Ailsa Craig, South Ayrshire

Ailsa Craig, South Ayrshire

Basalt columns on Ailsa Craig

 

This is a sentinel rock that sits in the Firth of Clyde.

If you are on tours of Scotland you will see it off the West coast.

If you are near Girvan it is clearly visible.

 

Ailsa Craig is in fact a large volcanic core over 1,000 feet high.

 

It is notable for its large population of sea birds, which can breed unmolested.

These include large numbers of Gannets (Solan Geese), and Puffins.

At one time there was also a thriving colony of rabbits.

 

There is a lighthouse on the rock.

There are also the ruins of an old castle.

 

The famous Ailsa Craig curling stones were made from granite that was quarried there.

 

At Ireland and Scotland Luxury Tours our clients often catch sight of the rock travelling from Ireland to Scotland on the ferry.

We drive them onto the ferry and transfer from Belfast to Cairnryan then onwards to Stirling.