Drybridge facts for kids
Drybridge is a small village located in North Ayrshire, Scotland. The village got its name from a special bridge. This "dry bridge" crosses over the Kilmarnock and Troon Railway, which first opened in 1812. Not far from Drybridge, you'll find the "wet bridge." This is the famous Laigh Milton Viaduct, which is the oldest railway bridge still standing in Scotland. Some people even think it might be the oldest in the whole world!
The Ancient Standing Stone
In a field near Drybridge, there's a very old standing stone. It's sometimes called a menhir. This stone is the only one of its kind recorded in this local area. You can find it close to the old Drybridge railway station.
The standing stone is quite tall, reaching about 2.6 meters high. It's roughly square-shaped and measures about 4 meters around. It's also about 1.3 meters wide. Long ago, a special stone axe head with a hole in it was discovered nearby. This area is also known for other ancient sites, like a cursus (a long, narrow earthwork), a henge (a circular earthwork), and places where ancient people left flint flakes. There's even a structure made of two big circles!
What You'll Find in Drybridge
Drybridge is a quiet village with a few useful things. It has a village hall, a post box, a phone box, and places for recycling.
Years ago, there was a school and church building here. This building later became a workshop and storage area for making wooden pallets. Recently, new houses have been built where it once stood. The old scrap-yard, which was in the former railway station's goods yard, closed down in 2008.
The railway that the "dry bridge" carries is still used by trains today. While trains no longer stop at Drybridge station, the old platforms are still there. The station building itself has been turned into homes.
A Glimpse into Drybridge's Past
Not far from Drybridge was a large house called Shewalton House. This grand house was taken down between the two World Wars. Today, part of the land where it stood is now an industrial estate.
