Ayrshire and Arran is an area of striking contrasts. Its landscape ranges fromnbsp;sand dunesnbsp;to rolling pastures to moors. The local architecture is similarly diverse, marrying natural beauty with industry and modernity. This survey, featuring specially commissioned photographs and maps, offers the kind of detailed and comprehensive analysis for which the Pevsner Architectural Guides are known. Highlights include the monument at the Skelmorlie Aisle and Robert Burns's birthplace in Alloway; the stones of Machrie Moor; medieval castles and planned towns; early churches and abbeys; and some of the best-known country houses, Culzean Castle and Dumfries House.