish council meeting">{{cite web |title=Deputy leader removed and provost resigns after explosive Scottish council meeting |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/25130974.south-ayrshire-provost-resigns-fiery-council-meeting/ |website=The National |access-date=2 May 2025 |language=en |date=1 May 2025}}</ref>

At a council meeting on 1 May 2025, the Depute Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Bob Pollock, faced a vote of no confidence which he subsequently lost by 14 votes in favour to 13 against in regards to removing him as the Depute Leader.<ref name="Deputy leader removed and provost resigns after explosive Scottish council meeting"/> Subsequently, the Provost of South Ayrshire Council, Iain Campbell, submitted his resignation with immediate effect, stating he was "totally disgusted" by the behaviour displayed in the council chamber during the meeting.<ref name="Deputy leader removed and provost resigns after explosive Scottish council meeting"/> A further motion of no confidence in leader Martin Dowey was lodged by [[Scottish Labour Party]] councillors, however, the meeting of the council was eventually formally suspended as a result of the intensity of the debate.<ref name="Deputy leader removed and provost resigns after explosive Scottish council meeting"/> Shortly afterwards, the leader of the council, Martin Dowey, formally submitted his resignation with immediate effect.<ref>{{cite web |title=Leader of South Ayrshire Council resigns with 'immediate effect' |url=https://www.ayradvertiser.com/news/25132181.south-ayrshire-council-leader-resigns-immediate-effect/ |website=Ayr Advertiser |access-date=2 May 2025 |language=en |date=1 May 2025}}</ref> The Depute Chief Executive and Director of Education for South Ayrshire Council, Lyndsay McRoberts, announced she would be leaving her post within the council to take up the position of Director of Educational Resources at [[South Lanarkshire Council]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Director of Education to leave South Ayrshire Council |url=https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/article/80419/Director-of-Education-to-leave-South-Ayrshire-Council |website=South Ayrshire Council |access-date=2 May 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

In May 2025, Councillors Iain Campbell and Brian Connolly were appointed to the positions of provost and leader of the council respectively.<ref>{{cite web |title=Councillors vote to appoint Provost, Leader and Depute Leader |url=https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/article/80662/Councillors-vote-to-appoint-Provost-Leader-and-Depute-Leader |website=South Ayrshire Council |access-date=28 May 2025 |language=en}}</ref> In June 2025, the chief executive of South Ayrshire Council, Mike Newall, resigned in a similar scandal relating to surfaced recordings between him and a contractor bidding for demolition work in which Newall appears to help the contractor win the contract.<ref name="Council chief recorded appearing to break strict contract rules">{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Stuart |title=Council chief recorded appearing to break strict contract rules |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/ayrshire/south-ayrshire-council-chief-executive-35376464 |website=Daily Record |access-date=1 July 2025 |language=en |date=11 June 2025}}</ref> In the recording, Newall also speaks unprofessionally of others within the council, particularly the planning department and the councils head of legal services.<ref name="Council chief recorded appearing to break strict contract rules"/> Following his resignation, Depute Chief Executive and Director of Education, Lyndsay McRoberts, assumed the role of acting chief executive, however, as she was to leave the council in August to take up the Director of Education post in South Lanarkshire, she was succeeded by Cleland Sneddon as interim chief executive. She continued to serve as Acting Chief Executive until she left the authority in August.<ref>{{cite web |title=Council Agrees Interim Chief Executive Arrangements |url=https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/council-news/council-agrees-interim-chief-executive-arrangements |website=South Ayrshire Council |access-date=1 July 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

==Geography==
{{multiple image|total_width = 250
| align             = left
| direction         = vertical
| image1            = Firth of Clyde at Pinbain - geograph.org.uk - 3245790.jpg
| alt1              = Firth of Clyde at Pinbain
| caption1          = South Ayrshire coastline on the [[Firth of Clyde]].
| image2            = Turnberry Sundown - geograph.org.uk - 5274856.jpg
| alt2              = South Ayrshire coastline with Ailsa Craig
| caption2          = South Ayrshire coastline showing [[Ailsa Craig]] in the background.
}}

