East Ayrshire

Unitary authority in southwest Scotland, created in 1996 from two districts of Strathclyde region.

Area
1,269 sq km/490 sq mi

Towns
Kilmarnock (administrative headquarters), Cumnock, Stewarton, Galston, Crosshouse

Physical
predominantly low-lying and undulating in the north, mountainous toward the south; Loch Doon; rivers Ayr, Irvine; Blackcraig Hill (700 m/2,298 ft); Loudoun Hill

Features
Burns' House Museum, Mauchline; Loudoun Castle Theme Park; Dunaskin Heritage Museum

Agriculture
dairy farming, sheep, beef cattle

Industries
textiles, light engineering, food and drink, printing

Population
(2001) 120,200