Barr, Ayrshire

Barr is a village in the South West of Ayrshire, Scotland, located approximately 8 miles (13 km) from the town of Girvan. There are various opinions as to the origins of the name. The most likely is the Gaelic bàrr meaning 'a hill-top, a height'. It is believed to have been established in the 17th century by smugglers who needed a safe place close to the secluded bays of the Ayrshire coast while having access to the Raiders Road which runs close by. Barr has not changed much since that time. Currently Barr Village has a population of approximately 110, while the total for the Parish of Barr is in the region of 260.

Not to be confused with Barrhill, South Ayrshire.

Barr
Barr
Location within South Ayrshire
Population160 
OS grid referenceNX274940
Council area
CountryScotland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post townGirvan
Postcode districtKA26
Dialling code01465
PoliceScotland
FireScottish
AmbulanceScottish
UK Parliament
Scottish Parliament

Location

The village is situated in the Stinchar Valley where the River Stinchar meets the Water of Gregg. The meeting point of these two watercourses is known locally as The Pot. Local residents and visitors often picnic on the banks of the Stinchar.

The village can be accessed from three directions. Each enters the village along a single track road with passing places. The main route is known locally as The Screws because of the twisting nature of the road. The Screws pass through the Hadyard Hill Wind Farm which was established by Scottish and Southern Electricity. Visitors can walk along the service routes and read about the wind farm at the information point in the car park.

Natural features

Barr has many naturally occurring features and a wealth of wildlife. It is popular with many people who enjoy the peace and quiet of the village and surrounds. There are several signed walks[1] in the area, many of which pass through Forestry Commission land, although there are many which follow farm settings.

Buildings

The parish has a strong Covenanters history with several being laid to rest in the village cemetery. The village has a beautiful church which is open at all times. In addition, Kirk Angus lies at the heart of the village. Although the main building of the church has been converted into private residence, the clock tower was donated to the people of Barr. At present options are being investigated for ways to utilise this valuable and historic resource for the community.

Language

According to a reference in The Carrick Covenanters by James Crichton, the last place in the Scottish Lowlands where Gaelic was spoken was the village of Barr on the River Stinchar in Ayrshire. Barr was once regarded as one of the most isolated places in that part of Scotland, though situated only a few miles from Girvan as the crow flies. Crichton gives neither date nor details.[2]

gollark: How often are there hatchlings in the Ap?
gollark: Except they can't become sick if lots of people look at them.
gollark: I suspect that Tj09 will basically just retune sickness slightly then say "it's your fault, pay more attention".
gollark: Ambition1, destroyer of worlds.
gollark: You have to input *all* your eggs then take some out!

References
  1. Barr Village Paths, Ayrshire Paths website. Last accessed 16 August 2010.
  2. For further discussion on the subject of Gaelic in the South of Scotland, see articles "Gàidhlig Ghallghallaibh agus Alba-a-Deas" ("Gaelic of Galloway and Southern Scotland") and "Gàidhlig ann an Siorramachd Inbhir-Àir" ("Gaelic in Ayrshire") by Garbhan MacAoidh, published in the literary magazine Gairm, Numbers 101 and 106.
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