AYR, NEWTON UPON. While the town of Ayr extends along the S. side of the river Ayr, this small parish is situated on the N. side of the same river. It is a burgh of considerable consequence, having a baronial jurisdiction, and is governed by a magistracy elected by freemen, and (since 1832) is comprehended within the parliamentary burgh of Ayr. It is of very ancient erection, owing its privileges to Robert Bruce; who, upon being attacked by leprosy, came to reside in this place, and was induced to establish a lazaretto, and to confer considerable favours on the town, and on the small village of Priestwick, about two or three miles distant. In Newton-upon-Ayr are a number of very good houses. From its situation on the banks of the Ayr and the sea-coast, the soil is mostly flat and sandy. Its extent is about three miles in length and one-and-a-half in breadth. Pop. in 1851, 4814.