This is one of a Set of Volumes, originally published in 1863/4, with an Appendix and Index in 1871. For each parish of Ayrshire, a short description of the Etymology, Extent, History (Civil and Ecclesiastical), and Antiquities (where appropriate), is followed by notes on the principal families of the parish. This first part of the first volume contains the Parishes of Ayr, Newton-on-Ayr, Auchinleck, Coylton, and Craigie.