Geographically, South Ayrshire is located on the western coast of Scotland, sharing borders with neighbouring local authorities [[East Ayrshire]], [[Dumfries and Galloway]] and [[North Ayrshire]]. The climate in South Ayrshire, typical of that in western Scotland, is milder than that of eastern Scotland due to the stronger maritime influence, as the prevailing winds blow from the sea into South Ayrshire, which is located primarily on the western coast of Scotland. The warm [[Gulf Stream]] also has a strong influence on western Scotland. With winds mainly blowing from the sea the annual mean temperatures are in the range {{convert|9.5|to|9.9|°C|°F}} in coastal areas of South Ayrshire such as [[Ayr]] and [[Troon]].

The sea reaches its lowest temperature in February or early March so that on average February is the coldest month in some coastal parts of South Ayrshire along with the [[Rhins of Galloway]], [[Kintyre]] and the [[Hebrides]]. In February the mean daily minimum temperature varies from about 2&nbsp;°C in most of the islands, 1 to 2&nbsp;°C along most of the Solway Firth and lowland inland areas, but less than &minus;1&nbsp;°C in parts of the Southern Uplands and central Highlands. Inland, where the influence of the sea is less, January is the coldest month with mean daily minimum temperatures generally between −3 and 0&nbsp;°C.<ref name="metoffice.gov.uk">{{OGL-attribution|version=3.0|{{cite web|url=https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/regional-climates/ws|title=Western Scotland: climate|website=Met Office}}}}</ref>

The number of hours of natural sunshine in South Ayrshire is controlled by the length of day and by cloudiness. In general, December is the dullest month and May or June the sunniest. Sunshine duration decreases with increasing altitude, increasing latitude and distance from the coast. Local topography also exerts a strong influence and in the winter deep glens and north-facing slopes can be in shade for long periods. Industrial pollution and smoke haze can also reduce sunshine amounts, but the decline in heavy industry in the Ayrshire area, primarily in Ayr in South Ayrshire along with Kilmarnock in East Ayrshire, has resulted in an increase in sunshine duration particularly in the winter months.<ref name="metoffice.gov.uk"/>

Average annual rainfall totals range from less than {{convert|1000|mm|abbr=on}} in the upper Clyde valley and along the coasts of Ayrshire and [[Dumfries and Galloway]] to on average over {{convert|3500|mm|abbr=on}} over the higher parts of the west Highlands, approaching the maximum values found in the UK (over {{convert|4000|mm|disp=or|abbr=off}} further north).<ref name="metoffice.gov.uk"/>

==Demography==
===Population===

In 2022, the population of South Ayrshire stood at 112,450, with 47.8% male and 52.2% female. The population of South Ayrshire is projected to decrease by 6.5% to 105,191, whilst the population of Scotland nationally is projected to increase 2.5%. The number of children in South Ayrshire is expected to decrease by 17%, with the working age population of the area set to fall by 14% by 2043. The population aged over 75 years is expected to increase by 65% in South Ayrshire by 2043.<ref>{{cite book |last1=McRoberts |first1=Lindsay |title=Educational Services Quality and Standards Report 2022-2023 |date=2022 |publisher=South Ayrshire Council |location=Ayr |page=4}}</ref>

South Ayrshire accounted for 2% of the overall Scottish population in 2022, with 20 of the most deprived data zones in Scotland being in South Ayrshire, making the area the 12th highest across Scotland.<ref>{{cite book |last1=McRoberts |first1=Lindsay |title=Educational Services Quality and Standards Report 2022-2023 |date=2022 |publisher=South Ayrshire Council |location=Ayr |page=4}}</ref>

===Languages===
The 2022 Scottish Census reported that out of 109,035 residents aged three and over, 39,739 (36.4%) considered themselves able to speak or read the [[Scots language|Scots language]]. <ref>[https://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/webapi/opentable?id=019a1a62-eab8-76fc-98d0-f7e8423a5077]</ref>

The 2022 Scottish Census reported that out of 109,035 residents aged three and over, 907 (0.8%) considered themselves able to speak or read [[Scottish Gaelic|Gaelic]]. <ref>[https://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/webapi/opentable?id=019a2022-ecdd-77ea-96ad-569f0c5b3786</ref>

