Kilmarnock

Scotland > South of Scotland > Ayrshire > Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock (Gael. Kil Marnoch, the 'Church of St Marnoch'), a large town in the Cunninghame district of East Ayrshire off the M77/A77/A71.

The poet Robert Burns, who is perhaps best known for his re-working of Auld Lang Syne into the version that is sung at New Year around the world, was born in Ayrshire and had his first collection of poems printed in the "Kilmarnock Edition" in 1786. There are many places associated with him in Kilmarnock and surrounding areas.

The Dick Institute Museum houses a collection of Scottish Arms and paintings. The 14th century Dean Castle is the centre piece of a 40 acre parkland and nature trail park.

Kilmarnock has a pedestrianised shopping area, swimming pool, mainline train station and good road links.