Ayr is a town located on the southwest coast of Scotland. It serves as the administrative centre of South Ayrshire Council and holds the status of the historic county town of Ayrshire. The town is contiguous with Prestwick to its north.
With a population of 46,982, Ayr is the second largest town in Ayrshire by population and ranks as the 15th largest settlement in Scotland. Historically designated as a former royal burgh, the town submitted unsuccessful bids for city status in 2000 and 2002.