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Ayr United Football Club

Following the introduction of the Safety of Sports Grounds Act, 1975, many football stadia in Scotland were designated as requiring Safety Certificates, including Ayr United Football Club's Somerset Park, Ayr. The Building Standards office co-ordinates this work and consequently Building Standards staff are closely involved in the technical assessment and regular site inspection of Sports Grounds and stands.

Ayr United vs Kilmarnock - 24 July 2004 - West Sound Cup - 2-2 (Ayr United win 5-4 on penalties) Ayr United F.C. is South Ayrshire's senior football club. Known as the 'Honest Men' - a quote from Scotland's National Bard, Rabbie Burns. Their home ground, Somerset Park, is located at Somerset Road, Ayr. Tel. 01292 263435

Football was first played at Somerset Park on 7 May 1888. The occasion was a 3-0 victory for the old Ayr FC over Aston Villa. Ayr United FC was formed in 1910 from the amalgamation of Ayr FC, who then played at Somerset Park, and Ayr Parkhouse FC, who were located on the other side of the river at Beresford Park. Highlights for Ayr United FC include becoming Second Division champions in: 1910/1; 1911/2; 1927/8; 1936/7; 1958/9; 1965/6; 1987/8; 1996/7 and League Cup Finalists in 2001/2.

The present Ayr United board's ambitions include rebuilding Somerset Park to SPL standards by the club's centenary year in 2010. However, without community support, it will be difficult for Ayr United FC, or any other football club, to progress.

The community focused Honest Men Trust is committed to strengthen the bonds between the local community, Ayr United and its supporters. A popular fans website is the Honest Page.

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