===Settlements===
{{Location map+|Scotland South Ayrshire
 |caption={{left|The largest settlements in South Ayrshire.}}
 |float=right
 |width=500
 |places =
  {{Location map~|Scotland South Ayrshire|coordinates = {{coord|55.458|-4.629}}|position=left|label='''[[Ayr]]'''|label_size=}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland South Ayrshire|coordinates = {{coord|55.54|-4.66}}|position=left|label='''[[Troon]]'''|label_size=}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland South Ayrshire|coordinates = {{coord|55.495551|-4.614160}}|position=left|label='''[[Prestwick]]'''|label_size=}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland South Ayrshire|coordinates = {{coord|55.238|-4.856}}|position=right|label='''[[Girvan]]'''|label_size=}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland South Ayrshire|coordinates = {{coord|55.3551|-4.68}}|position=right|label='''[[Maybole]]'''|label_size=}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland South Ayrshire|coordinates = {{coord|55.578|-4.594}}|position=right|label='''[[Dundonald, South Ayrshire|Dundonald]]'''|label_size=}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland South Ayrshire|coordinates = {{coord|55.443414|-4.518319}}|position=top|label='''[[Coylton]]'''|label_size=}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland South Ayrshire|coordinates = {{coord|55.4917|-4.5278}}|position=bottom|label='''[[Mossblown]]'''|label_size=}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland South Ayrshire|coordinates = {{coord|55.5132|-4.4866}}|position=top|label='''[[Tarbolton]]'''|label_size=}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland South Ayrshire|coordinates = {{coord|55.549608|-4.562544}}|position=right|label='''[[Symington, South Ayrshire|Symington]]'''|label_size=}}

<!-- Bordering council areas -->
  {{Location map~|Scotland South Ayrshire|coordinates = {{coord|55.636|-4.705|}}|position=right|label=''[[North Ayrshire#Settlements|North Ayrshire]]''|marksize=0|label_size=120}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland South Ayrshire|coordinates = {{coord|55.42|-4.443|}}|position=right|label=''[[East Ayrshire#Settlements|East Ayrshire]]''|marksize=0|label_size=120}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland South Ayrshire|coordinates = {{coord|55.07|-4.55|}}|position=right|label=''[[Dumfries and Galloway#Settlements|Dumfries and Galloway]]''|marksize=0|label_size=120}}
}}

[[File:AYR - panoramio (28).jpg|thumb|right|230px|[[Ayr]] is the largest settlement within South Ayrshire in terms of both area and population.]]
[[File:Troon south beach and esplanade.JPG|thumb|right|230px|[[Troon]], after Ayr, is one of South Ayrshire's largest settlements in terms of population and a major tourist attraction, attracting visitors to its beaches and golf courses.]]
South Ayrshire's population is mostly concentrated around the adjoining coastal towns of Ayr, Prestwick and Troon located to the north-west of the council, which represents 68% of the council's total population according to data derived from the [[United Kingdom Census 2011|2011 census]], with a combined population of 76,846. Other areas of significance include the towns of Maybole and Girvan which are located to the south of the council area in the district of [[Carrick, Scotland|Carrick]].

Largest settlements by population:

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Settlement
!Population ({{Scottish settlement population citation|year}})<ref name="auto">{{Scottish settlement population citation}}</ref>
|-
|[[Ayr]]
|{{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Ayr}}
|-
|[[Troon]]
|{{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Troon}}
|-
|[[Prestwick]]
|{{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Prestwick}}
|-
|[[Girvan]]
|{{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Girvan}}
|-
|[[Maybole]]
|{{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Maybole}}
|-
|[[Dundonald, South Ayrshire|Dundonald]]
|{{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Dundonald}}
|-
|[[Coylton]]
|{{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Coylton}}
|-
|[[Mossblown]]
|{{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Mossblown}}
|-
|[[Tarbolton]]
|{{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Tarbolton}}
|-
|[[Symington, South Ayrshire|Symington]]
|{{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Symington (South Ayrshire)}}
|-
|}

A list of settlements in South Ayrshire may be found below:

