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After Butlins Heads of AYR Railway Station

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Remembering Heads of AYR Railway Station

Research into the transformations of Butlins AYR would not truly have been achievable without the outstanding program called Google Earth. Google Earth offers the ability to view images from significant historical moments, and this helpful tool allows us to observe a time that has since passed at the previous Butlins AYR location. Each photograph carries a copyright credit below it. This is done in accordance with the regulations specified at this link. I am thankful for the chance to showcase these screenshots, which were obtained using Google Earth (click on these words for additional information), for historical education. Google and Google Earth have not solicited me to include this here, nor do they have any connections to the design and information presented on this website. 

Country Life - 5/5/06

Image © Future Publishing Ltd - link

History of the Heads of AYR Railway station

AYR railway station's story does not commence with Butlins, which was located further along the line. Instead, it is associated with a company named the Maidens and Dunure Light Railway. Their history can be traced back to 1896, linked to the vision of the Glasgow and South Western Railway. (source)

The Maidens and Dunure light railway, which opened on May 17, 1906, was designed to link Alloway, Heads of Ayr, Knoweside, Balchriston level crossing halt, Glenside, Maidens, and Turnberry to the main line.

Heads of AYR Railway Station

Image © National World Publishing Ltd - link

The Scotsman - Thursday 17th May 1906

The new railway line is open and newspapers have started to discuss the benefits of the project. What is not shown in this clip (as it was quite long) is this part;

"Leaving the Heads of AYR Station, a short run on  a heavy gradient brings the train to Dunure Station, in the vicinity of which is the picturesque little village of that name, with the historic castle of Dunure, dating back to the late thirteenth century."

Heads of AYR Railway Station

Google Earth - Link

History of the Heads of AYR Railway station

The initial site of the Heads of AYR Railway station was situated in the area marked in red. The yellow section indicates where the track may have been, although I cannot confirm this with certainty. The Heads of AYR Railway station commenced operations on the same date as the line and continued to serve until its closure on December 1, 1930. On July 4, 1932, this station reopened to the public but closed again on June 1, 1933. 

Heads of AYR Railway Station

Google Earth - Link

History of Butlins Heads of AYR Railway station

After World War II, the opening of Butlins AYR prompted the establishment of a second station, which was named the New Heads of AYR railway station. Many people refer to it as Station Two. The station began its service at Butlins during the summer of 1948 (source). 

Fife Free Press - Saturday 19 June 1948

Image © National World Publishing Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.- link

Fife Free Press - Saturday 19th June 1948

Travelling to Butlins AYR has become easier than ever, with special train services available directly to the Heads of AYR station. This advertisement highlights a special holiday week for Kirkcaldy Trades.

The Scotsman - Friday 12 January 1968

Image © National World Publishing Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD - link 

The Scotsman - Friday 12th January 1968

In light of the announcement regarding the closure of the Heads of AYR station, a public inquiry was initiated in an effort to prevent the station from shutting down. A group called the Scottish Transport Users Consultative Committee has expressed concerns about the station's closure.

The station served as a fantastic resource for local residents and was an ideal option for campers visiting Butlins AY, located just four miles from AYR. The AYR town council is currently reviewing the objections while they await feedback from the Maybole District council and the management of Butlins Ltd regarding the proposed closure of the station.

The objections were not enough as the station would close down for the final time on the 14th September 1968, marking an end to the story of this station's name. 

Google Maps 2021

Image capture: July 2021, Map data Google, © 2025 Google - Link

This was the path that the train would have followed to reach Butlins AYR. By 2025, this area has been transformed into a walkway where visitors can appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature. 

Google Maps 2009

Image capture: July 2009, Map data Google, © 2025 Google - Link

This route connects Alloway to Butlins AYR. By 2025, the tunnel located under this bridge will be officially called the Alloway Railway Tunnel.  Previously, the tunnel was a hotspot for graffiti and a thoroughfare for many until a new project was initiated. The aim was to change this tunnel from a graffiti-covered space into an artistic showcase, resulting in its designation as the Alloway Railway Tunnel Art Project . Click here to see more on their website, where you can see events and details about this tunnel.

Do you have any memories of the former Heads of AYR Railway that you would like to share?

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Who and What is Butlin's Memorabilia Website
The Butlins Memorabilia website was originally established as a place on the internet where people could view Mark Banks' Butlins collections. As a passionate enthusiast of the brand, Mark took the initiative to explore the extensive history that led to the website's transformation. Now, the Butlins Memorabilia site has matured into a historical education platform, demonstrating to visitors the meaningful ways in which Butlins has fostered joy and created unforgettable memories.

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