A view of Maybole from Kildoon Hill
This is a typical Scottish town just south of Ayr, on the west coast of Scotland and well worth a visit, if only to see the two castles which grace the main street. They are in fact town houses and remind us that in its day Maybole was the centre of a cultivated and prosperous society. That day came of course, when the local chiefs ceased their ancient and bloody feuding, and settled down to exploit the lands they had acquired. Maybole was then indeed the capital of Carrick.
Maybole Castle with its traffic choked centre
One castle, the tollbooth tower, is now in public use and was once the town house of Kennedy of Blairqhaun, it is situated at the top of Maybole High Street and has an outdoor public area to the rear used on the summer months.
The other, still known as Maybole Castle is in private ownership, albeit, now rented to the local employment agency. This was the town house of the Earl of Cassillis, leader of the Kennedys. Built early in the 17th century, when craftsmen and artistry were finally coming together in a country more settled and peaceful than before, it is a handsome building indeed.
It was at the Maybole fair that William Burnes met Agnes Broun, this relationship blossomed and there first born was Robert. Robert Burns Scotland's national Bard was later to recall that the songs his mother often sang so sweetly fired his love of Scottish song. She had learned the songs in Maybole.
Maybole Town Hall (Tollbooth Tower)
Today Maybole is more of a commuting town for nearby Ayr and further, it is has lost the large shoe factories and tannery which gave it fame near and far and has accepted its role arguably behind Ayr and Girvan. Train services to and from Maybole are limited, however, a reasonable bus service exists, the majority of people preferring the car.
A walk around Maybole shows that it does have a lot to offer; The Collegiate Church at the foot of Kirkwynd, the Castles mentioned earlier, beautiful scenery over the Galloway Hills, churches, old buildings, bowling greens, a golf course, football fields, roller hockey park, swimming pool and a local shopping centre.
Maybole Community Council are in the process of publishing a pictorial history of Maybole. The book is available, if you would like to order one please email me for more details.
E-MAIL ME
BRYCE McCULLOCH
Tel +44 1655 889687MAYBOLE
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