Ayrshire's top ten novels set in area

THE PROVOST – John Galt

Set in Galt’s home town of Irvine, The Provost tells the tale of apprentice James Pawkie, who rises to power. As provost he manipulated the residents of Irvine to do his bidding. The 1822 novel is regarded as Galt’s masterpiece and perhaps the first book covering political commentary.

HOLLOW EARTH – John and Carole Barrowman.

Yes, it is written by THAT John Barrowman, dancer, Dr Who star etc, along with his sister Carole. A science fiction and fantasy book for young adults, it is set on an island in the Clyde, which bears a striking resemblance to Cumbrae. It also includes a visit to the Pencil in Largs.

DOCHERTY - William McIlvanney

Based in a fictional mining town in Scotland, the much loved Kilmarnock author’s first book is pretty much set in and around the Cumnock area. Miner Tam Docherty and his family struggle against discrimination, poverty and the hardships of working class life before and after the First World War.

THE TRICK IS TO KEEP BREATHING -Janice Galloway

Saltcoats author Galloway’s acclaimed first novel centres on alcoholic and anorexic drama teacher Joy Stone, who lives on a council estate on the outskirts of Ayrshire. She is dealing with the drowning of her married lover on holiday.

ELECTRIC BRAE – Andrew Greig

The story of an oil worker, it is mostly set in Orkney, but covers much of Scotland. And the title comes from South Ayrshire’s own Electric Brae, where a natural optical illusion makes it seem that cars and bikes can roll uphill. Worth it for that alone.

ARTEFACTS OF THE DEAD – Tony Black

The first book to star DI Bob Valentine, a detcective from Whitletts. The discovery of a dead banker sends shockwaves through the coastal town of Ayr. It soon becomes obvious that a serial killer is stalking the streets…

A DAUGHTER OF HETH -  William Black

First published in 1871 in three volumes, it features French born Catherine Cassilis, who after her father’s death comes to live in ‘Airlie’ near Saltcoats. The Catholic Catherine comes into conflict with her minister uncle’s strict Presbyterian values.

THE WOMAN CLOTHED WITH THE SUN – FL Lucas

First published in 1937, this historical novella purports to be an account written by a Kirk minister, born in Irvine, who is ‘bewitched’ by a young woman and flees the town with the Buchanite sect. The real life sect was led by Elspeth Buchan, who declared herself a prophet, broke away from the Relief Church and was expelled from Irvine to form a commune in the Galloway hills.

DUNCAN’S WAR – Douglas Bond

The first in a series of young adult books set in Ayrshire at the time of the Covenanter uprising. Young Duncan M’Kethe is caught in the web of Sir James Turner, former Covenanter turned military leader of the persecutors.

THUMBLE TUMBLE AND THE OLLTHIEST – AH Proctor

The first in a bestselling series of children’s book featuring a wee witch from the island of Arran. Author AH Proctor spent many holidays on the island and found it the perfect setting for her series. Expect some Sea Dragons and Thistle Pixies.