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A (very) brief history of Galston

4 December
  • Galston Cemetery Gate Post by trawets1. Copyright John Stewart.
With its rich history and connections with William Wallace and Robert Bruce, it is hardly surprising that Galston is known as the 'historical heart of Ayrshire.' Here are just a few historical dates:

15th Century - Barr Castle (also known as Lockhart's Tower) built
1545 - George Wishart preaches at Barr Castle
1556 - John Knox preaches at Barr Castle
1819 - Over 4500 people gather for an anti-government protest led by local weavers
1886 - Ayrshire Miners Union established (local miners heavily involved)
1933 - Last local pit, Maxwood Pit, closed
1964 - Galston Railway Station closed
1970 - Loudoun Academy opened

Now it's your turn.

Above are just a few important dates - there's far more to the heritage of Galston. There's a lot of interest in local history, and lots and lots of local knowledge. And here's your chance to tell everyone about it. If you have an interest in the history of Galston - either in general or in specific points - then you can post it here. There must be many, many pictures of the village from throughout the 20th century - why not post them here, and ask other people what they remember?

15 March | 11:34:59

Alex Christie says

I start by mentioning a CD,Robert Burns The Mauchline Years 1784~1788. I bought the CD in Kilmarnock yesterday,from the museum and library on Elmbank Drive.

The first poem is 'The Holy Fair',which mentions Galston.After the first 9 lines a voice states:- The opening lines of 'The Holy Fair',a wonderful image of the counrtyside of Ayrshire.The weather,the crops,the view,the wild animals,the birds and the poet himself.

'The Cotter's Saturday Night' follows, the introduction states:-Our poet was saying two things that then drew thinking up short.

(I) It's where the Heart lies that matters. (II)People might be poor,but for all their poverty,they were as dignified and sane as any. Galston on Google questions our Heart,the writer signing and dating his page.

I, Alex. Stewart Christie have looked into the reason we have Historical Heart of Ayrshire on our town sign and a Heart on our Burgh Coat of Arms.Further to the dates above. I offer these thoughts :-

Prehistoric Heartland- Stones,Cairns and Earthworks around Galston.See:Irvine Valley Walking and Outdoor Festival Guides/Pictorial History of Galston. 417 - Coel Hen Godeborg of Rheged,(Old King Cole),Hunts,Heart racing.420 Heart stops in Ayrshire. Ayrshire named in his memory.

11th Century - Roads around Galston Heart shaped.See: Cycle Ayrshire and Burns by Bike guide books from Ayrshire libraries and CTC Ayrshire.

1307 - King Robert the Bruce encamps in Galston.Peace of his Heart.

1331 - Sir Keith Graham of Gawliston returns Casked Heart of the'Bruce'from the Holy Land.

1784 - Robert Burns writes Heartfelt poetry in Galston. Stands at Heart of Galston.

1797 - Robert Burns poem 'Tree of liberty'spoken at Heart rending anti-war protest.

1964 - The official Heraldic device.Heart held in Sir Graham's Armoured gauntlet.

1977 - 'Head'stone placed at Loudoun Academy. 180th anniversary.Tree shaped memorial. Headmaster's Heart's desire of Sculpture Trail.

1997 - 'Let's Put the Heart Back in Galston'.690th anniversary.

20th Century - Heart Broken of Galston bench in Dunblane Memorial Garden.

20th Century - Heart racing Ayrshire Horseman paintings are bought for Ayrshire and some of the 54 are on permanent display at Rozelle House near Alloway.

2004 - Sir William Wallace Memorial,'Spirit of Scotland' anchored at Loudoun Hill.

2005 - The 'Flying Scotsman' filmed in Heart of Galston.World Champion Cyclist Graeme Obree.Heart rending life story.

2007 - Saint Anne concrete river defenses imbedded through Heart of Galston.

2007 - '13',sculpture installed opposite where George Wishart and John Knox spoke from the Heart at Barr Castle.

2007 - 7th BraveHeart Cycle.Loudoun Academy.

2007 - Reverend Robert Stirling Memorial accepted for Galston Primary School.

2007 - President of Stirling Engine Society visits with Galston people to research new book.

2007 - Peace no war,no game 'Mandela' memorial placed at Heart of Galston. 700th anniversary.

2007 - 'Spirit of Scotland' Tour, proposed for NCN73 phase (III).

2008 - The Sir Chris Hoy Cycle Way dedicated to Sportsman of the Year.

2009 - 200th anniversary.'Blades of Grass' Archive.

2009 - Homecoming Scotland/Come Back to Ayrshire. 250th anniversary.

2009 - Galston Primary School. Official opening.

2009 - Ayrshire Innovators 30th May to 12 September at Kilmarnock.Elmbank Drive,museum and library.Featuring Rev. Stirling. Sir Fleming, Graeme Obree and many other Ayrshire people.

2009 - Latest regeneration announced.

2009 - 'The Flying Scotsman'Cycle Way proposed.

2010 - British Heart Foundation LIFECYCLE event using Heart shaped roads.


I know there will be more information which relates to Heart and Peace and I look forward to reading these in due course.

18 March | 1:47:09

Alex Christie says

Reverend Robert Stirling invents Stirling Engine in Galston in 1816. Devotes the rest of his life to the people of Galston. Goes to Greater Glory 1878. Headstone in Galston cemetry. 130th anniversary of Going to Greater Glory $100,000,000.00 investment in Stirling Engine Systems, California. A Stirling Engine is at the Heart of every Suncatcher in the World's largest solar power station. 10 mile square in the Mojave Desert U.S.A. Schwarzenegger/Obama Land of the Free energy. Thank you very much Renaissance Rev. of Ayrshire innovation.

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