===Towns===
Ayr is the administrative centre of the [[South Ayrshire Council]], and the historic [[Shires of Scotland|county town]] of [[Ayrshire]]. With a population of 47,982, Ayr is the [[List of towns and cities in Scotland by population|14th largest settlement in Scotland]] and largest town in Ayrshire by population. The town is contiguous with the smaller town of [[Prestwick]] to the north. Ayr submitted unsuccessful bids for [[City status in the United Kingdom|city status]] in 2000<ref>{{cite web |title=Inverness awarded city status |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/1076125.stm |website=BBC |access-date=1 April 2024 |date=18 December 2000}}</ref> and 2002,<ref>{{cite web |title=Five new cities creates row |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/1872577.stm |website=BBC |access-date=1 April 2024 |date=14 March 2002}}</ref> and as part of the wider South Ayrshire area in 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Council Approve South Ayrshire City Status Bid |url=https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/article/35850/Council-Approve-South-Ayrshire-City-Status-Bid |website=South Ayrshire Council |access-date=1 April 2024 |language=en}}</ref> Ayr was established as a Royal Burgh in 1205 and is the county town of Ayrshire. It served as Ayrshire's central marketplace and harbour throughout the [[medieval period]]<ref name=Defoe>{{cite web|url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/travellers/Defoe/37#pn_53 |title=Letter Xii: Containing a Description of the South-western Part of Scotland; Including the City of Glasgow |access-date=2016-02-17 |url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309224218/http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/travellers/Defoe/37 |archive-date=9 March 2016 |df=dmy }}</ref> and was a port during the [[early modern period]].<ref name=Defoe/>

Troon is the second largest town in South Ayrshire and is about {{convert|8|mi|km|abbr=off|spell=on}} north of [[Ayr]] and {{convert|3|mi|km|0|abbr=off|spell=on}} northwest of [[Glasgow Prestwick Airport]]. Troon has a port with ferry and freight services, and a yacht [[marina]] and since March 2024, [[Caledonian MacBrayne]] have operated a ferry service to [[Brodick]] on the [[Isle of Arran]]. In the 2001 census the population of Troon, not including the nearby village of [[Loans, South Ayrshire|Loans]] but including the Barassie area, was estimated at 14,766, a 4.77% increase on the 1991 estimate of 14,094.<ref>General Register Office for Scotland</ref> The population in 2024 is just over 15,000

South Ayrshire's five towns are as follows: 
*[[Ayr]]
*[[Girvan]]
*[[Prestwick]]
*[[Troon]]
*[[Maybole]]

===Villages and hamlets===
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
*[[Alloway]] ([[Suburban area|Suburb]] of Ayr)
*[[Annbank]]
*[[Ballantrae]]
*[[Barassie]] ([[Suburban area|Suburb]] of Troon)
*[[Barr, Ayrshire|Barr]]
*[[Barrhill, South Ayrshire|Barrhill]]
*[[Colmonell]]
*[[Coodham]]
*[[Coylton]]
*[[Craigie Village and Parish|Craigie]]
*[[Crosshill, South Ayrshire|Crosshill]]
*[[Dailly]]
*[[Dundonald, South Ayrshire|Dundonald]]
*[[Dunure]]
*[[Failford]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://destinationsouthayrshire.co.uk/|title=Home|website=Destination South Ayrshire}}</ref>
*[[Joppa, South Ayrshire|Joppa]] ([[Suburban area|Suburb]] of Coylton)
*[[Kirkmichael, South Ayrshire|Kirkmichael]]
*[[Kirkoswald, South Ayrshire|Kirkoswald]]
*[[Lendalfoot]]
*[[Loans, South Ayrshire|Loans]]
*[[Maidens, South Ayrshire|Maidens]]
*[[Monkton, Ayrshire|Monkton]]
*[[Mossblown]]
*[[Minishant]]
*[[Old Dailly]]
*Pinmore
*[[Pinwherry]]
*[[Straiton]]
*[[Symington, South Ayrshire|Symington]]
*[[Tarbolton]]
*[[Turnberry, South Ayrshire|Turnberry]]
{{div col end}}

