Situated in the heart of Ayrshire, Kilmarnock is a town and former burgh in south-western Scotland.
Since 1996, Kilmarnock has served as the administrative centre of East Ayrshire Council and is an important commercial and industrial centre in the region.
Although Kilmarnock's origins are unclear, a community was established at the Laigh Kirk Church between the 5th-7th centuries by a Saint Marnock, although the first recorded mention of the town was in the 14th century, when Clan Boyd came into prominence in the area, building the Keep of the Dean Castle.
The Romans held power in the area around Kilmarnock, with nearby forts at Loudoun Castle and the coastal harbours around Ayrshire. At this time, it is believed that the town consisted of little more than a cluster of homes around the Laigh Kirk Church.
In 1592, King James VI of Scotland elevated Kilmarnock to a burgh of barony. The charter confirms that the Boyd family was in possession of the region, and assures a future line of succession. Over the next century, Kilmarnock expanded, becoming larger than Kilmaurs, and challenged the supremacy of the royal burghs of Ayr and Irvine.
By the 17th century, Kilmarnock had a network of streets and some industries, including spinning wool, knitting bonnets, and metal cutlery manufacturing. In 1668, a large portion of the town was burned as a result of the government hunting down Covenanters, who supported a Presbyterian Church of Scotland.
During the 19th century, Kilmarnock expanded greatly, from 6,000 in 1800 to 35,000 in 1900. Several new streets were built on a grid basis, although the new development plan was never fully implemented, leaving some of its older streets undeveloped.
Although Kilmarnock never received the title of royal burgh, mostly due to its geography and inland location, as a parliamentary burgh the town was ranked as equal to nearby royal burghs like Ayr and Irvine. Begun in 1812, a railway line allowed trade to flow to and from the town more efficiently.
When county councils were established in 1890, the burgh of Kilmarnock was deemed capable of handling its own affairs and was not placed under the jurisdiction of Ayrshire County Council. Later government reforms brought the burgh within the area controlled by Ayrshire County Council, but classed as a large burgh, which allowed the town to maintain many of its local services.
Beansburn, Bonnyton, and Riccarton were incorporated into Kilmarnock.
In 1996, the two-tier system of regions and districts was abolished, and Ayrshire was divided between the unitary council areas of East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, and South Ayrshire. At this time, Kilmarnock came under the East Ayrshire Council, which was granted responsibility for areas of education, social work, leisure, and planning, for Kilmarnock and the larger geographical area. In turn, Kilmarnock became the administrative centre for the East Ayrshire Council.
Kilmarnock's economy has recently shifted from heavy manufacturing and goods-based services to become more reliant on skills-based knowledge and public services, although manufacturing continues to be important.
The internationally famous Scotch whisky brand, Johnnie Walker, was established in Kilmarnock in 1820 by John "Johnnie" Walker, and the whisky was bottled in Kilmarnock until 2012, when it moved to a new Diageo bottling plant in Leven, Fife.
Currently, Kilmarnock has ten primary schools, three secondary schools, and thirteen nursery schools, all managed by East Ayrshire Council. Higher education is provided by Ayrshire College, previously known as Kilmarnock College. The oldest school in Kilmarnock is Kilmarnock Academy, which dates back to the 1600s. Loanhead Primary School was founded in the early 1900s with funding from Andrew Carnegie.
The focus of this category is on the town of Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland. Topics related to governmental agencies and programs within the town, as well as local businesses, industries, schools, museums, libraries, art galleries, places of worship, sports and recreational programs, and events within the town.
Categories
Education & InstructionFaith & Spirituality | Places to Stay |
Recommended Resources
The facility is located on Seaford Street in Kilmarnock, Scotland, and is owned by Paul and Jacqueline Spence. They are experienced hairdressers who provide modern and traditional quality haircuts with professional service. The address, a map, and the facility's hours of operation are posted on the website, including a gallery of photographs showing the facilities, examples of their work, and customer testimonials. Appointment bookings may be accomplished online.
https://thebarberloungekilmarnock.nearcut.com/
Established in 1945, Brownings is one of the largest traditional craft bakeries in Scotland. Based in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland, its specialties include morning rolls, potato scones, oven scones, buttermilk soda scones, and a range of savouries, including its Kilmarnock Pie. The business's history, partnerships, vacancies, products, a map showing the location of current stockists, and a form to become a stockist are provided. Contact details and an online enquiry form are included.
https://www.browningsbakers.com/
In business for more than fifteen years, CBY Plumbing & Heating offers full plumbing and heating services, from emergency services to full bathroom makeovers, new kitchen fits, boiler repairs, or maintenance services. CBY promises competitive rates, experienced technicians, full insurance, and fully qualified and accredited, including SNIPEF, Gas Safe Register, and BPEC Certification. Contact details, an online contact form, and customer reviews are presented on the site.
https://www.cbyplumbingandheating.com/
Covering more than two hundred acres in the heart of Kilmarnock, Scotland, Dean Castle Country Park includes a 14th-century castle that houses historical collections, a visitor centre, gift shops, and the Treehouse Café open daily, as well as the Rural Life Centre, where visitors can learn about sustainable living and enjoy woodland walks and wildlife. Its location, directions, opening hours, accommodations for schools or groups, and contacts are posted on the site.
https://deancastlecountrypark.com/
HALO Digital, Cyber & Innovation Park
Situated on a 23-acre brownfield site previously used by the Johnnie Walker Scots Whisky bottling plant, HALO is an urban regeneration project designed to provide an environment for growth and collaboration. Its focus is on digital learning and to provide an environment for spin-out companies, new startups, scale-ups, digital businesses, manufacturing companies, and cyber-related ventures. Its partnerships and packages are highlighted, vacancies are posted, and contacts are provided.
https://www.halokilmarnock.com/
Operated by the Scottish Prison Service, HMP Kilmarnock is a 500-cell prison facility three miles south-east of Hurlford in East Ayrshire. Housing a range of prisoner types, it is the local receiving facility for prisoners from the Sheriff Courts of Ayr and Kilmarnock. The address, directions, a map, and telephone numbers for the main switch board, concern phoneline, family contact officer, and visitor's centre, are displayed on the site, with information about visiting the prison.
https://www.sps.gov.uk/prisons/kilmarnock
Kilmarnock is rich in history. It is home to Scotland's oldest professional football club and the birthplace of one of the world's most famous whisky brands, Johnnie Walker. This is a guide to things to do in Kilmarnock, including places to eat and drink, attractions, activities, and places to stay while visiting the town. Local events, exhibitions, shows, and news of Kilmarnock are featured, and a business directory and advertising opportunities are available.
https://www.whatsoninkilmarnock.com/
