By Dominic Ryan
Shopping in Ayrshire and Arran is a real treat, with an array of independent retailers flying the flag for locally-produced goods. If the weather isn't playing ball, as has been known in this area, there are also some great shopping centres for you to keep dry while you buy.
Ayr Central Shopping Centre
Ayr Central Shopping Centre brings together a whole host of your favourite fashion brands together under the canopy roof. You’ll find: Debenhams, Primark, H&M, Next, Clarks, River Island, Topshop, Topman, HMV, New Look, JD Sports, Poundland, Ernest Jones, Cherry Soda, Quiz, Holland & Barrett and ToyTown. The centre is always alive with a busy calendar of events, promotions and entertainment for you to enjoy all year round. Visit website
Bhaile Craft Bakery
Unit 11, North Harbour Industrial Estate, Ayr KA8 8BN
The ethos of this bakery is to peel back to the husk of basics to create beautiful bread, made by hand with four simple ingredients, salt, flour, water, passion. Bhaile Craft Bakery in Troon brings a ‘Bread Boutique’ to the town. It provides an ever-changing selection of breads, pastries and cakes. Of course, the ever-popular mainstays are the Kapnor, the Cracked Rye and the ‘bread ahead’ of all others, the signature ‘award-winning’ Sourdough. Visit website
Robbie’s Whisky Merchants
Situated in Ayr’s Sandgate, in the heart of Burns country, and boasting over 800 whiskies, Robbie’s Whisky Merchants is Ayrshire’s foremost whisky merchant. The knowledgable and friendly staff are always happy to help visitors enjoy everything that the shop can offer. The store also offers a comprehensive range of spirits, wines, Champagnes, Havana cigars, artisan gins, gift vouchers and so much more. Visit website
Rivergate Shopping Centre
5 Fullarton Street, Irvine KA12 8EJ
Find everything you’re looking for in one easy place at Rivergate Shopping Centre, Irvine. With over 60 of your favourite stores under one roof, why shop anywhere else? You can find a fantastic range of shops such as Clarks, JD Sports, New Look, H.Samuel, Primark, Superdrug, Warren James and many more. Visit website
Belle Boutique
178 Main Street, Prestwick KA9 1PG
Belle Boutique is a ladieswear boutique stocking clothing collections from Holland, Denmark and Britain to create a style just for you! Labels include Fransa, Yest, Postcard from Brighton, Yaya and Marble, from sizes 10 up to 18. You can also find a fantastic collection of metal and leather jewellery. The boutique also custom makes curtains, blinds and cushions from their wide selection of fabrics and also have a great range of wallpaper books to pick from to complete your look. Visit website
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