Pigot 1837

Is a port town and burgh of barony, in the parish of its name and district of Carrick; 99 miles wsw of Edinburgh, 56 ssw of Glasgow, 31 nnw of Portpatrick, the like distance nne of Stranraer, 21 s by w of Ayr, 13 n by e of Ballantrae, 12 ssw of Maybole, and 6 sw of Dailly; situate on the left bankof the Garvan or Girvan, near to its influx with the sea and at a point exactly opposite the islet called Ailsa Craig.

The harbour, which is now convenient for shipping, underwent great improvement at the expense of the late Sir H.D. Hamilton, the then sole proprietor; and others, upon an extensive scale, are contemplated, in consequence of, an act to give convenience and effect to, the new line of railroad, and the establishment of a steam-packet direct to Glasgow. Large quantities of grain, of various kinds, are annually exported from hence, chiefly to Liverpool and Glasgow. The consignments of timber from North America to merchants in this town are considerable; the trade in coal and lime is likewise important - the mines of the former and quarries of the latter being numerous in this neighbourhood; but the principal business of the town consists in the manufacture of a variety of cotton and other goods, for the Glasgow and Paisley markets, which affords employment to the bulk of the inhabitants.

The government of the town is vested in two bailies and twelve common councilmen - four of the latter being chosen annually, upon the retirement or otherwise of the like number, on the 12th October; the Duchess of Coigney, or her representative, is superior of the burough. The places of worship are, a church of the establishment (a neat structure, thoroughly repaired some years since), United Secession and Methodist meeting-houses, and a Roman Catholic chapel.

To the parochial school a valuable donation was made by the late Mrs Crawford, of Ardmillan, who left the interest of £1,000 forever to the teachers, for the education of forty children, subject only to the deduction of two guineas, to be distributed in small prizes amongst the pupils; the same munificent lady also left the interest of £1,000 of which £12 are given to the precentor of the church for the instruction of ten of the children in sacred music, and the balance to be divided among poor householders, not receiving parish relief. Here is also a charity school, supported by various donations and subscription from the gentry and others residing in the town and neighbourhood.

A market, chiefly for grain, is held at Girvan every Monday; and there are two annual fairs, on the last Monday in the months of April and October, for stock, hiring servants, and general business.

The celebrated and extraordinary rock called Ailsa Craig is immediately opposite to, and fifteen miles distant from Girvan, rising out of the Firth of Clyde to the height of a thousand feet. It is two miles in circumference; and the top, which is conical, is covered with a luxurious crop of heath, grass and other plants, which feed great numbers of goats and rabbits. In one place the nettles form an impenetrable forest, six feet in height; and all the other plants likewise attain a proportionably gigantic size. All around, on the precipitous sides of the rock, uniformly nestle almost inconceivable numbers of solan geese, puffins, and gannets, which flutter about, and produce incessant deafening noise. On a long terrace or shoulder of the craig, at the elevation of 200 feet from the base, stands a deserted square tower, or castellated house, still very perfect as a ruin. Higher up issue two sparkling and beautiful springs of water, one of which forms a small marshy plain, covered with various plants, amongst others, the "hydrocatile vulgaris" of extraordinary magnitude. The rock belongs to the Marquess of Ailsa, who draws from it a yearly rental of about £30 which is paid by the feathers of the fowls and the rabbit skins. Naturalists and botanists would find a visit of value, in increasing their knowledge of the vegetable world.

Post Office, Thomas Donaldson, Post master - Letters from Glasgow and England arrive every night at a quarter before twelve, and are despatched at a quarter before eight at night - Letters from Portpaatrick arrive every night at a quarter before eight, and are despatched every night at a quarter before twelve - A penny-post to Barr every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning at eight.

COACHES

To Ayr, the 'Robert Burns', from the King's Arms, every Tuesday and Friday morning at six; goes through Kirkoswald on Tuesdays and Dailly on Friday.

To Glasgow, the 'Royal Mail', (from Portpatrick), passes through every evening at half-past seven.

To Portpatrick, the 'Royal Mail', (from Glasgow), passes through every night at half-past eleven.

CARRIERS

To Ayr and Maybole, Wm. Dryden, from Montgomery st every Tuesday To Ballantrae, John McWhirter, from the Star, every Monday.

To Glasgow, Robert Hannah, from Dalrymple st, every Tuesday.

To Stranraer, John Steven, from Vicarton-row, every Wednesday.

CONVEYANCE BY WATER

Steam-Packets:

To Glasgow, the 'Nimrod' (from Stranraer), calls every Monday, and the 'Loch Ryan' every Tuesday.

To Stranraer, The 'Loch Ryan' (from Glasgow), calls every Friday, and the 'Nimrod' every Saturday.

Coastal Vessels:

To Glasgow, the 'Earl Gray' (Robert McKechine, agent), and the 'Irvine' (David Ferguson, agent) once a fortnight.

To Liverpool, the 'Jenny and Nancy' (Robert Ballantine, agent), and the 'Sutit'(?) (Robert McKechine, agent) occasionally.

This transcript was kindly provided by Keith Muirhead from Queensland.