==Economy==
{{Further|Economy of Scotland}}
[[File:Spirit Aerosystems building - geograph.org.uk - 1733043.jpg|thumb|right|[[Spirit AeroSystems]] at [[Glasgow Prestwick Airport|Prestwick Airport]]]]

The economy of South Ayrshire, like many other areas, was badly affected during the worldwide financial crisis from 2009 to 2012. Despite this, total Gross Value Added for South Ayrshire has seen a steady increase over the last 20 years, reaching a peak in 2015 of £2.4 billion. South Ayrshire's GVA represents 1.9% of the total Scottish Gross Value Added income which is consistent with the previous 20 years. By 2022, South Ayrshire [[Gross Domestic Product]] (GDP) estimates stood at £2.710 billion.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scotland GDP by region 2022 |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1243834/scotland-gdp-by-local-area/ |website=Statista |access-date=17 July 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

The largest employment industry in South Ayrshire and Scotland is the public administration, education and health sector. Compared with Scotland, proportionally there are more South Ayrshire residents employed in this sector than Scotland, while there are proportionally fewer employed in banking, finance and insurance sector than Scotland. Despite being a coastal area, the smallest employment in South Ayrshire is in the agriculture and fishing sector.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=6065caa5d51d413eb02efbd088fe99c6|title=Story Map Journal|website=www.arcgis.com}}</ref>

===Regional Economic Partnership===

The council and its neighbours of [[East Ayrshire]] and [[North Ayrshire]] work together on economic growth as the Ayrshire Regional Economic Partnership, with support from the Scottish and UK governments and other private and public sector organisations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ayrshire Regional Economic Partnership |url=https://www.ayrshiregrowthdeal.co.uk/partnership/ |access-date=29 December 2022}}</ref>

===Employment trends===
[[File:Tarfessock View - geograph.org.uk - 1540014.jpg|thumb|right|Rural landscape in South Ayrshire]]

Across South Ayrshire in 2023, 47,500 people were classed as being economically active, with 44,700 people categorised as being in employment (36,800 employed by a business or organisation and an additional 7,500 people classed as self employed). In the same period, a total of 1,700 people in South Ayrshire were unemployed, an unemployment rate of 3.7% which is higher than the Scottish average unemployment rate of 3.5%.<ref name="nomisweb.co.uk">{{cite web |title=Labour Market Profile - Nomis - Official Census and Labour Market Statistics |url=https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/1946157432/report.aspx |website=www.nomisweb.co.uk |access-date=17 July 2024}}</ref>

Professional Occupations make up the largest employment figures based on occupation in South Ayrshire, with an estimated 8,900 people (20.0%) of the population employed in the area. Other large sectors of employment across South Ayrshire include the associate professional occupations sector (13.1%), the care, leisure and social care sector (10.2%) and managerial and directors occupations (9.1%).<ref name="nomisweb.co.uk"/>

The average gross weekly salary for a full time employee in South Ayrshire in 2023 was £753.40, higher than the Scottish average gross weekly salary figure of £702.40.<ref name="nomisweb.co.uk"/>

===Tourism===
[[File:Culzean Castle house and gardens 01.JPG|thumb|right|[[Culzean Castle]] & Palm Garden, a major tourist attraction in South Ayrshire]]

The tourism sector of South Ayrshire is a major contributor to the local economy, with the area having attractions including [[Burns Cottage]], the [[Robert Burns Birthplace Museum]], [[Turnberry Castle]] and [[Culzean Castle]].<ref>{{cite web |title=South Ayrshire |url=https://www.visitscotland.com/info/tours/south-ayrshire-031fb5ea |website=www.visitscotland.com |access-date=17 July 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

The [[Royal Troon Golf Club]] is featured on the rota of courses used for the [[Open Championship]], with the most recent Open Championship being held at Royal Troon in [[2024 Open Championship|2024]]. Additionally, the [[Turnberry (golf course)|Turnberry Golf Course]] has also hosted the Open Championship, the most recent being in [[2009 Open Championship|2009]]. However, since the course came under the ownership of [[Donald Trump]], the 45th [[President of the United States]], [[The R&A]], the governing body for golf said following the [[2021 storming of the United States Capitol]], that it had "no plans to stage any of its competitions at Turnberry" and would not do so "until we are convinced that the focus will be on the championship, the players and the course itself".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/golf/55615022 |title=Trump National stripped of 2022 US PGA Championship |website=BBC Sport |date=11 January 2021 |access-date=11 January 2021}}</ref>

