AILSA, an island belonging to the parish of Dailly,
in the district of Carrick, county of Ayr. This island
lies in the Firth of Clyde, between the shores of Ayrshire
and Cantyre, from the former of which it is distant
eight miles. It is a rugged rock, about two miles
in circumference at its base, rising precipitously from
the sea to an elevation of 1 100 feet, and accessible only
on the north-east side, where a small beach has been
constructed. The rock is basaltic, and in several parts
assumes the columnar formation: at a considerable
height are the remains of ancient buildings, supposed
to have been originally a castle, with a chapel. A small
portion of its surface affords a scanty pasturage; but
it is frequented merely by various aquatic birds, of which
the most numerous are the solan geese; and the only
income arising from the island is derived from the
sale of feathers, for the collection of which, during the
season, a person resides on the spot. It was in
contemplation, some time since, to make this island a
fishing station, for the supply of Glasgow and Liverpool
by the numerous steamers which pass this way, and
the erection of some buildings for that purpose was
commenced, but the idea was subsequently abandoned.
The island gives the British titles of Marquess and
Baron to the family of Kennedy, who are the owners of
the property. It is mentioned by the poet Bums in his
song of Duncan Gray.