Situated on the River Garnock, Kilwinning, Scotland is just a few miles north of Irvine, and about twenty miles south-west of Glasgow.
Other nearby localities include the coastal town of Stevenston to the west and Dairy to the north.
The earliest known inhabitants of the Kilwinning area came after the last Ice Age, sometime around 6,000 BC. These early settlers were likely fishermen and beachcombers from Ireland, who left behind flints, barbed weapons, and fish spears.
The settlement of Segdoune, later known as Kilwinning, was established by the 600s, with a church dedicated to Saint Winning. The settlement was once known as Sagtoun, or Saint's Town. Its development is deeply intertwined with local religious development. Its name is derived from Saint Winning, who founded a church there in the early medieval period. The construction of Kilwinning Abbey between 1162 and 1187 by Tironensian monks from Kelso Abbey made Kilwinning a significant center of medieval Christianity. The abbey flourished until the Scottish Reformation in 1560.
Historically, the town was a hub for weaving, coal mining, and ironworks. In the 20th century, Kilwinning became part of Scotland's last New Town development. This led to expansion as new estates were built on surrounding farm land.
Today, the town consists of its historic town centre, which was originally a separate village known as Bridgend, now surrounded by the estates of Blacklands, Corsehill, Pennyburn, Whitehirst Park, Woodside, and Woodwynd.
Currently, its industries include the manufacture of plastics and electronics, with the Nethermains Industrial Estate housing several industrial units.
Kilwinning Abbey remains one of the town's most significant historical attractions. Although much of the abbey was destroyed during the Reformation, the south transept still stands nearly to its full height. The Abbey Tower Heritage Centre, located in the clock tower built in 1816, commemorates the town's history.
Eglinton Castle, located nearby, is another notable attraction, with its grounds now forming Eglinton Country Park. The original castle was burned by the Earl of Glencairn in 1528. The current castle was built between 1797 and 1802.
Kilwinning is home to several educational institutions, including Kilwinning Academy, a six-year, non-denominational secondary school. Its primary schools include Abbey Primary School, Blacklands Primary School, Corsehill Primary School, Pennyburn Primary School, St. Luke's Primary School, St. Winning's Primary School, and Whitehirst Park Primary School.
James Watt College was built in Kilwinning in 1998 and opened in 2000. Since 2013, the campus has been part of Ayrshire College, merging with the Largs campus, Kilmarnock College, and Ayr College.
Kilwinning is well-connected by road and rail. The town's railway station provides regular service to Glasgow and other major cities, making it a convenient location for commuters. Its road network also offers easy access to the Ayrshire coast and the Garnock Valley, enhancing its appeal as a residential and commercial hub.
The Kilwinning Rangers Football Club (The Bluffs) play their home games at Buffs Park in Kilwinning, and compete in the second tier of the West of Scotland Football League. Dirrans Athletic Football Club was formed in 1946 and plays in the Ayrshire Amateur Football League Premier Division. In 2022, the Kilwinning Rangers Amateurs became the Eglinton Football Club and joined the West of Scotland Football League.
The focus of this portion of our web guide is on the Scottish town of Kilwinning. Businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, museums, libraries, art galleries, entertainment venues, organisations, attractions, and events within the town are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Established in 1977, Kilwinning Academy is a six-year, non-denominational, secondary school in Kilwinning, North Ayrshire, Scotland. An introduction to the school, school policies, enrolment procedures, and staff contacts are featured on the website, along with a school calendar, newsletters, announcements, and contacts are set forth. Resources for parents and pupils are included, and connected nursery and primary schools, clubs, and community activities are featured.
https://www.kilwinningacademy.com/
Situated in the clock tower, built in 1816 on the grounds of the 12th-century Tironesian Benedictine Abbey, the centre offers guided tours, exhibits on local history, and views from the top of the tower. Kilwinning Heritage is a volunteer history group dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Kilwinning. Its site introduces the centre, offers information about the town's history, archaeology, and a gallery of photographs, contacts, and a download area offering various texts.
https://kilwinningheritage.org.uk/
The Kilwinning Rangers Football Club are a Scottish football club in Kilwinning, Ayrshire. Formed in 1899, the club plays their home games at Buffs Park and compete in the second tier of the West of Scotland Football League. Game schedules, fixtures, results, and matches are featured, and its staff and players are introduced, along with a club history, policies, season tickets, and information about the Buffs Foundation and other sponsors. A shopping area is included.
https://kilwinningrangers.com/
Located in Kilwinning, the Masonic Lodge is under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. Its number 0 is referred to as "nothing" and not "zero" on the Roll, and it is reputed by some to be the oldest Lodge, not only in Scotland, but in the world, with its origins in the 12th century. The website includes the history of the Lodge No. 0, its location, meeting schedules, contact data, and a shopping area that features a selection of merchandise such as gifts, souvenirs, and collectibles.
https://www.mk0.com/
Sean McIlroy Personal Training
Based in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Scotland, Sean McIlroy offers a variety of personal training services, including one-on-one sessions, group training, and online memberships, utilizing an approach focused on personalised fitness plans tailored to individual goals and abilities. His qualifications are published on the website, with a description of his services and facilities, membership policies and fees, location, contact data, and online bookings of sessions.
https://www.seanmcilroypt.com/
