The Kilmarnock Picture House

11/06/2026

Empire Cinema

James King, tells us, “I remember going to the Empire Cinema, but can’t remember exactly where it was? Well it was in Titchfield Street, next door to the bigger ABC Regal Cinema.

11/06/2026

10/06/2026

First railway

The Kilmarnock and Troon Railway was built between 1808 and 1812. It was the first railway in Scotland that required the authority of an Act of Parliament. Although it was built for freight, it had a timetabled passenger service from June, 1812, one of the earliest such services in the world. It had a steam locomotive early in 1816, the first in Scotland, and to cross the River Irvine at Laigh Milton Mill, a magnificent bridge was built. Although that bridge is no longer used for railway traffic, it still exists and it attracts visitors as the world’s oldest railway viaduct.

Picture from Secret Kilmarnock by Frank Beattie, available at Kev’s Kards, Foregate, Kilmarnock.

09/06/2026

Cattle

Food and agriculture have been important to Kilmarnock. Cattle, particularly Ayrshire Cattle which have a world-wide reputation as a highly adaptable dairy breed. Locally cattle provided milk for a large number of dairies which as well as milk produced cream, cheese and other dairy products.

08/06/2026

Ice cream

Ah the good old days at Kilmarnock Academy and going to the ice cream van at lunch time.

07/06/2026

Old Kilmarnock slide show

You are welcome to come to Cenrtrestage for a free Kilmarnock slide show. We will meet on Wednesday, June 10 at Cenrtrestage from 1pm to 2pm. The theme is Castles and Houses.

You are encouraged to come along and share your memories. Bring along your own pictures and souvenirs.

This is a joint venture between Centrestage and the Kilmarnock picture House.

Picture: Old Rowallan Castle.

What topics do you think should be included? Email Frank Beattie at [email protected]

06/06/2026

John Walker

John Walker, 1805-1857, was born at Todrigg Farm on the Caprington Estate at Kilmarnock. In 1820 he started a small grocery shop in King Street, Kilmarnock, which grew into a vast whisky empire. This is the only known image of him. The original is in the company archive.

05/06/2026

Shepherds Cottages

Keith Graham, asks does anyone have any information on why Shepherds Cottages were named as such?

04/06/2026

Police station

Margaret King asks if there was a police station in Dundonald Road. Yes. It was administrative office and also dealt with lost property and some other matters.

03/06/2026

Ayrshire Cattle

Ayrshire Cattle are well known across the world. They Have even been celebrated on a postage stamp in New Zealand.

Picture from Secret Kilmarnock by Frank Beattie, available at Kev’s Kards, Foregate, Kilmarnock.