Moscow, East Ayrshire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Moscow |
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 A719 road passing through Moscow |
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 Moscow
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| Population | 141 (Census 2001) |
| Language | English |
| OS grid reference | NS487404 |
| Council area | |
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| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Galston |
| Postcode district | KA4 |
| Dialling code | 01560 |
| Police | Strathclyde |
| Fire | Strathclyde |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Moscow is a small village, called a hamlet, in East Ayrshire, Scotland. It's located on the A719 road, about 4 miles (6.4 km) east of Kilmarnock. In 2006, about 118 people lived there. It's part of the "Galston West and Hurlford North" area in the local council.
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Why Is It Called Moscow?
The name of this Scottish hamlet is quite interesting! People think it might have come from older names like "Moss-hall" or "Moss-haw." However, its spelling was changed in 1812. This change was made to remember Napoleon's army retreating from the city of Moscow in Russia.
Other Ideas for the Name
Some experts believe the name could come from an ancient language called Common Brittonic. In this language, maɣes means "field" and coll means "hazel." This would make the name similar to the Welsh words maes-coll.
There's even a small stream flowing through the village called the Volga Burn. This name is similar to the Volga River in Russia. Also, the land and forest nearby, around a place called Cowans Law, are sometimes called 'Little Russia'.
Did you know that Moscow in Scotland is on the same latitude (55° North) as the famous Russian city? This is just a coincidence, but it's a fun fact! The village is quite well-known in Russia because of its name.
History of Moscow, Scotland
People have been curious about the name Moscow in Scotland for a long time. In 1933, a researcher named Walter Emery looked into the names Moscow, Volga, and Ruschaw in the area.
How the Name Appeared on Maps
The Ordnance Survey (OS), which makes maps, told him that local people had approved the name 'Moscow'. The name appeared on maps as early as 1829. The Ordnance Survey also mentioned a local story. This story says the name came from the burning of Moscow in Russia in 1812. The first house in Moscow, Scotland, was built around that time.
Prisoners of War and Russian Names
Another idea comes from the Ayr County Council. They suggested that during the Crimean War (1853-1856), some Russian prisoners of war and refugees were in the area. It's thought that these Russian names might have been given to places around then.
One person, Shaw, wrote that "a generation ago Russian prisoners of war were located between Galston and Fenwick, at a place called Moscow." This suggests a connection between the name and Russian history.
Interesting Facts About Moscow
Local Airstrip
In 2008, a small airstrip was built in a field near the village. This airstrip is used for light aircraft.
Moscow in a Song
The village is even mentioned in a song! The Scottish band The Trash Can Sinatras sing about it in their song "Hayfever" from their album I've Seen Everything. The lyrics say: "...Moscow's in Ayrshire, what's the problem?"
