RAMBLES ROUND KILMARNOCK, WITH AN INTRODUCTORY SKETCH OF THE TOWN. BY ARCHIBALD R. ADAMSON. "Still o'er these scenes my memory wakes, KILMARNOCK: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY T. STEVENSON, "STANDARD" OFFICE. MDCCCLXXV. PREFACE. THE following pages are a record of some pleasing Rambles in and around the town of Kilmarnock. A considerable portion appeared in the Kilmarnock Standard, and met with such a favourable reception, both at home and abroad, that I have yielded to the solicitation of numerous friends, and now present them to the public in their present form. In doing so, I have carefully revised them and added much new matter suggested by further inquiry, and have endeavoured to make the work as useful, entertaining, instructive, concise, and accurate as possible. In nearly every instance, although one visit is only mentioned, I have repeatedly gone to the places described; but, nevertheless, it must be borne in mind that the "Rambler" does not rise to the dignity of the historian, therefore he is not to be censured if he omits some things which fall within the province of one who aims at giving a minutely detailed history of a locality or place. The district is one of singularly romantic interest, and replete with memories of patriot and bard; so much so, that the Scotchman must be soulless indeed who can tread its classic ground and pass by the haunts of heroes and the graves of martyrs, and look upon scenes that once inspired the tongue of Coila's bard, without being susceptible to a feeling of pride that the land of Wallace and Bruce is that of his nativity. The time-shattered ruins, auld kirkyards, and quaint villages which nestle in many a picturesque nook in the vicinity of the town are dear to every Kilmarnockonian, but more so to those whom fate or circumstances have removed from the scenes of youthful days; therefore I trust that this work will not only serve to awaken fond memories of each loved spot, but act as a handy guide to the numerous places of interest in and around the town, for a want of a knowledge of the topography, historic, and traditionary lore of a district often robs a ramble of an amount of pleasure which otherwise would be derived from it. With the idea of making the Rambles more complete, an introductory description of the town has been given. In doing this I frankly acknowledge my indebtedness to the History of Kilmarnock, for no historical notice of the town can be written without reference to its pages, the author having carefully collected almost everything regarding the subject. Nevertheless, there will be found in the following sketch not a little that is new and entertaining. In conclusion, the writing of this work has been "My leisure's best resource." I now respectfully dedicate it to the Natives of Kilmarnock and surrounding district at home and abroad, and trust that they will experience as much pleasure in its perusal as I have had in my walks and wanderings. THE AUTHOR. KILMARNOCK. CHAPTER I. Rise and Progress of the Town-The Cross-Flesh Market Bridge— Page CHAPTER II. Green Bridge and its environs-London Road-Milldykes-The Irvine 18 CHAPTER III. Cheapside Street--The Old Tolbooth-The Low Church of former days and its associations-The Churchyard-Dickie Street-Dunlop Street The Astronomical Observatory-Langlands Street―The New Theatre-St. Marnock Street-The Court-House-Kilmarnock House-Dundonald Road-The Public Park-WatersideSandbed Street, 27 |