The Old Byre Visitor Centre is situated on the west coast of the island approximately half a mile north of Machrie golf course. It comprises the Old Byre Showroom shop, Cafe Thyme, Simon Thorborn's pottery with paint your own pot and a large child's play area. The centre originally began with the Old Byre Showroom however expanded since 2012 and was consequently accreddited as a 4 star Visitor Attraction by Visit Scotland in the spring of 2014. The centre is a family run business and offers something for everyone.
Cafe Thyme beside the Old Byre Showroom opened in June 2012 and offers a menu not experienced elsewhere on the island. Teas, coffee, homebaking, delicious lunches, homemade bread and pides (Turkish style pizza/calzone baked in the wood burning oven), homegrown salads and herbs, wines, beers, a wide selection of loose leaf teas and a very warm welcome awaits. The couple who run the shop and cafe are a Scottish Turkish mix - this is brought together with a haggis and cheese pide! The cafe is open 6 days a week and also offers takeaways and dinners during the season, call 01770 840608.
The children's play area offers swings, slide, castle, giant sand pit, trampoline, diggers and many more toys. During the season there is also part of the field opened up for basketball, football, tennis or badminton. Both these are situated opposite the cafe so you can sit and enjoy lunch either inside or out whilst watching the kids play safely.
The Old Byre Showroom has been established since 1967. It offers quality products at reasonable prices with as much sourced from UK companies as possible. They offer quality knitwear, handknitted Arans, sheepskin products, leather bags, clothing and accessories. Brands include Barbour which sells below RRP, Seasalt clothing, Mudd and Water, Braintree, Fisherman out of Ireland, Harley of Scotland, Scott Officer, Frugi and many more. Our childrens range are primarly organic and Fair Trade.There are also sheepskin rugs, woollen throws, leather handbags and a range of gift items including handcrafted cowhorn products. Most of our knitwear is either Scottish or Irish and made from natural materials.
Also on site is Simon Thorborn's pottery shop with many interesting items, also offering "paint your own pot", an ideal take home memory of your holiday. There are also handpainted silk pictures and cards.
There really is something for everyone here and you can easily spend a few hours enjoying shopping, eating, painting, walking or merely enjoying all the wildlife and stunning views of Kintyre and the amazing Druid standing stone majestically taking pride of place in the field in front.
