East Ayrshire
East Ayrshire is a middle-sized council area in the southwest of Scotland, surrounded by North and South Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway, South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire. The main city of the region, Kilmarnock, boasts plenty of tourist attractions for every taste. The idyllic banks of the river Irvine and the outstanding Country Park around the restored Dean Castle promise a relaxing experience. Many museums and art galleries cater for art lovers, while ample shops of all types will delight shopping maniacs. Outside the city, which hosts roughly one half of the region's population, there are spacious parks in the spectacular countryside. East Ayrshire is well known for its traditions in lace, knitware and crystal production.