Originally published in 1885 in a limited edition of 200 copies, for the purpose of presenting, in an accessible and attractive form, views of the numerous beautiful inhabited Castles and Mansions which adorn Ayrshire. The Plates were prepared specially for the Work by Messrs ANNAN, Glasgow. The Letterpress was drawn up under the editorial care of A. H. MILLAR, F.S.A.Scot., and embraces much interesting historical information. In most instances the descriptions have been revised by the Owners of the Mansions, and a few of them have been entirely written by them. Some changes have been made in this edition. The overall page size is now considerably smaller. The complete text has been re-set. In the original, the text was sometimes spread over two pages. In this edition, the print has been reduced in size, where necessary, to allow all the text to be read without turning the page, on the left-hand page, facing the photograph. The photographs are reproduced in the original size. In the original, the photographs were arranged to view at right-angles to the page. In this edition, the photographs are turned to a normal position. Two photographs were used for Woodside.
Both are included in this edition.