Darvel

The town of Darvel lies at the head of the beautiful Irvine Valley and is on The Coig's Shire route. Located on the border between East Ayrshire and Lanarkshire, Darvel is the gateway to Ayrshire for visitors wanting to tour around region. Darvel is set in a beautiful scenic area. From its long Main Street the iconic extinct volcanic plug of Loudoun Hill is clearly visible with its links to the first war of Scottish independence and William Wallace’s victory over the English here in 1297. A steel sculpture, the “Spirit of Scotland” located below the hill celebrates the victory. In addition, close to the hill a Roman fort was located. Items found at the site are to be found in the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow.
The growth of the town in the eighteenth and nineteenth century was due primarily to the development of the lace industry, and by the end of the 19th century Darvel was the world’s leading producer of lace furnishings. At its height, there were 20 textile mills in Darvel but in the latter part of the 20th century went into decline and the mills have now all gone.
Darvel’s most famous son is without doubt Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin who was born in Darvel in 1881. There is a small heritage museum in Darvel Town Hall which celebrates the life of Sir Alexander Fleming and the history of the lace industry. In the town square there is a memorial to Sir Alexander Fleming. A second museum in the town focuses on the development of telephony during the 20th century.
Darvel is a perfect base for walkers and cyclists. The Irvine Valley paths network extend to Loudoun Hill from the nearby large town of Kilmarnock and there are many charming walks in the area. There is an annual celebration of hiking and walking in and around Darvel called 'Walkfest' where guided walks can be enjoyed.
Darvel is also home to an annual music festival where artists are attracted not only from the British Isles and Europe, but also from Canada and the United States.