EAST AYRSHIRE

council area, southwestern Scotland. It covers an undulating lowland in the north and west that rises to forested and moor-covered uplands in the east and south, where Blackcraig Hill reaches an elevation of 2,298 feet (700 metres). East Ayrshire forms part of the historic county of Ayrshire. Dairy farming is important in the lowlands, while cattle and sheep raising predominate in the uplands. Kilmarnock, the administrative centre and largest town, has a wide variety of industries including engineering and whisky distilling and blending. Knitwear manufacturing and engineering are also important at Stewarton, and the towns of Darvel, Galston, and Newmilns in the upper Irvine valley produce lace and synthetic textiles. Textiles also are manufactured in Cumnock, Muirkirk, and Dalmellington. Area 483 square miles (1,252 square km). Pop. (1999 est.) 120,940.