Description

The A79 from Ayr to Prestwick. The road is bisected here by Prestwick Airport. It continued to Monkton on the other side of the airport. From Ayr to Monkton it shared the line with Turnpike 2 (Ayr to Kilmarnock). From Monkton it continues on a minor road towards Irvine, then the A78(T), the B746 through Loans, the minor road by Dundonald Camp and Gailes, and finally the A737 into Irvine. The bridge on which the Ayr to Irvine turnpike crossed the River Irvine stood on the site of the present shopping mall.

In the Road Acts

1767: The high road leading from the town of Ayr to Irvine.
1805: The road from Ayr to Irvine, passing through the parishes of Newton, Prestwick, Monkton and Dundonald.
1827: The road from Ayr to Irvine, passing through the parishes of Newton, Prestwick, Monkton, and Dundonald.
1827: To widen that part of the road leading from Ayr through Newton upon Ayr to Kilmarnock and Irvine, at the head of the town of Newton.

MS Summary

There are two milestones in Prestwick: Ayr 2 and Ayr 3. They are common to Turnpikes 1 and 2. No others have been found.

Ayr 2.

Irvine 9½, Kilmarnock 10.

Height 58cm.

On E side of road.

Photos DMcC 27th August 2004.

Ayr 3.

Irvine 8½, Kilmarnock 9.

Height 62cm.

On E side of road.

Photos DMcC 27th August 2004.