Shoppers line the streets of this busy, wide high street with Ayr Church a feature in the background. The photograph was taken between 1926 and 1942.

Take a look at the photograph

The picture shows a wide high street, featuring the names of many different shops including Hay’s, Audrey, Goudie’s Tea Room and Greenlee’s warehouse, as well as cars, a bus and a boy approaching us on a bicycle. Prominent in the background is the Wallace Tower and there are occasional cars, cyclists and a bus. The clock on the tower shows ten past one.

Listen to the audio description

Picture shows a wide high street, featuring the names of many different shops including Hay’s, Audrey, Goudie’s Tea Room and Greenlee’s warehouse, as well as cars, a bus and a boy approaching us on a bicycle. Prominent in the background is the Wallace Tower and there are occasional cars, cyclists and a bus. The clock on the tower shows ten past one.

Click on the image to enlarge for more detail

A guide for helpers

To encourage further reflection on each photograph, we’ve provided additional suggestions for care workers or helpers to use with individuals or with groups.

Read our guide for helpers

What do you think?

    1. When do you think this photograph was taken? Are there any clues as to the time of day or year?
    2. There is a surprising amount of detail in this image when you look closely. What people and forms of transport can you see? What can you learn about the Tower itself?
    3. Choose a person in the picture. Imagine what they are thinking. Where could they be going and why?
    4. High street shopping is greatly under threat these days as many people shop online. Do you think this will change? What memories of high streets does this image recall for you? Can you remember other towns or monuments that you liked. If so, what can you remember about them?
    5. Listen to this interview with Hannah (or read the transcript here). Does this change the way you view the image now?

    Listen to the audio description

Did you know?

The woman in the foreground has several parcels wrapped in paper and string. Why did we stop packing items this way? Can you find out when we started using plastic bags instead? What do you think about this now?

Listen to the audio description