Current Tours
In the footsteps of Rev. J Lamb.
In the footsteps of Rev. J Lamb.
In the footsteps of Rev. J Lamb.
West Kilbride, North Ayrshire
Friday 1 May
This date marks exactly 148 years since the West Kilbride Station first opened its doors in 1878!
Start point: West Kilbride Train Station
Start time: 10am
Finish time: 12noon
Finish point: Barony Centre, West Kilbride.
Step back in time and explore the scenic beauty of West Kilbride just as it was experienced over a century ago! 🌿🎩
We are thrilled to invite you to a unique heritage walk, following in the footsteps of Reverend J. Lamb B.D. A devoted walker and leader of local ramblers, the Reverend spent his years encouraging the Parish to "perambulate" and appreciate the stunning surroundings of our neighborhood.
Using a reprint of the Reverend’s original Guide Book, we will retrace one of his historic routes to celebrate our local history and landscape.
Contact for further details
Janet 07707 873210
Warp Drive Tour
In the footsteps of Rev. J Lamb.
In the footsteps of Rev. J Lamb.
MYB Textiles, Newmilns..
Tour date: Thursday 21 May
Venue: MYB Textiles, Newmilns, Ayrshire
Start time: 11am.
End time 1pm.
This tour is specifically designed for those fascinated by engineering.
The Warp Drive Tour is perfect for a deep dive into the mechanical soul of heritage weaving. Join us for the Behind-the-Shuttle Technical Tour at 'Morton Young & Borland'. MYB Textiles, a rare opportunity to visit this historic mill established over a hundred years ago. See the working looms and the intricate mechanics that bring MYB lace to life.
Weaving was the true precursor to modern computing. On this tour, you’ll gain a practical understanding of the punch-card mechanics that have powered Newmilns lace since 1867. As one of the few places on earth still operating Nottingham Lace looms, this is a living piece of industrial history.
This is a true "workies" experience. We invite you to throw on a boiler suit and bring your own piece (an Ayrshire term for sandwich).
We’ll break for packed lunch tea and coffee in the staff canteen—straight up, no frills, just like the engineers do it.
Use the contact form or call 07707 873210 for further information.
Booking link below.
Millers & Merchants Tour
In the footsteps of Rev. J Lamb.
Millers & Merchants Tour
Newmilns, East Ayrshire.
Be transported back to Victorian Newmilns at the height of the textile industry.
The Millers & Merchants 2 stop Tour begins at the MYB lace mill in Newmilns; makers of lace for over 100 hundred years. Then visit Lamlash House, Newmilns for lunch, an opulent, beautifully restored Victorian building originally belonging to banking merchant Robert Carmichael Mitchell. Lunch is served by Annie Currie, the maid servant in the house in 1901.
Contact us to book in your group. A minimum of 16 people and maximum of 20 required.
See link below.
Use the contact form or call 07707 873210 for further information.
Maritime History Tour
Mother's Ruin Gin Event
Millers & Merchants Tour
Irvine Harbourside, North Ayrshire.
The Maritime History Tour explores the fascinating seafaring history of Scotland's West Coast which includes meeting a historical character.
This may be -
Captain Betsy Miller, the first known registered female sea captain.
Glen the Carter, who transported goods from Irvine Harbourside.
Aggie MacIntosh, resident of Irvine's
Harbourside from 1903.
This walking tour begins at the Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine Harbourside. It includes significant vessels in the Scottish Maritime's collection, a look at the trading history of Scotland's West Coast and a rum tasting at the Captain's table.
Delicious IslandSlice rum and snacks will be sampled.
(over 18's only)
Cost £28 per adult (includes rum)
Look out for the next tour date. Sign up for our newsletter to hear about it first or contact us for a private group booking.
NB. This tour can be booked for parties of 8 or more and is popular for alternative Birthday outings.
Linen Legacy Tour
Mother's Ruin Gin Event
Mother's Ruin Gin Event
*This tour can be booked for groups of 8 or more*
Garnock Valley, North Ayrshire.