Other notable places of interest within South Ayrshire include:

*[[Ailsa Craig]]
*Bachelor's Club, [[Tarbolton]]
*Bargany Gardens
*[[Blairquhan]]
*[[Burns Cottage]]
*Robert Burns Birthplace Museum ([[Robert Burns]])
*[[Carrick Forest]]
*[[Crossraguel Abbey]]
*[[Culzean Castle]]
*[[Electric Brae]]
*[[Penkill Castle]]
*Souter Johnnie's Cottage
*[[Royal Troon Golf Club]]
*[[Turnberry (golf course)|Turnberry Hotel and Golf Course]]

==Media==
===Television===
In terms of television, South Ayrshire is served by:

* [[BBC Scotland]] (including television channels [[BBC One Scotland]] and [[BBC Scotland (TV channel)|BBC Scotland]])
* [[STV Group|STV]] (including television channel [[STV (TV channel)|STV]])

*''[[BBC Reporting Scotland]]''
*''[[STV News]]'' (Central)
*''[[ITV News Lookaround]]'' can also be received in southern parts.

===Radio===
Radio stations that broadcast to South Ayrshire are:
*[[BBC Radio Scotland]] on 93.9 FM
*[[Clyde 1 (Ayrshire)]] on 96.7 FM

===Newspapers===
Local newspaper is served by ''[[Ayrshire Post|The Ayrshire Post]]''.

==Education==
{{Further|Education in Scotland}}
[[File:Travelling Cabinet Ayr (Scotland) on November 4, 2024 - 56.jpg|thumb|right|Director of Education Lyndsay McRoberts meets with [[Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills|Cabinet Secretary for Education]] [[Jenny Gilruth]] in [[Ayr]], November 2024]] 

The current Director of Education in South Ayrshire is Scott Mulholland, who was appointed in October 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Director of Education for South Ayrshire Council |url=https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/council-news/new-director-of-education-for-south-ayrshire-council#:~:text=Scott%20Mulholland%20has%20been%20appointed,this%20post%20in%20October%202022. |website=South Ayrshire Council |access-date=3 October 2025 |language=en}}</ref> Education provision in South Ayrshire is the responsibility of [[South Ayrshire Council]], the local authority for the area, and is offered via eight secondary schools, forty primary schools, two special needs schools and thirty-six Early Years Centres. Between 2024–25, 7,383 and 6,313 attended primary and secondary schools in South Ayrshire respectively.<ref>{{cite web |title=Educational Services Standards and Quality Report 2024-25 |url=https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/media/16410/Standards-and-Quality-Report-2024-25/pdf/REP_20250923_C_Education_Standards_and_Quality-App1.pdf?m=1759337340417 |website=south-ayrshire.gov.uk |publisher=South Ayrshire Council |access-date=5 October 2025}}</ref> 

[[Belmont Academy]] is the largest secondary school in the area in terms of pupil enrolment, whilst in contrast, [[Carrick Academy]] has the smallest school roll, with a total of 391 pupils attending the school.<ref name="School rolls">{{cite web |title=School rolls |url=https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/school-rolls |website=South Ayrshire Council |access-date=17 July 2024 |language=en}}</ref> A total of 7,441 children were enrolled in South Ayrshire's primary schools between 2023–2024, with Forehill Primary School having the largest pupil roll amongst the areas primary schools, with a total of 458 children attending the school. Straiton Primary School had the smallest pupil roll, with a total of 18 children attending the school in 2024.<ref name="School rolls"/>

{{multiple image
 | align = right
 | total_width = 320

 | image1 = Forehill Primary School.jpg
 | alt1 = Forehill Primary 
 | caption1 = Forehill Primary School & Early Years Centre, the largest primary school

 | image2 = Belmont Academy, Ayr - geograph.org.uk - 5260570.jpg
 | alt2 = Belmont Academy
 | caption2 = [[Belmont Academy]], the largest secondary school

 | footer = 
}}

As of 2024, there are a total of eight secondary schools within South Ayrshire:<ref>{{cite web |title=Secondary school contact details |url=https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/article/28210/Secondary-school-contact-details |website=South Ayrshire Council |access-date=18 July 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

