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Records include : Census Returns; Old Parish Records; Monumental Inscriptions; Books; Photographs; and Historical Documents.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 
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.
The Archive Centre based in Ayr has recently moved to adapted accommodation at Auchincruive. More details on this facility to follow! In the meantime, Kirk Session records and archive collections relating to the East Ayrshire area are available at the Burns Monument, Kilmarnock. Additionally, some archive series can be made available by prior arrangement at The Vennel Local Family History Centre, Irvine.
Please contact Ayrshire Archives for further information and advice at: The Ayrshire Archives Ayr or
E-mail The web site gives information and updates as well as the contact e-mail address.
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.
The Baird Institute in Cumnock when renovated will reopen as a Museum as all the archival material has been transferred to the new centre in Kilmarnock.
Likewise, The Dick Institute, Elmbank Avenue, Kilmarnock, whilst remaining as the main library in East Ayrshire, will only retain a small collection of Family History material, as virtually all the research material previously held there will be relocated at the new centre. This building also acts as a Museum and Art Gallery.
Burns Monument Centre (East
Ayrshire Council) - The Burns Monument Centre in the Kay Park, Kilmarnock, is a unique ground-breaking development in
Scotland.
The archive and local history collections are the unique records of the local and national heritage and include books, minute books, maps, photographs and local newspapers. They also help us to understand our past and tell the story of the local communities by preserving the memory of businesses, organisations and families for future generations.
Material held at Burns Monument Centre includes official records from the East Ayrshire Burghs of Cumnock, Darvel, Galston, Kilmarnock, Newmilns and Greenholm and Stewarton. Non-official records include documents from local businesses, groups, societies and estates such as Kilmarnock Burns Club, Kilmarnock Rugby Club, Cumnock Co-operative Society and many more. These records tell the fascinating story of many aspects of the history of this area.
N.B.:- There will be access to ScotlandsPeople via vouchers – 100 credits for £10 – then top-ups at £4.80 per 30 credits. A registrar will be in the PC room to allow access to the occasional modern records for each researcher. When the Virtual Private Network software (i.e. to connect with DIGROS at the GRO) is available the charge for the BMC will be £15 per day. At the moment it is envisaged that the new software should now be in operation by January 2010 - please watch this space for updates.
Opening Times : Monday – Thursday: 9.15 am – 4.45 pm: Friday: 9.15 am – 3.45 pm: Saturday/Sunday: Closed
Telephone : 01563 576695/6 Visit us at The Burns Monument Centre or
E-mail
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.
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 to visit us contact through 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.
