Drybridge

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Drybridge is a village in North Ayrshire, Scotland. Drybridge came by its name through the 'dry bridge' over the Kilmarnock and Troon Railway, opened in 1812. The nearby 'wet bridge' is the Laigh Milton Viaduct, the oldest surviving railway bridge in the world.

[edit] Standing stone

The standing stone at Stane Field, Drybridge, is the only one recorded for this local authority area. It stands close to the old railway station. This impressive standing stone is on level ground in a field of young crop at about 20m OD. It has a maximum height of 2.6m, and as stated, is roughly square with a girth of about 4.0m and a maximum width of 1.3m. A perforated stone axe head was found nearby. In this area are a cursus, henge, several sites of flint flake deposits and a twin concentric circle structure.

Unfortunately the link in Google Earth is from another Drybridge entirely, which is in Banffshire, not Ayrshire.

Until recently, Drybridge also had a submarine station based on the River Irvine capable of docking submarines, class 3 size and bigger. There were unconfirmed rumors that a single British Nuclear submarine docked in Drybridge during the 1980's as there was a mass of extra security for no clear reason. Also, during WWII, German Aircraft attacked the area and the submarine base was one of the targets, though failed to be hit.

[edit] Facilites

Drybridge is a very basic village with few facilities. There is one shop ("Drybridge Stores"), a village hall, post box, phone box and recycling facilities. There used to be a school/church approx. 50 years ago which was spent many years as a pallet makers before recently being replaced by houses. The scrap-yard is closed. The railway which the "dry bridge" carried still exists and is still in use. The Drybridge station has been turned into housing also therefore the train no longer stops at Drybridge Station.

Drybridge has a Community Association and a Woodland Group. Each year Drybridge Community Association organises a village open day, with raffle, History of Drybridge stalls, children's entertainment and tours of the Mill. 2008 date tbc.

Coordinates: 57°38′N, 2°56′W