Ayrshire County

Abolished: 1975

Statistics

Population

Population

Densities and rates of growth. Age structure: concentrations of young people, and of the old.
Industry

Industry

How people made their living: identifying farming communities, pit villages, mill towns and so on.
Social Structure

Social Structure

Social class and socio-economic groups. Concentrations of professionals, and of unskilled labourers.
Learning & Language

Learning & Language

How many people were at school. The distribution of graduates, and of the unqualified.
Agriculture & Land Use

Agriculture & Land Use

How we use the land; crops and farm animals.
Life & Death

Life & Death

Numbers of babies born. Deaths, especially infant deaths. Causes of death by age and gender.
Work & Poverty

Work & Poverty

Unemployment rates and poor relief. What proportions of men and of women did paid work?
Housing

Housing

Numbers of houses. Overcrowding: persons per room. Amenities: central heating, baths and WCs.
Birthplace & Religion

Birthplace & Religion

Numbers going to church, and the kinds of churches they went to. The different religions of modern Britain.
Place marker map of Great Britain and Ireland

The following alternate names for this unit exist:

Name Status Language Start End Authority
AYRSHIRE Preferred English     The Scottish Archive Network, Scottish Archives Network Gazetteer
AYR Alternate English     1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.

This unit contained the following units:

Name Type Start End Authority
AYR 1841 Occupation reporting area     1841 Census of Great Britain, Table [1], 'Occupation Abstract'.
AYR COUNTY 1841 Occupation reporting area     1841 Census of Great Britain, Table [1], 'Occupation Abstract'.
KILMARNOCK 1841 Occupation reporting area     1841 Census of Great Britain, Table [1], 'Occupation Abstract'.
IRVINE New Town    
ARDROSSAN Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
AUCHINLECK Burgh Scottish Burgh/District     The Scottish Archive Network, Scottish Archives Network Gazetteer
AYR DoC Scottish Burgh/District     1971 Census of Scotland, Table 25, 'Enumerated households by tenure and household amenities', for 'County, local authority areas'.
AYR Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
AYRSHIRE CLandward Scottish Burgh/District   1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
AYRSHIRE Burgh Scottish Burgh/District     1931 Census of Scotland, Table 16, 'Industries of Males and Females in Cities, Counties, and Large Burghs'.
BALLANTRAE Burgh Scottish Burgh/District     The Scottish Archive Network, Scottish Archives Network Gazetteer
CITADEL OF AYR Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   mid nineteenth century The Scottish Archive Network, Scottish Archives Network Gazetteer
CUMNOCK Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1866 The Scottish Archive Network, Scottish Archives Network Gazetteer
CUMNOCK DoC Scottish Burgh/District     1971 Census of Scotland, Table 25, 'Enumerated households by tenure and household amenities', for 'County, local authority areas'.
CUMNOCK AND HOLMHEAD Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
DALMELLINGTON DoC Scottish Burgh/District     1971 Census of Scotland, Table 25, 'Enumerated households by tenure and household amenities', for 'County, local authority areas'.
DALMELLINGTON Burgh Scottish Burgh/District     The Scottish Archive Network, Scottish Archives Network Gazetteer
DARVEL Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
FAIRLIE Burgh Scottish Burgh/District     The Scottish Archive Network, Scottish Archives Network Gazetteer
FULLARTON Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1881 The Scottish Archive Network, Scottish Archives Network Gazetteer
GALSTON Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
GIRVAN DoC Scottish Burgh/District     1971 Census of Scotland, Table 25, 'Enumerated households by tenure and household amenities', for 'County, local authority areas'.
GIRVAN Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
IRVINE Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
IRVINE DoC Scottish Burgh/District     1971 Census of Scotland, Table 25, 'Enumerated households by tenure and household amenities', for 'County, local authority areas'.
KILBIRNIE DoC Scottish Burgh/District     1971 Census of Scotland, Table 25, 'Enumerated households by tenure and household amenities', for 'County, local authority areas'.
KILBIRNIE Burgh Scottish Burgh/District     The Scottish Archive Network, Scottish Archives Network Gazetteer
KILMARNOCK Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
KILMARNOCK DoC Scottish Burgh/District     1971 Census of Scotland, Table 25, 'Enumerated households by tenure and household amenities', for 'County, local authority areas'.
KILMAURS Burgh Scottish Burgh/District     The Scottish Archive Network, Scottish Archives Network Gazetteer
KILWINNING Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
KIRKTON OF DUNDONALD Burgh Scottish Burgh/District     The Scottish Archive Network, Scottish Archives Network Gazetteer
LARGS Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
MAUCHLINE Burgh Scottish Burgh/District     The Scottish Archive Network, Scottish Archives Network Gazetteer
MAYBOLE Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
MAYBOLE DoC Scottish Burgh/District     1971 Census of Scotland, Table 25, 'Enumerated households by tenure and household amenities', for 'County, local authority areas'.
NEWMILNS Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1975 1851 Census of Great Britain, Table [1], 'Population Abstract'.
NEWMILNS DoC Scottish Burgh/District     1961 Census of Scotland, Table 23, 'Private Households by availability of certain Household Arrangements', for 'County, LB, SB, Districts of County, NT'.
NEWMILNS AND GREENHOLM Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
NEWTON OF GOGO Burgh Scottish Burgh/District     The Scottish Archive Network, Scottish Archives Network Gazetteer
NEWTON ON AYR Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1873 The Scottish Archive Network, Scottish Archives Network Gazetteer
PRESTWICK Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
SALTCOATS Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
STEVENSTON Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1975 The Scottish Archive Network, Scottish Archives Network Gazetteer
STEWARTON AYRSHIRE Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
TARBOLTON Burgh Scottish Burgh/District     The Scottish Archive Network, Scottish Archives Network Gazetteer
TROON Burgh Scottish Burgh/District   1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
WEST KILBRIDE DoC Scottish Burgh/District     1961 Census of Scotland, Table 23, 'Private Households by availability of certain Household Arrangements', for 'County, LB, SB, Districts of County, NT'.
CUNNINGHAME Scottish Poor Law Combination     Higginbotham, History of the Workhouse
KYLE Scottish Poor Law Combination before 1857   Higginbotham, History of the Workhouse
MAYBOLE Scottish Poor Law Combination     Higginbotham, History of the Workhouse
ARDROSSAN Urban Labour Market     Great Britain Historical GIS Project
AYR Urban Labour Market     Great Britain Historical GIS Project
CUMNOCK Urban Labour Market     Great Britain Historical GIS Project
DALMELLINGTON Urban Labour Market     Great Britain Historical GIS Project
GIRVAN Urban Labour Market     Great Britain Historical GIS Project
IRVINE Urban Labour Market     Great Britain Historical GIS Project
KILBIRNIE Urban Labour Market     Great Britain Historical GIS Project
KILMARNOCK Urban Labour Market     Great Britain Historical GIS Project
KILWINNING Urban Labour Market     Great Britain Historical GIS Project
NEWMILNS Urban Labour Market     Great Britain Historical GIS Project
STEVENSTON Urban Labour Market     Great Britain Historical GIS Project
TROON Urban Labour Market     Great Britain Historical GIS Project
ARDROSSAN Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
AUCHINLECK Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
AYR Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
BALLANTRAE Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
BARR Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
BEITH Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
COLMONELL Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
COYLTON Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
CRAIGIE Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
DAILLY Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
DALMELLINGTON Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
DALRY Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
DALRYMPLE Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
DREGHORN Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
DUNDONALD Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
DUNLOP Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
FENWICK Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
GALSTON Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
GIRVAN Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
IRVINE Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
KILBIRNIE Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
KILMARNOCK Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
KILMAURS Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
KILWINNING Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
KIRKMICHAEL Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
KIRKOSWALD Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
LARGS Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
LOCHWINNOCH Scottish Parish 1845 1975 The Scottish Archive Network, Scottish Archives Network Gazetteer
LOUDOUN Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
MAUCHLINE Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
MAYBOLE Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
MONKTON AND PRESTWICK Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
MUIRKIRK Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
NEW CUMNOCK Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
NEWTON UPON AYR Scottish Parish     1851 Census of Great Britain, Table [1], 'Population Abstract'.
OCHILTREE Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
OLD CUMNOCK Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
RICCARTON Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
SORN Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
STAIR Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
STEVENSTON Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
STEWARTON Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
ST QUIVOX Scottish Parish 1845 1895 1851 Census of Great Britain, Table [1], 'Population Abstract'.
STRAITON Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
SYMINGTON Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
TARBOLTON Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
WEST KILBRIDE Scottish Parish 1845 1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.

