North Ayrshire is in Scotland. It has a population of around 137,000 and covers approximately 46,000 hectares. Here is a list of nearby or neighbouring counties: Argyll and Bute, East Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire.
North Ayrshire (called Siorrachd Air a Tuath in Scottish Gaelic) has its main council offices in its largest town Irvine, which is situated on the Firth of Clyde coast. Before declining during the 19th century, Irvine harbour was for many years a major Scottish port and though no longer in use as a commercial port, it is still used for mooring small boats and is the location for part of the Scottish Maritime Museum. The Harbour Arts Centre provides a venue for a range of creative and performing arts, including concerts, theatre performances, comedy shows and an art gallery where there are exhibitions of work by contemporary and traditional artists. Also located in the town is the Irvine Burns Club, which was established in the year 1826 and is now housed in Wellwood House. Exhibits include original manuscripts and letters written Robert Burns, as well as paintings, books and letters written by famous and influential people who were invited to become honorary members. The only designated craft town in Scotland, West Kilbride has a number of workshops and studios in which both aspiring and established artists, designers and craft makers create and show their work. Visitors can meet the makers, see and purchase their work and attend exhibitions or events, as well as enjoying the atmosphere of the picturesque town or stroll along nearby Seamill beach.
The Isle of Arran (called Eilean Arainn in Scottish Gaelic) in the Firth of Clyde, covers an area of 167 square miles and is a haven for a variety of wildlife. Evidence of human habitation on the island dating back thousands of years includes the Machrie Moor Stone Circles and the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum has exhibits which help to show how people lived and worked on the island during previous generations. Built on the island during the 16th century on the site of earlier fortifications, Brodick Castle has finely decorated and furnished interiors with period features, collections of paintings and porcelain and is set within an impressive country park. Located in the town of Saltcoats, the North Ayrshire Heritage Centre has a collection which includes archaeological artefacts, costumes and photographs, which help visitors learn about the regions social and cultural history. Other attractions in North Ayrshire include Kelburn Castle and Country Centre, Eglinton Country Park, which once formed the grounds of the now ruined Eglinton Castle, Portencross Castle and The Museum of Ayrshire Country, which is Housed within the restored Dalgarven Mill.
(Born 1846 in Brodick in North Ayrshire), Fiction, Nonfiction
She often wrote under the pseudonym of Jeanie Hering and was a prolific writer of fiction. She also wrote non-fiction, mostly about dogs.