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Kirkoswald Church (in ruins)
Ayrshire


Kirkoswald Church (in ruins), North Ayrshire, aerial photograph
What's left of the ruined church in Kirkoswald. This from the north with the main road through the village (the A77) on the left.

The church was founded here in 634AD by (later) Saint Oswald to celebrate victory in battle. In the larger unroofed section you can see the font taken from Crossraguel Abbey at which it is aid Robert Bruce (later King of Scotland) was christened. He was born at Turnberry Castle, a few miles to the south-west.


Kirkoswald Church (in ruins), North Ayrshire, aerial photograph
Across the road is a popular hotel and the village has many links to Robert Burns. He went to school here and many of his family and subjects of his poems are buried in the churchyard.
The graves are marked.

The church grounds are free to enter but the church itself is locked.
There's ample free parking nearby.


Kirkoswald Church (in ruins), North Ayrshire, aerial photograph
From the other side of the A77. The parking space can be seen to he right.

Just up the road to the right (north) is Souter Johnnie's Cottage, another Burns link.

The character Souter Johnnie in the epic poem Tam o'Shanter was based on John Davidson, from here in Kirkoswald.