Kilmarnock factfile

How to get to Kilmarnock
Kilmarnock is linked to Glasgow by the M77 and lies on the A71, the main road linking Edinburgh to the west coast. To the south lies the A77 to Troon and Prestwick, where the international airport has flights to London, Ireland and mainland Europe. Kilmarnock rail station connects you with an excellent rail network.

Kilmarnock through the ages
The small town of Kilmarnock was reborn in the 19th century as a centre for the Scottish textile industry and heavy engineering. The town grew and boasted one of the world's first tram networks. Kilmarnock later witnessed the decline of its major industries but is now reviving again with the aid of regeneration grants and the restoration of many of its impressive Victorian buildings.

Kilmarnock's claims to fame
In the early 19th century a Kilmarnock grocer produced Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky for sale in his shop. The grocer's name was John Walker and the whisky soon became known as Johnnie Walker. Still produced in Kilmarnock today, it is the most widely distributed Scotch whisky in the world.

The Scottish poet Robert Burns, a native of Ayrshire, came to Kilmarnock in 1786 to have his first collection of poems published. Local printer John Wilson printed Poems, chiefly in the Scottish dialect at Starr Inn Close. The building has gone but the spot is marked by the Burns Mall; a statue of the poet stands in the town centre at Kilmarnock Cross.

Arts and culture in Kilmarnock
Dean Castle and Country Park dates back to the 14th century. The castle museum houses an impressive collection of local archaeology, historic weaponry, costume, textiles and the Van Raalte collection of musical instruments. The parkland features nature trails, a café and play areas.

The Dick Institute is a beautiful Victorian listed building housing two art galleries and three exhibition centres displaying fine art, crafts, local history artefacts and natural science displays.

Things to see and do around Kilmarnock
Dundonald Castle stands on a hill to the north of Kilmarnock. A castle was first built there in the 12th century but destroyed during the Wars of Independence. The castle that can now be seen was built by King Robert II in the 14th century.

Kilmarnock lies on the Ayrshire Coast Cycleway, part of The National Cycle Network, a network of traffic-free, traffic-calmed and minor roads ideal for cyclists. Keen cyclists can take in some of Ayrshire's beautiful coastline and breathtaking scenery.

Sports and leisure in Kilmarnock
The Garage leisure centre offers tenpin bowling and an indoor go-kart track, while The Galleon Centre has an ice rink, swimming pool and indoor bowling green.