Dunlop

Dunlop is a village and parish in East Ayrshire, 7 miles from Kilmarnock. There are strong transport links to Glasgow, so many people commute from the village for work.

There is a strong dairy tradition dating back to the 1600s when Dunlop had two fairs a year for the sale of dairy stock. The most famous product is Dunlop Cheese. This a sweet milk cheese, was first made by Barbara Gilmour who went to Ireland to escape the covenanting prosecutions. Her stone cheese press became famous. It also helped a cottage cheese industry develop between Ayrshire and Glasgow. Dunlop cheeses are still made at Clerkland Farm today. Visitors often visit the Farm as it includes a tearoom and cheese shop.