Loudoun

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For the county in Virginia, U.S., see Loudoun County, Virginia.

Loudoun (Lughdan in Scottish Gaelic) is an area of East Ayrshire, Scotland, east of Kilmarnock. The word Loudoun is derivative of the Celtic Pagan God name Lugh.^{[citation needed]} It is a parish and is named after the former village which stood north of Galston. The area is commonly referred to as the "Irvine Valley", for the River Irvine which flows through it.

Loudoun Kirk, the burial place of the Campbells of Loudoun is nearby. The village has vanished, however plans to rebuild the lost village are under consideration by the council.

The parish covers the burghs of Newmilns and Greenholm and Darvel, although the name generally refers to these towns as well as Galston and Hurlford.

Loudoun's most prominent geographical feature is Loudoun Hill, site of several minor battles during Scotland's history.

The area of Loudoun is also home to the famous Loudoun Castle theme park which is set around the ruins of the 19th century castle.

[edit] See also

• Loudoun Academy
• Loudoun Castle
• River Irvine