Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock is one of the largest towns in Ayrshire, with a population of 46,350. Both the River Irvine the Kilmarnock Water pass through the town.

It is known for its strong connection to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Kilmarnock is the home of the largest Burns monument in Scotland and some of his earlier works, such as ‘Poems, chiefly in the Scottish dialect’, were published in Kilmarnock in 1786 by John Wilson, printer and bookseller. It was also known as the home of internationally distributed whisky; Johnnie Walker. This originated in the town in the 19th century and until 2012 was still bottled, packaged and distilled in the town at the Johnnie Walker Hill Street plant.

Kilmarnock is home to Kilmarnock Academy. It is known for being one of only two state schools in the world that have educated two Nobel Prize laureates. Alexander Fleming who discovered Penicillin in 1928 and John Boyd Orr for his research and work into Nutrition. More recently, it is known as the birthplace of rock band Biffy Clyro. They were formed in the town in a primary school in the mid-1990s.

Kilmarnock has much to offer with a great selection of leisure activities, independent and retail shops and great cafes and restaurants. Examples of these are, The Dick Institute and Palace Theatre and Dean Castle and Country Park. Both offer a fantastic day out for all the family with a programme of events and exhibitions throughout the year.