This tour explores the growth of a town built on the heritage of 'a very useful plant.'
Looking back at the linen production in Kilbirnie through the story of the Knox family,
this 2 stage, self-drive tour begins at Lime Tree Larder at Auchencloigh Farm.
Auchencloigh Farm, Largs Road, Kilbirnie,
KA25 7LJ.
Learn of the linen production in the Valley and the family who built the mills. Hear about the changes in Ayrshire Farming, sample the quality produce at Lime Tree Larder and take in the spectacular views.
The second stop is Dalgarven Mill, Museum of Country Life & Costume for a light lunch . You will learn of the links to linen making process of the past and have the opportunity to view the Museum's collection.
A must visit for those interested in farming history and sustainable textile production.
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Please contact Janet to organise the Linen Legacy Tour for your group.
Suitable for 8 to 16 people.
Mother's Ruin Gin Event
Mother's Ruin Gin Event
Mother's Ruin Gin Event
Join Judith and Sal for a raucous, bawdy experience as you sip your way through the history of the juniper berry with our ultimate gin experience, - a ‘sin’ and tonic evening in an Ayrshire backroom bar.
Madame Judith Defaux, reputable server of a
'drop of the ‘ard stuff’, and her sometimes able assistant Mistress Sally Swally (Sal) provide spiritous entertainment as they take you back in time to the drudgery and squalor of Victorian backstreets for a look at the rise and fall of gin.
The finest Ayrshire produced gins will be sampled.
The Mothers Ruin Event can be booked for groups of 8 - 30 people.
We sample delicious gins of the Isle of Cumbrae Distiller's
Please make contact to discuss your group's booking. Use the contact form or call 07707 873210 for further information.
Hunterston Castle Tour
West Kilbride Cemetery Walk & Talk
West Kilbride Cemetery Walk & Talk
West Kilbride, North Ayrshire.
Discover the ancient history of Hunterston Castle and Clan Hunter. This well-kept Pele Tower was once used for residence and to safeguard against attack from the Norsemen approaching from the sea. It is in exceptionally good condition and gives a glimpse of the lives of the past Lairds and their clans, and has original features including timbers from around 1200’s.
Tours are by booking only through the Clan Hunter Scotland website from March to end September.
Hunterston Castle also houses The Wallace Oak which can be viewed on the castle tour.
A clan gathering will be of interest to those exploring their Hunter ancestry. It takes place from Friday 24 July - Sunday 26 July
Visit the Clan Hunter site for more information.
Please use the contact form or call 07707 873210 for further information.
West Kilbride Cemetery Walk & Talk
West Kilbride Cemetery Walk & Talk
West Kilbride Cemetery Walk & Talk
West Kilbride, North Ayrshire
The cemetery in West Kilbride, North Ayrshire offers fantastic views from the vantage point on top of the hill. The West Kilbride Cemetery walk and talk looks at the memorials of some significant people from West Kilbride's distant past, focussing on the Simson memorial and the Hunter family. This tour can be booked for private groups and visitors to West Kilbride.
This tour is a great addition for Hunters visiting Huntertson Castle, who are researching their Hunter ancestry.
Use the contact form or call 07707 873210 to arrange your walking tour.
Gift Vouchers
West Kilbride Cemetery Walk & Talk
Gift Vouchers
Our Gift Vouchers can be purchased in £10 denominations and used for any THATco Tour or event.
They can be personalised - contain recipients name and be themed to a particular tour - just ask us.
Terms and Conditions
- Tours and Events must be pre-booked
- Vouchers must be redeemed 1 year from the date of purchase.
- Any outstanding balance must be paid on booking.
- In the event of cancellation by the customer within 48hrs of the tour/event, the voucher may be transferred to a THATco tour/event at a later date.
- If THATco should cancel a booked tour/event the gift voucher will be transferred to another selected date.