NORTH AYRSHIRE

council area, southwestern Scotland, along the Firth of Clyde. It encompasses part of the historic region of Cunninghame on the Scottish mainland, in the historic county of Ayrshire, as well as several islands in the Firth of Clyde, including the Cumbraes and the Isle of Arran, which belong to the historic county of Buteshire. The islands' economies depend on tourism fostered by the unspoiled mountain scenery, abundant reserves of game and fish, and, especially, their proximity to metropolitan Glasgow. Livestock raising is also important on Arran. The economy of mainland North Ayrshire reflects a contrast between the urbanized coastal plain and the more rural and agricultural interior. Agricultural activities include dairy farming and the cultivation of vegetable crops in the southern and eastern lowlands and hill sheep farming in the northern uplands. Along the coast there is a mix of industrial, commercial, and service activities. Largs is a coastal resort. Coastal Ardrossan and Saltcoats draw tourists as well but also support industry, including an oil refinery and a chemicals sector. Hunterston, near West Kilbride, is the site of a deepwater port and nuclear power station. The new town of Irvine supports a wide range of new light industries, including electronics manufacture and software development. Irvine is also the administrative centre of the council area. Area 339 square miles (879 square km). Pop. (1999 est.) 139,410.