The Fishing Village of Maidens, South West Scotland

by Gordon McCulloch

The "Fishing" Village of Maidens.

The Maidens. Maidens is a small picturesque fishing village with a lovely long sandy beach and grass foreshore, 2 miles north of Turnberry and 5 miles west of Maybole of the South West Coast of Scotland. Maidens is a delightful village located on the north side of Turnberry Point, overlooking Maidenhead Bay. The photos below are old postcard views of the Maidens. The view has not changed much, but the fishing boats have gone.

The village retains an old world air of peace and tranquillity and is a favourite spot for artists and camera enthusiasts. It was at Maidens that Robert the Bruce landed when he sailed from Rathlin Island.

Maidens probably received its name from the Maidenhead Rocks, which lie at the end of the long pier breakwater that protects the little sandy harbour. It was at one time a busy fishing port, but today is mainly used by those who sail for pleasure. The village is extremely popular and has four caravan parks, and many day-trippers come to enjoy the beach area, the car parking, landscaped picnic area and equipped play area.

Culzean Castle is situated about a mile north of Maidens, and a web page on this site was created to give you a flavour. Also Ailsa Craig, a volcanic plug, is in view from Maidens, and a again a web page on this site has also been created.

To the west of the 18th century harbour, is a disused slipway associated with the boat building firm of Alexander MacCredie, established in 1883 to build ocean going vessels. The former site of the Ailsa Shipyards, long now establish at Troon.

Beyond the slipway is Port Murray, a small sandy bay between rocks, overlooked by a prize-winning "modern" house of 1963, designed by Peter Womersley.
A second beach is a few hundred yards further west, known as John o' Groat's Port. Hereabouts are a few rocky cliffs, part of Bain's Hill, which has a prehistoric standing stone perched near its summit.

Please feel free to use this article in any way you wish. It appears on my website at www.keelbilge.com , where I have included many photos to give a flavour of the village. All I ask is that you include my website URL address, preferably attributing it to myself, Gordon McCulloch. I would also be happy to answer any questions you may have by contacting me at GCCMCCULLOCH@aol.com .

About the Author
Gordon McCulloch is a professional engineer and teacher. He has worked and sailed in boats all his life. He was brought up near the coast, served with the Merchant Marine, and now occupies himself with all forms of water sports, in which he has developed his skill as a webmaster. Feel free to visit and comment on his website site at www.keelbilge.com .