The village of Fairlie and the surrounding area
The village of Fairlie is the ideal place to explore Ayrshire and the Islands on the Firth of Clyde.
Fairlie Fairtrade Village
Fairlie was the first village in Scotland to achieve Fairtrade status. Being a Fairtrade Village means that the community living in Fairlie have a commitment to promoting the products and the principles of the Fairtrade Foundation.
Fairlie is a very friendly village, although it is an excellent base from which to explore the West Coast, the village is a lovely place to spend a quiet evening.
Fins Seafood Restaurant
For a special night out, Fins Seafood Restaurant is located approx. a mile south of the village. The menu features an array of hand caught West Coast seafood, created by a team of award winning chefs.
Local Visitor Attractions
Kelburn Castle
Kelburn Castle is the home of the Earl of Glasgow, and is the oldest castle in Scotland to have been continually occupied by the same family. The castle dates from the 13th Century and sits in beautiful grounds, with exotic gardens and woodland filled with Scottish wildlife. Kelburn Castle hit national headlines in May of 2007 when they embarked upon the Kelburn Castle Graffiti Project to cover the entire castle's façade with the art of Brazilian graffiti artists. The project will last until 2009.
Vikingar
Vikingar is an award-winning visitor attraction that takes you on a multi-media journey, where costumed storytellers will tell the history of the Vikings in Scotland.
Vikingar also has swimming pool, fitness centre with classes and gym, swimming pool and training pool for kids, and a soft play area.
RSPB Centre Lochwinnoch
Situated within Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, the RSPB Centre at Lochwinnoch is one of the few remaining wetlands in the West of Scotland. Each season brings a new wildlife experience at this beautiful nature reserve - click to find out more about the seasonal highlights at Lochwinnoch.
Portencross
Portencross Castle is a Grade A listed tower house dating from the mid-14th Century. A site of historical interest, the castle is believed to have been used on several occasions by both Robert II and Robert III and a number of Royal Charters were issued from the property. Portencross was featured in the BBC's Restoration programme in 2004.
Octopus Cookshop and Crafts
If you're looking for a reminder of your holiday in Fairlie, the Octopus Cookshop at Fencebay is sure to have some unusual crafts and gifts to tempt you - with gifts sourced from Scotland and all over the world with the emphasis on fair trade crafts.
Fairlie Parish Church
True to the ethos of the whole village, Fairlie Parish Church is a Fairtrade and Eco-congregation. The regular Sunday service is at 10.30am, and the Kirk Café is open every Thursday morning from 10am until 12noon, serving fair trade teas and coffees. Visitors are welcome to look around the church, just ask.
Sports and Recreation
Largs Yacht Haven
No matter what the weather is, it's always plain sailing at Largs Marina... simply because no significant swell ever develops in the Largs channel due to the shelter provided by the Cumbrae and other islands to the West!
Scottish Watersports Centre
Scotland's premier watersports centre and instructor training facility is located just across the water on the Cumbrae. Surrounded by safe water with easy access to the open sea, the centre's location offers outstanding facilities for watersports enthusiasts of all levels.
Golf in the West Coast of Scotland
Scotland is the undisputed home of golf. With 550 courses (105 in the west coast alone - 63 of the 18 hole courses!) you're sure never to run out of a new course to challenge you. There are many courses close to Fairlie and Largs. Find out about all the courses on offer by visiting Visit Scotland's dedicated golfing website.
Day Trips
Robert Burns
Ayrshire is Burns' Country. There are many sites of interest surrounding the life and works of Robert Burns, Scotland's national bard, all within an hour of Fairlie.
The Waverley
The world's last sea-going paddle steamer regularly departs from Largs during the summer and autumn months, offering cruises round Ailsa Craig, Loch Fyne, Holy Isle and Pladda and to Arran via the Kyles. For a full timetable and to book your tickets, visit The Waverley website.
The Islands and The Mainland
Frequent ferry services from Largs and Ardrossan harbours to the various islands in the Firth of Clyde are provided by Caledonian MacBrayne. Combined with an hourly train service from Fairlie train station to Glasgow or Ayr provided by First ScotRail, they make Fairlie the perfect base from which to explore both the remote and the cosmopolitan sides of the West of Scotland.