Welcome to Kilwinning Heritage

We are a local history group in Kilwinning, Ayrshire in Scotland.

This website is intended to give members and visitors information about KH and its activities, and also about Kilwinning’s rich history, which stretches back to prehistory. Please check back regularly, as we will add news and information from time to time.

Heritage Centre

The Heritage Centre is located in the clock tower which dates from 1816 and lies in the grounds of the 12th century Tironensian Benedictine Abbey. The Tower is owned and maintained by North Ayrshire Council, and staffed by volunteer members of Kilwinning Heritage. We welcome around 1500 visitors from all over the world each year and our volunteers lead guided tours of the Tower.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TOWER AND HERITAGE CENTRE ARE TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

Find out more about the Heritage Centre

More About Us

Our aim is “to stimulate public interest in, and to encourage the conservation of the heritage, history and character of the area of the town and its surroundings, to encourage the preservation, development and improvement of features of historic interest and general public amenity”.

Our main activity is staffing the Abbey Tower Heritage Centre located in the heart of the town alongside the Old Parish Church. We also have other activities such as summer visits to places of historic interest near and far and guest lecturers and speakers in the winter months.

As well as greeting visitors to our Heritage Centre, we are always keen to hear from local people interested in history and who may be willing to become a volunteer guide. For more information, contact us.

Archaeology

KH is actively involved in a programme of small-scale archaeology projects in the local area. If you are interested in becoming involved, contact us. Full details of our projects and findings can be found on the Archaeology page

Visit the Heritage Centre
Free Entry

Mid-May to mid-September
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 1-3.
Other openings to be arranged.

Please check our Facebook page for details.
Climb the 143 steps for stunning views from the roof.
Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Latest News

Free online talks

We continue our series of FREE talks via Zoom. All welcome.
Tuesday 18 May 7.00-8.00pm Place Names of Ayrshire: Languages and History
Professor Thomas Clancy of Glasgow University:

"This talk about the place-names of North Ayrshire (which will also range into the former district of Cunninghame) will look at the many different languages which have contributed throughout history to the landscape, and which are still to be seen in the names today. I will look at some of the earliest names, and the earliest records of names, as well as touching on the origin and meaning of North Ayrshire's town names."

Thomas Clancy has been the Professor of Celtic in the University of Glasgow since 2005, and has taught there for even longer. He is Director of the Survey of Scottish Place-Names, and has led a number of place-names projects in recent years, most recently in Galloway, and one which has just started in the East Ayrshire Coalfields.

Book your place here

Free information leaflets

Free leaflets available on request. Contact us and tell us what you would like, and we'll email them to you.

View all news

Donate to Kilwinning Heritage

We are always happy to receive donations. These can be made via PayPal as a one-off or recurring payment, for a value of your choosing.