Monthly Archives: April 2012

Burns an’ a’ that Festival 30 May to 3 June 2012

Posted on by

A five day tribute to Scotland’s internationally acclaimed poet Robert Burns.

Burns an’ a’ that! is now recognised as the largest arts and cultural festival in South West Scotland attracting audiences from throughout the UK and beyond. The 2012 programme boasts an unmissable line-up of live music, film, drama, comedy, arts & culture, literature, food & drink and family entertainment that the bard himself would be proud of!

Enjoy a mix of Scootish culture at its best. Full details on dedicated website

Check out the B&Bs in Ayr for that time, using the search box above.

 

 

Souter Johnnie Inn to be rebuilt

Posted on by

Robert Burns’ old school damaged by fire

FIRE ravaged Souter Johnnie’s Inn will be restored to its former glory.
The news comes a week after the Kirkoswald building where Robert Burns once attended school was gutted by flames.
A clearly devastated Bill Costley, chairman of Ayrshire based Costley & Costley hotel group, said: “I couldn’t believe it when I got the call from a member of staff at Souter’s that there was smoke coming from the thatch and that the fire brigade had been called. My first concern was that nobody was hurt, or heaven forbid, died in the fire. Once the problem was discovered evacuation of customers was quickly, and efficiently carried out by staff for which I’m very grateful.  Our intention is to rebuild Souter Johnnie’s Inn and make it an even better place for Kirkoswald to be proud of, however, that could take up to a year to complete as there is a lot to sort out initially.”
Full story in Ayrshire Post

 

 

Prince Charles meets ABBA

Posted on by

Prince Charles chats with ABBA members. Photo courtesy Paligap

On 4 April 2012 Mike Macfadyen, Chairman, Liz Drysdale, Secretary and Helen Malcolm were invited to the opening by Prince Charles of the new Dumfries Lodge Guest House at Dumfries House.  We were specially honoured to be introduced to him and he took time to speak to us together and individually about running a B&B and the work of the Association.  He was also interested to hear about our new online bookable site www.ayrshirebandb.com.
Dumfries Lodge has asked to join ABBA and we look forward to working with them and Dumfries House.  The renovation of Dumfries Lodge over several weeks and the opening has been filmed for television to be shown on 28 May.  Local press and photographers were present, so all in all great publicity for ABBA.

Pictured are Liz, Helen and Mike along with Mark Robson, Manager at Dumfries Lodge

 

 

Liz Knox Exhibition – ends 7th May 2012

Posted on by

The Maclaurin Art Gallery, Rozelle, Ayr

A major retrospective of work from one of Scotland’s leading painters. The exhibition shows the development of her work over the past forty years through paintings, drawings and sketchbook studies. Liz Knox studied under Sir Robin Philipson and David Michie at Edinburgh School of Art.

Since graduating in 1971, Liz Knox has exhibited regularly in Britain and has works in collections in Europe, the Middle East and USA.

Liz is a Past President of Paisley Art Institute and has received various awards for her work including the Aspect Prize in 2003.

 

 

Three members win awards

Posted on by

Eviivo Awards 2011

We are proud to have three of our members mentioned in the Eviivo Awards.

Jac Mar received a Gold Award
Inverlea and Burnside received Friendliest Awards
All of these B&Bs are located in Ayr. The awards are based on travellers reviews during 2011.

 

 

Boswell Book Festival 11-13 May 2012

Posted on by

Auchinleck House, near Ochiltree

The second annual Book Festival has a packed programme over the three days with several well known personalities including Tam Dalyell, Ruth Boreham and Timothy West.

James Boswell sprang from an ancient Ayrshire family, which had been settled at Auchinleck since the sixteenth century. He was born in Edinburgh in 1740 where his father, who became Lord Auchinleck, was a Judge in the Supreme Court of Scotland. His mother was descended from a minor branch of Scottish royalty.

Why not pay a visit to the Festival and see the stunning Auchinleck House. Stay the night at one of our B&Bs – simply click the availability search above.

Full details of the Festival