Ayr has always been an important economic centre on Scotland's south-west coast. The town was established as a royal burgh in 1205, serving as the county's central marketplace and harbour throughout the medieval period and has remained an important port throughout its history. With the expansion of the railway during the nineteenth century, Ayr soon developed into a popular seaside resort. Ayr remains an elegant county town and a bustling regional shopping centre with a long history and a fine collection of architectural heritage.Alloway is a picturesque village situated to the south of Ayr. The renown of the village is based on its associations with Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, and his most popular poem - 'Tam O'Shanter'. This collection of old and new photographs from writer and historian Jack Gillon will appeal to everyone who knows and loves the 'Land of Burns'.