We know of no associations with other units.

This unit was part of the following units:

Name Type Start End Authority
SCOTLAND Dep Country   1975 1951 Census of Scotland, Table 1, 'Comparison of population, density per 100 acres, and houses with 1931', for 'Burghs, Districts of Counties and CPs'.
WEST CENTRAL Scottish Census Division     Census of Population (Census 1961 Scotland, Vol. 6, Occupation, Industry and Workplace, Part 1, Occupation Tables, p.x.)

This unit was affected by the following changes:

Date Type of change Other unit involved Area transferred Authority
1891 was enlarged by gaining part of RENFREWSHIRE The part of Dunlop parish previously in Renfrewshire.   H. Shennan, Boundaries of Counties and Parishes in Scotland (Edinburgh: Wm. Green & Sons, 1892)
1891 was enlarged by gaining part of RENFREWSHIRE The part of Beith parish previously in Ayr.   H. Shennan, Boundaries of Counties and Parishes in Scotland (Edinburgh: Wm. Green & Sons, 1892)

Boundary Map of Ayrshire County

If the boundaries of the Scottish County changed over time, this map will show all the different boundaries.

Maps Census reports

How to reference this page:

GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth, Ayrshire (County) through time, A Vision of Britain through Time.

URL: https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10145960

Date accessed: 13th December 2025