A tourist on a day trip to a coastal town once named the worst in the country had such a good time he now wants to move there.
Mark Rowan, from Belfast, spent just £30 on his return ferry and the Stena Line boat arrived in Scotland at 9.45am before he took a bus to Ayr in South Ayrshire. And before visiting the famous Ayr Beach, the YouTuber known as the Northern Ireland Traveller checked out some local pubs.
First impressions of Ayr
One of his initial observations was that there were plenty of boarded-up shops, something he said was common in most seaside towns in the UK. He said people were now more likely to spend £19.99 on a flight to Benidorm than travel somewhere closer to home, which he described as a shame, and a reason why places like Ayr may be “forgotten”.
He also noted the “lovely architecture” and said it felt like a “proper Victorian town” before adding that he was “loving it” on first impressions. Mark, also known as Stumpy, was particularly impressed by the local pubs and how affable the staff and punters were inside.
Ayr was previously named the worst seaside town in Scotland, earning a 'destination score' of only 51 out of 100 on a Which? survey.
Friendly people and a stunning beach
At one point, he said: “Honestly, Ayr, what a spot! Such friendly people. Everyone so far has been super friendly.” He also said he would have to come back again because there were just so many bars before adding: “See, honestly, I can’t wait to return here. Everybody I’ve met today is absolutely unbelievable.”
After enjoying a few pints, Stumpy, who has travelled to various places in the UK for his channel, which has 36,400 subscribers, took a stroll to the beach, the town’s famous beauty spot.
And in a surprise statement, he said: “I’m going to go as far as to say I’d actually probably live here. I like it. Great wee town, great wee city, friendly people, great craic, lovely Victorian houses, lovely architecture, and you’ve got the seaside. Everyone loves the seaside. Just hope it’s as nice as I’m actually expecting.”
A call to support seaside towns
Getting to the sand, he said the beach was “stunning”, and added that he could picture himself here on a summer’s day, relaxing and people watching with a can of strawberry and lime Kopparberg.
And in a message to his fans, he said: “And honestly people, it's really good for your mental health to get out of the house, go out, have the craic, and meet new people. I came here today alone. There’s no one with me. I just came here, and I’ve had an absolutely amazing day. Everyone’s been super friendly and the craic has been really really nice. So highly recommended. Get out of the house people and enjoy the craic.”
He reiterated that his boat cost him just £30, adding there was plenty to do and see in Ayr aside from the memorable pubs.
Stumpy also noted that it would have been a “luxury” to visit the town 30 or 40 years ago and he would have had the “best summer holiday ever” if he had come as a child.
He added: “It just shows you how much wee seaside towns are actually struggling today. So please, people, get out and support local. Just come out and support these towns because genuinely, they’re proper historic towns, proper historic seaside towns.”
Before getting the bus back to the boat, Stumpy embraced some Scottish tradition by treating himself to some haggis and chips and an Irn-Bru. And in a slight to the latter, he admitted he wouldn't rush to have it again, saying it failed to beat Fanta orange or Fanta lemon.
But that slander aside, he concluded: “I’m having the time of my life here people, you don’t need any friends. You don’t need to go out with anyone. Just go by yourself. Life’s too short. Go out and enjoy yourself. I’m enjoying haggis here. Lovely chips, some Irn-Bru. Proper Scottish delicacies. Sitting at a park bench outside of a chippy on the main street here in Scotland. Came here today. Back tonight. Great wee day trip. Unbelievable.”
