Carrick, Scotland facts for kids
Carrick is a historic area in Scotland. It's known for its rocky landscape, which is where its name comes from! Today, Carrick is part of a larger region called South Ayrshire.
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History of Carrick
Carrick has a long and interesting history, going back many centuries. It was once a powerful area ruled by its own lords.
Early Rulers and the Earldom
In the 1100s, Carrick was part of the Kingdom of Galloway. In 1186, a man named Duncan became the first "Earl of Carrick." An Earl is a noble title, like a duke or a count.
Later, his granddaughter, Margaret (also known as Marjorie of Carrick), became the Countess of Carrick. This was unusual for the time, as titles often passed only to sons.
Robert the Bruce and Scottish Independence
Margaret's son was Robert de Bruce. He later became King Robert I of Scotland (who ruled from 1306 to 1329).
Carrick played a role in the Scottish Wars of Independence. These were battles where Scotland fought for its freedom from England. Robert the Bruce led the Scots to a famous victory at Bannockburn in 1314.
Life in Carrick Through the Centuries
In the 1500s and 1600s, families like the powerful Kennedys often argued and fought over land and honor in Carrick.
The area's hidden coves and rugged land made it a safe place for people called Covenanters in the 1600s. They were a religious group who were being treated unfairly. Carrick's coastline was also a popular spot for smuggling goods!
Even the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns worked along this coast in the late 1700s. He was an exciseman, which meant he collected taxes on goods and tried to stop smuggling.
The Title of Earl of Carrick Today
Since 1469, the title "Earl of Carrick" has been given to the person who will become the next King or Queen of Scotland (and later, Britain).
Today, this title is held by William, Prince of Wales. His main Scottish title is "Duke of Rothesay."
What Does 'Carrick' Mean?
The name Carrick comes from the Gaelic word carraig. This word means 'rock' or 'rocky place'. It perfectly describes the landscape of the area!
Carrick's Place in Scottish Geography
Maybole was the main town and historic capital of Carrick.
Over time, Carrick became part of a larger region called Ayrshire. Ayrshire was naturally divided into three parts based on its rivers:
- Cunninghame in the north, along the River Irvine.
- Kyle in the center, along the River Ayr.
- Carrick in the south, along the River Doon.
These three areas together formed Ayrshire, which was one of the historic counties of Scotland.
Changes in Local Government
In 1889, there was a big change in how local areas were managed in Scotland. This led to a new system of councils.
From 1975 to 1996, the area was known as Kyle and Carrick. Then, in 1996, it was renamed South Ayrshire, which is what it's called today.