* [[Ayr Academy]] ([[Non-denominational]], [[Ayr]])
* [[Belmont Academy]] (Non-denominational, Ayr)
* [[Carrick Academy]] (Non-denominational, [[Maybole]])
* [[Girvan Academy]] (Non-denominational, [[Girvan]])
* [[Kyle Academy]] (Non-denominational, Ayr)
* [[Marr College]] (Non-denominational, [[Troon]])
* [[Queen Margaret Academy]] ([[Roman Catholic]], Ayr)
* [[Prestwick Academy]] (Non-denominational, [[Prestwick]])

In addition to the eight secondary schools which are operated by South Ayrshire Council, Ayr is home to [[Wellington School, Ayr|Wellington School]], a private day school which educates children from 3–18.

==Governance==
{{main|South Ayrshire Council}}

===South Ayrshire Council===
[[File:County Buildings, Ayr - geograph.org.uk - 6338822.jpg|thumb|right|[[County Buildings, Ayr]], the seat of [[South Ayrshire Council]]]]

South Ayrshire is governed by [[South Ayrshire Council]] which has been under [[no overall control]] since 2003, in which time various coalitions and minority administrations have operated. Since the [[2022 South Ayrshire Council election|last election in 2022]], the council has been led by a [[Scottish Conservatives|Conservative]] minority administration which took office with support from two [[independent politician|independent]] councillors and abstentions from [[Scottish Labour|Labour]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/ayrshire/conservatives-take-control-south-ayrshire-27006958 |title=BREAKING: Tories take control of South Ayrshire Council |work=Daily Record |first=Stuart |last=Wilson |date=19 May 2022 |access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref> The next election is due in 2027.

The council's civic head takes the title of [[provost (civil)|provost]]. This is a largely ceremonial role, chairing council meetings and acting as the area's first citizen. Although an elected councillor, the provost is expected to be politically impartial.<ref>{{cite web |title=Provost of South Ayrshire |url=https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/article/35819/Provost-of-South-Ayrshire |website=South Ayrshire Council |access-date=29 December 2022}}</ref> Political leadership is provided by the [[leader of the council]]. 

The head of the councils operational service is the [[Chief Executive]] who works with the elected representatives of the council on matters concerning governance, legislation, policy and regulation. Additionally, the Chief Executive of the council is the lead officer during an emergency response as a result of an occurring significant civil emergency and also is the councils chief [[returning officer]] during parliamentary elections.<ref>{{cite web |title=Management team |url=https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/management-team |website=South Ayrshire Council |access-date=4 November 2024 |language=en}}</ref> The chief executive is supported by their depute.<ref>{{cite web |title=Management team structure |url=https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/management-team |website=South Ayrshire Council |access-date=4 November 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

===Wider politics===

At the [[2014 Scottish independence referendum]] South Ayrshire rejected [[Scottish independence|independence]] by an above-average margin of 57.9% "No" to 42.1% "Yes". With a turnout of 86.1%, there were 34,402 "Yes" votes and 47,247 "No" votes. Nationally 55.3% of voters voted "No" in the referendum compared to 44.7%, who voted "Yes" – resulting in Scotland remaining a [[Devolution in the United Kingdom|devolved]] part of the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|title=Referendum 2014|url=http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/referendum/|access-date=8 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922062821/http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/referendum/|archive-date=22 September 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.carricktoday.co.uk/news/indy-ref-round-up-south-ayrshire-votes-no-1-3551071|title="Indy red round-up: South Ayrshire votes No"}}</ref>

