History of Society

The society was founded in 1947 to promote the study of Ayrshire history and natural history.

For the history of the society prior to the founding of the AANHS see AANHS Collections 1947-1949 Second Series Volume 1.

At the instigation of R W Cochran-Patrick of Woodside, a meeting was held in the County Buildings, Ayr on 19th October 1877 to consider the formation of an Archaeological Society for the counties of Ayr and Wigtown. This was the inception of the Ayrshire and Wigtownshire Archaeological Association. The AWAA published descriptions, illustrated with plans or drawings of various prehistoric and mediaeval remains in the counties of Ayr and Wigtown; printed early charters, manuscripts, historical documents, ecclesiastical, municipal and parochial records and other material relating to the history, antiquities, topography and genealogy of the district. The first volume appeared in 1878. In 1885 the title of the society was changed to the Ayrshire and Galloway Archaeological Association to extend its scope to Kirkcudbright. This Association was wound up in 1897 at the 14th general meeting. In all, the Association published 18 volumes, including 2 at R Vans Agnew’s expense on Sir Patrick Waus. The list of publications is given below. There is an index to them on pp12-22 of AANHS Collections Second Series Volumes 1.

Archaeological and Historical Collections
of Ayr and Wigton 

Vol 1

1878

Vol 2

1880

Vol 3

1882

Vol 4

1884

Archaeological and Historical Collections
of Ayrshire and Galloway 

Vol 5

1885

Vol 6

1889

Vol 7

1894

Vol 8

1894

Vol 9

1895

Vol 10

1899

Charters of the Royal Burgh of Ayr 

1883

Charters of the Friars Preachers of Ayr 

1881

Charters of Crossraguel Abbey 

Vol 1

1886

Vol 2

1886

Sir Patrick Waus 

Vol 1

1887

Vol 2

1887

Muniments of the Royal Burgh of Irvine 

Vol 1

1890

Vol 2

1890