Ian H MacDonald, President
17, Grange Terrace
Kilmarnock

01563 524748

ianhmac@aol.com

Chair of Museum Trustees and History Enquiries - Ian H MacDonald

17, Grange Terrace, Kilmarnock Tel 01563 524748, email ianhmac@aol.com

About Us

The Stewarton and District Historical Society meet once a month at John Knox Church Hall. Visiting speakers give talks on a wide range of topics both of local and wider historical interest.

Stewarton and District Historical Society was formed over 30 years ago by a group of residents from Stewarton & Dunlop who wanted to preserve the history of the district in word and picture and by collecting local artefacts.

Since its formation, the Society has flourished and has developed a small museum - but as the collection has temporarily gone into storage from September 23th 2009, the Society have moved to Flat 5b in The Avenue (the former Caretaker's Flat of the Institute Hall). Visits will be by appointment only in the meantime.

In addition, prizes have been donated to Stewarton Academy, and competitions run for the local primary schools as well as history exhibitions in the local Church Halls. History Booklets have also been produced for people with an interest in local history and those moving into the town, along with a Town Trail. Enquiries are welcome from any group wishing an illustrated talk on Stewarton's history (from a choice of half a dozen).

New This Month

AGM Report

At The Historical Society's AGM on 10 May 2010, the following appointments were approved:

Hon President - Mr Robert Watt, 'Past & Present'

Hon Vice President - Cllr Mrs R-A Cuninghame, Caprington

President - Ian H Macdonald

Syllabus Secretary - Mrs Sheila Coventry

Committee Members - Miss G. Barclay; Mrs J.Fulton; Mrs I Johnstone; Mrs M.McClure; Mrs J. Miller; Mr G.O'Malley and Mr R Young.

Johnnie Walker - Born 1820 - Died 2009

Following the AGM, Mr John Hall from Stewarton gave the members a talk about Johnnie Walker - as he put it - 'Born 1820 - Died 2009'. He explained the work of the different departments, and what work went on in Hill Street, and other parts of the town such as The Strand, etc.

He entertained the Society with many anecdotes of his experiences and showed many examples of bottles, and cases, (all empty!) and memorabilia, a few of which had been proven to be forgeries.

This Month's Picture

Robert Burness

In September 1910, almost exactly 100 years ago, a memorial was unveiled in memory of Robert Burness and his son, John. These were the uncle of the poet and the poet's cousin who both lived in Stewarton. John also had another brother, William, as well as a sister, Frances, who married one of the Armour family from Mauchline.

They were clearly not a rich family as John, who lived in Main Street, was granted Parish Relief for a few years before his death. Legend has it that Uncle Robert worked on Robertland Estate, where there was a Robert Burns employed for a time. There are letters in existence which seem to prove this.

The inscription on the obelisk is now almost impossible to read due to moss growth and overhanging trees, but it reads as follows:-

"Erected by Stewarton Literary Society 24th September 1910 in memory of Robert Burns,
uncle of the National Poet, who died at Stewarton 3rd January 1789. Here also are
interred the remains of his eldest son, John, who died 17th February 1846."

A further inscription is in the words of the poet's father, William, in which he refers to his brother in Stewarton.

The obelisk is of Ballochmyle sandstone and was built by A & W Barclay, builders.

Stewarton & District Historical Society Archive

For more articles from the Historical society, visit our archive page.