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TROON

&

TIMES PAST

by STUART BEATON

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adapted by Lindsay Young

MORE ABOUT

TROON

- its people, their lives at work and play

by Lindsay Young

Last Site Update on 16/02/2003

This history of Troon appeared in a series of articles in the Ayrshire Post in 1987. Stuart Beaton, whom I never met, did all this work for which I take no credit. He interviewed many people, a number of whom are related to me.

Unfortunately Stuart Beaton died some years ago, as have many of the old worthies mentioned. The articles never really seem to have reached a conclusion for whatever reason. However history is written and rewritten everyday. Much has changed since 1987 and perhaps someone with similar ability and local knowledge will add to these articles to bring them up to date.

I would like to thank the editor of the for allowing me to make these available electronically.

More about Troon - its people, their lives at work and play.

Troon today, is a place for leisure, famous for golfing, the Marine Hotel, the Yacht Marina and now the Seacat to Ireland. However, Troon developed not for the 'well off' to relax in, but rather as a hard working town to be exploited by the rich and powerful. Many people came from far and wide seeking employment. It was this side particularly that made Troon such a place of adventure when I was a lad on holiday.

There were so many places of interest that I am bound to leave some out. The harbour, the Lifeboat, fishing from the pier, the Shipyard, the Sawmill, the West of Scotland Ship Breaking Company. the Lobster Sheds. The town with its cafes such as Tog's. The beaches once packed with holidaymakers. Then there was the Open-air swimming pool the rocks, the Ballast Bank. Off shore, the Lady Isle and views of Arran the Heads of Ayr and Paddy’s Milestone. The Glasgow and South Western railway played such an important part in the town’s development. Barassie Works once the wagon repair centre of South West of Scotland. Dodds of Troon, and AA Motor services provided the local bus and coach services. 

'Ordinary folks' lived in areas like 'Coney Island' (Harbour area), where I understood my folks came from and 'Beverly Hills' (Muirhead) where my Grandparents moved to later.  Tales were told of Harbour Row and Back Templehill. There was always plenty of interest at the 'Smiddy' behind the Co-op off Portland Street. Large houses abounded all over the town as well as Fullarton House in the Woods. Troon always had many churches of all denominations and Sundays always meant a visit to one of them. What other small town had such a grand school known as Marr College? A wee walk across the Golf Course past Marr College to see the Express Train to Stranraer, 'The Paddy', was enjoyed. The warm summer holidays were in sharp contrast to the winter visits with the rain and cold wind blowing up Templehill.

I am not an expert on Troon, but am interested in my family’s history. I felt that anyone with an interest in Troon should have access to this information, which I have collected. If you have any questions, points, spot any inaccuracies or broken Links, please Email me on

  RSQTROON@BLUEYONDER.CO.UK (or Jeannie's Jotter or Genuki Ayrshire Interests List Troon).

April 2001

ENTER MAIN SITE for site contents

OTHER TROON SITES OF INTEREST

For major Troon Links KENS TROON LINKS page should be visited.

For a CD of over 700 Troon Postcards Email FRANK McKEE for details

TROON/MARR COLLEGE PAGE             

AYRSHIRE SCOTLAND GENEALOGY

AYRSHIRE ROOTS

AYRSHIRE HISTORY - Well worth a look for East Ayrshire History

KILMARNOCK AND TROON RAILWAY  Map of Railway

KILMARNOCK AND TROON RAILWAY  Sketch and details