At the [[2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum]] a majority of voters in South Ayrshire voted for the United Kingdom to remain a member of the [[European Union]] (EU), with 59% of voters in South Ayrshire voting for the United Kingdom to remain a member of the EU and 41% voting for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union. With a turnout of 69.8%, 36,265 votes were cast for remain and 25,241 were cast for leave. 62% of Scottish voters voted remain whilst 38% voted leave, whilst nationally 51.8% of voters in the United Kingdom as a whole voting to leave and 48.2% voting to remain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/elections/referendums/eu-referendum-2016/|title=EU Referendum 2016|publisher=South Ayrshire Council|language=en|access-date=1 February 2018|archive-date=2 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202071516/https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/elections/referendums/eu-referendum-2016/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-02-10|title=South Ayrshire votes Remain with rest of Scotland - Carrick Gazette|url=https://www.carricktoday.co.uk/news/south-ayrshire-votes-remain-with-rest-of-scotland-1-4163005|access-date=2020-12-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210181016/https://www.carricktoday.co.uk/news/south-ayrshire-votes-remain-with-rest-of-scotland-1-4163005|archive-date=10 February 2018}}</ref>

===Parliamentary representation===

'''UK Parliament'''

South Ayrshire forms part of two UK Parliamentary constituencies, listed below:

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%;"
|-
!Constituency
!Member
!colspan=2|Party
|-
| [[Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock (UK Parliament constituency)|Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock]]
| [[Elaine Stewart (politician)|Elaine Stewart]]
|style="background-color: {{party color|Scottish Labour Party}}" |
|[[Scottish Labour Party]]
|-
|[[Central Ayrshire (UK Parliament constituency)|Central Ayrshire]]
|[[Alan Gemmell]]
|style="background-color: {{party color|Scottish Labour Party}}" |
|[[Scottish Labour Party]]
|}

'''Scottish Parliament'''

''Constituency MSPs'' <br/>
South Ayrshire forms part of two Scottish Parliamentary constituency seats, listed below:

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%;"
|-
!Constituency
!colspan=4|Member of Scottish Parliament
!Extent of constituency
|-
| [[Ayr (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Ayr]]
| [[Siobhian Brown]]
|style="background-color: {{party color|Scottish National Party}}" |
|[[Scottish National Party|SNP]]
| 
|Covering [[Ayr]], [[Prestwick]] and [[Troon]].
|-
| [[Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley]]
| [[Elena Whitham]]
| style="background-color: {{party color|Scottish National Party}}" |
| [[Scottish National Party|SNP]]
| 
| Covering [[Kyle, Ayrshire|Kyle]] and [[Carrick, Ayrshire|Carrick]] outside of Ayr, Prestwick and Troon, alongside [[Mauchline|Ballochmyle]], [[Cumnock]] and [[Doon Valley]] in [[East Ayrshire]].
|}

''Regional List MSPs'' <br/> 
As part of the [[South Scotland (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|South Scotland]] electoral region, South Ayrshire is represented by 7 regional MSPs who are elected to represent the entire South Scotland region – all regional list MSPs elected for the South Scotland region are listed below:

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%;"
|-
!Constituency
!Member
!colspan=2|Party
|-
|rowspan=7|[[South Scotland (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|South Scotland]]
|[[Sharon Dowey]]
|bgcolor="{{party color|Scottish Conservative Party}}" |
|Conservative
|-
|[[Emma Harper]]
|bgcolor="{{party color|Scottish National Party}}" |
|Scottish National
|-
|[[Carol Mochan]]
|bgcolor="{{party color|Scottish Labour Party}}"|
|Labour
|-
|[[Craig Hoy]]
|bgcolor="{{party color|Scottish Conservative Party}}" |
|Conservative
|-
|[[Brian Whittle]]
|bgcolor="{{party color|Scottish Conservative Party}}" |
|Conservative
|-
|[[Martin Whitfield]]
|bgcolor="{{party color|Scottish Labour Party}}"|
|Labour
|-
|[[Colin Smyth]]
|bgcolor="{{party color|Scottish Labour Party}}" |
|Labour
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==

{{Navboxes
|title = South Ayrshire
|list =
{{South Ayrshire}}
{{Rugby union in South Ayrshire}}
{{Castles in South Ayrshire}}
{{Secondary Schools of South Ayrshire}}
{{South Ayrshire elections}}
{{Wards of South Ayrshire}}
{{Carrick}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:South Ayrshire| ]]
[[Category:Council areas of Scotland]]
[[Category:Firth of Clyde]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1996]]
[[Category:1996 establishments in Scotland]]