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Prestwick

Prestwick is one of the oldest towns in Scotland, having been granted its original burgh charter in the 12th century. With its long, sandy beach it was also one of the most popular holiday resorts for Glaswegians until Spain and Florida took over.

To the north of the town is Prestwick International Airport, at one time the main transatlantic airport for Glasgow. It is still a busy place, being a favourite starting point for those holidays in warmer climes that eventually saw off Prestwick as a holiday resort. On March 2nd 1960, the airport had possibly its most famous visitor - Elvis Presley. Having been discharged from the American army, his plane touched down at the airport for refuelling when he was returning home from Germany. He stayed at the American air force base (now gone) for just under an hour, and then re-boarded his flight. It was the only time that “The King” ever set foot in Britain. A plaque in the airport commemorates his visit, and people still turn up from all over Europe to pay their respects. In later life, someone asked Elvis what country he would like to visit, and he replied that he would  like to go back to Scotland, possibly also because he had Scottish ancestors.

The name Prestwick means “priest’s burgh”, and the ruins of the ancient Parish Church of St Nicholas are near the coastline. At Kingcase was a lazar house where Robert the Bruce went to seek a cure for his leprosy. Bruce’s Well can still be seen there.

The very first British Open golf Championship was held at Prestwick in 1860 (with eight competitors) and for 12 years after. A cairn near the golf course, unveiled in 1977 by Henry Cotton,  commemorates the event.