Heritage in Kilwinning

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	Early Scottish and Kilwinning History. From the Ice Age Onwards.
	A water driven flour mill dating back to 1640. Situated in a secluded hollow just off the main Glasgow to Kilwinning Road (the A737) or only 25 minutes walk from Kilwinning Town Centre.
	Kilwinning Abbey Founded between 1140 and 1191 by the De Morville family. The abbey was attacked in 1559 because any worship contrary to the new Protestant confession of faith was banned and one year later the abbey was cast down by the Earls of Arran, Argyll and Glencairn. A Clock Tower Heritage Centre and the much later Abbey Church occupy this Kilwinning Town Centre site now.
	Clock Tower Heritage Centre After an extensive refurbishment programme during 1993-95, the tower is now open to visitors. It is virtually 2 minutes from the town centre and is well signposted.
	Mother Lodge No.0 The Mother Lodge of Kilwinning was founded around the time the Abbey was being built and is the oldest in Scotland. King James I of Scotland patronised it and presided for a time as Grand Master.

	Robert W Service (1874-1958) As a child the poet Robert William Service known as "The Bard of the Yukon" lived for his formative years in Kilwinning although he was born in the north of England. There is a commemorative plaque on the wall of 178/180 Main Street, Kilwinning.
	Eglinton Country Park This beautiful country park is built around the former Eglinton Montgomery Estate. Exhibitions displayed in the visitor centre explain the natural history and the former past of the area, including fascinating material on the Eglinton Tournament of 1839. The park is just off the main Kilwinning to Irvine road (the A737) or a 30 minute walk from the town centre along the banks of the river Garnock.
	Eglinton Castle In the grounds of Eglinton Country Park, only ruins remain of this 18th century castle built by Hugh Montgomery, the 12th Earl.