Tourism

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN THE NORTHERN AREA

The northern part of East Ayrshire contains beautiful, rolling farmland lying close to both Glasgow and the Clyde coast. Its towns and villages contain many fine historic buildings.

Stewarton, the largest town in the area, where woollen 'Tam O'Shanter' bonnets have been manufactured since the 16th century, is still called the "Bonnet Toun".

Fenwick is a charming example of an Ayrshire weaving village, containing many of the typical low-roofed weavers' cottages. The Fenwick Weavers Society may have been the first co-operative. It was founded in 1769 to promote and maintain high standards in the craft, and soon became involved in the bulk purchase of oatmeal for resale to its members. The site of the Parish Church and its churchyard, which contains a number of Covenanter memorials, is worth a visit. See also General History

A stroll along Dunlop's historic Main Street leads to the Church and churchyard with Hans Hamilton's Tomb and Clandeboye School buildings (both 17th century).

At the centre of Kilmaurs stands the historic Jougs or tollbooth, where prisoners were held.