District of Kyle, Ayrshire - Definition and Overview

The District of Kyle today forms part of East Ayrshire, Scotland. The original county of Ayrshire was divided naturally by its rivers. It was therefore divided into the three districts of Cunninghame in the north along the River Irvine, Carrick in the south along the River Doon and in the center by the River Kyle. These three districts formed Ayrshire, one of the traditional counties of Scotland.

Kyle and Carrick was the former name (1975-96) of a local government district in the Strathclyde Region of Scotland. In 1996 it was constituted as a Unitary Authority, but renamed South Ayrshire.

Near Cumnock, at the confluence of Guelt and Glenmuir Waters, are the ruins of the 15th century Kyle Castle.