Wear tartan on Ayr’s big pub crawl

Nov 20 2009 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

IT’S being hailed as The Great Tartan Turnoot.

And Ayr town centre is set to become one giant saltire for a unique celebration.

Kilties will be out in force for a pub crawl with a difference as the town goes national for St Andrew’s Day.

And landlords are pledging to make it an occasion to remember.

Participants will make their way from one end of the town to the other while collecting Scottish merchandise on the way.

Four pubs will take part in the tour to end all tours before Burns Statue square is lit up in a spectacular lights show.

Bob Shields, owner of the Twa Dugs pub, can’t wait for the festivities to kick off next Friday, November 27.

He said: “I’ll be donning my kilt and joining everyone else on the night.

“I’ve always loved a good pub crawl – but this one promises to be a lot more organised than what I’m used to.

“It’s great to have four, good old fashioned, independently run pubs taking part and hopefully we’ll have a big turn out.”

Bob’s bar will be joined by Wellington’s, the Bridges and Tam O’Shanter Inn.

Patriotic pint suppers can collect items ranging from Burns t-shirts to saltire flags at each watering hole.

And the fun ends with haggis and a ceilidh at Bob’s boozer.

He revealed: “We’ve got a ceilidh band called Broch performing on the night and they come highly recommended.

“It’s something a little bit different and then we’re having a Scottish quiz on the Monday night for everyone to show their national knowledge.”

Kilted musical warriors Clan Wallace will lead the parade up the High Street.

Stars from Ayr United joined local DJs and publicans to launch the event and show off a bit of tartan.

And Jakki Ross, of the come back to Ayrshire campaign, is predicting a big night.

She said: “It’s going to be a quirky event and hopefully we get a big turn out with people wanting to show off their national pride.”