Alloway
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Alloway (Scottish Gaelic: Allmhaigh) is a village and suburb of Ayr on the River Doon, in Scotland. It is best known as the birthplace of Robert Burns, and is also where he set "Tam o' Shanter".
The ruined Alloway Kirk, or Auld Kirk as the locals call it, features in the poem--as the scene of the witches' dance--as does the local Brig o'Doon, where the witch chased Tam O' Shanter over the bridge, but pulled the tail off his horse half-way across, as witches cannot cross water.
There is a memorial to Burns designed by Thomas Hamilton in the village, and several museums, the largest one is called The Land O'Burns Centre. Robert Burns' father, William Burns, is buried in the Auld Kirk, and is the first grave you come to as you walk up the steps and through the gate. At night, green lights are illuminated over the Auld Kirk, adding to its ghostly appearance.
There are two main parks in Alloway, Rozelle and Bellisle, which are very popular in the summer.
Cambusdoon New Ground is located in Alloway and has played host to a number of Scotland Cricket Internationals, as well as being the home of Ayr Cricket Club. Ayr Hockey Club also play out of the Cambusdoon ground, on a purpose-built astroturf pitch.
Also in Alloway is Millbrae, the home of Ayr Rugby Club.