The Local History
Libraries - within each Ayrshire Local Authority have a great deal to offer
the Family History 
Researcher.
Records include : Census Returns; Old Parish Records; Monumental Inscriptions; Books; Photographs; and Historical Documents.
You will also find copies of local newspapers dating from the last century, and local maps. The International Genealogical index is also accessible.
For all the Family
History Centres it is advisable to make contact in advance and make an
appointment prior to your visit.
Ayrshire Archives
- is the
joint archives service
for the three local authorities in Ayrshire - East, North and South
Ayrshire Councils - and is responsible
for the preservation and management of Contact:
Ayrshire Archives Centre, Craigie Estate, Ayr, KA8 0SS
records relating to all
aspects of Ayrshire's history.
The archives under the care of
Ayrshire Archives date from the thirteenth century to the present day and
include the records of local government, personal, family and estate papers,
business records, the records of societies, clubs and associations and
ecclesiastical records.
Access to Ayrshire Archives Centre is currently restricted to appointment only.
East Ayrshire Council - The principal communities within East Ayrshire are:- Auchinleck, Bellsbank, Catrine, Cronberry, Crookedholm, Crosshouse, Cumnock, Dalmellington, Dalrymple, Darvel, Drongan, Dunlop, Fenwick, Galston, Gatehead, Glenbuck, Greenholm, Hurlford, Kilmarnock, Kilmaurs, Knockentiber, Logan, Lugar, Lugton, Mauchline, Moscow, Muirkirk, New Cumnock, Newmilns, Ochiltree, Patna, Priestland, Sorn, Stair, Stewarton and Waterside.
Opening Times : Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10.00 - 16.30 [closed for lunch between 13.30 - 14.00]; Wednesday and Saturday CLOSED.
Contact : The Baird Institute History Centre
and Museum, Lugar Street, Cumnock, Ayrshire KA18 1AD
Telephone / Fax : 01290
421701
Family History workshops held on
1st Wednesday of every month from 1400-1600 (except in January)
also The Dick Institute, Elmbank Avenue, Kilmarnock - main library in East Ayrshire, and holds the index for the 1851 Census as well as other genealogical material. Burial records are held in Lugar.
Opening Times : Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 0900-2000, Wednesday from 1000-1700, Saturday CLOSED
Telephone : 01563 554300 or E-mail to the Dick Institute
The Vennel Local Family History
Centre (North
Ayrshire Council) - North Ayrshire comprises Ardrossan, Beith, Dalry,
Fairlie, Irvine, Kilbirnie, Kilwinning, Largs, Saltcoats, Skelmorlie, Stevenston
and West Kilbride. The Isle of Arran and the Isles of Cumbrae also come
within
the boundary of North Ayrshire.
Records include : Census Returns; Old Parish Records; Monumental Inscriptions; Newspapers;Books; Photographs; and Historical Documents.
Please note that the Archival records have to be brought over from Ardrossan Library if and when required - please ask.
For all the Family
History Centres it is advisable to make contact in advance and make an
appointment prior to your visit.
Contact : The Vennel Local Family History centre, 10 Glasgow Vennel,Irvine Ayrshire KA12 0BD
Opening Times : Monday,Tuesday,Thursday, Friday 09.30 - 17.00 [closed for lunch between 13.00 - 14.00]; Saturday 10.00 - 17.00 [closed for lunch between 13.00 - 14.00]; Wednesday CLOSED.
Telephone : 01294 275059 Visit us at The Vennel Local Family History Centre or E-mail
South
Ayrshire Council - South Ayrshire consists of the following communities :-
Annbank, Ayr, Ballantrae, Barr, Barrhill, Colmonell, Coylton, Craigie,
Crosshill, Dailly, Dundonald, Dunure, Girvan, Kirkmichael, Kirkoswald, 
Lendalfoot, Loans, Maidens, Maybole, Minishant, Monkton,
Mossblown, Newton-on-Ayr, Prestwick, St. Quivox, Straiton, Symington, Tarbolton,
Troon and Turnberry.
Contact :
Scottish and Local History Library, Carnegie Library, 12 Main
Street, Ayr KA8 8ED
Opening Times : Monday,Tuesday,Thursday, Friday from 09.00-19.30; Wednesday and Saturday from 09.00-1700.
Telephone : 01292 286385 or Fax : 01292 611593 Visit us at South Ayrshire Local History Centre or E-mail
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church) - 2A Mossgiel Road Ayr
Contact: John O'Pray, LDS, Ayr, Ayrshire
Opening Times : Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday from 10.00-13.00; Wednesday and Friday from 19.00-2100.
Telephone : 01292 610632.
