OS1/3/5/13

List of names as written Various modes of spelling Authorities for spelling Situation Description remarks
AYR See Column of Remarks Hugh Miller
Alexander Fullerton Bailie
J. J. McDerment Surveyor
[Situation] At the South side of the Mouth of the River Ayr. -
Ayr in all probability derives its name from the River at whose mouth it stands which appears to have given the same name also to the Parish County &c. But whence was the name itself derived? There are Rivers bearing the same appellative and have likely the same Common Etymology in England France Switzerland and in almost every Country in Europe. - - - In Celtic to which this word must undoubtedly be traced Ar signifies Clear and Dhur or Dhun dark and these qualities are sufficiently characteristic of the streams which they designate. The latter River (The Doon) in Consequence of running thro [through] a soft deep bog near its head receives a black mossy tinge which it retains during the whole of its subsequent Course whereas the former River from flowing above a gravelly bed Continues clear and limpid throughout. The mode of spelling the word has undergone several Changes in the progress of time. In the Royal Charter of the burgh and in all ancient records it is written Are & from this it came to be changed into Air and since the end of the last Century Ayr has very Generally been adopted and is likely now to be permanent
Stat. acct. [Statistical account]of Ayrshire
Ayr is a Royal Burgh and in Conjunction with other burghs - sends one Member of Parliament
Population including Newton upon Ayr & St. Quivox about 20,000
Ayr has no detached portions in other parishes and there are no portions of other parishes within the limits of its boundaries.

Continued entries/extra info

[Page] 13
Sheet 7 -- AYR

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Nellie- Moderator, kenneth studsrud

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