Saltcoats
| Saltcoats | |
| Ayrshire | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | NS245415 |
| Location: | 55°38’7"N, 4°47’23"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 11,260 |
| Post town: | Saltcoats |
| Postcode: | KA21 |
| Dialling code: | 01294 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | North Ayrshire |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
North Ayrshire and Arran |
Saltcoats is a town on the west coast of Ayrshire. It is one of the 'Three Towns' along with Ardrossan and Stevenston.
History
Saltcoats' name is derived from the town's earliest industry when salt was harvested from the sea water, carried out in small houses along the beach known as 'cots'.[1] Other early industries in the town included coal mining, fishing and handloom weaving.[1]
After the turn of the twentieth century and the decline of salt panning in the town, Saltcoats became increasingly popular as a holiday destination.[1] An old bathing pond was rebuilt during the 1930s, becoming the largest tidal pool of the time in Scotland.[1] Saltcoats beautiful sandy beach makes it a popular destination for holiday makers and daytrippers.
Saltcoats received Burgh status in 1528.
Notes
References
- McSherry, R. & M. (1995). Old Saltcoats, Stenlake Publishing, Ochiltree. ISBN 1-872074-57-X.
- Stansfield, G. (1999). Ayrshire & Renfrewshire's Lost Railways, Stenlake Publishing, Catrine. ISBN 1-84033-077-5.