Galston


East Ayrshire

A small town in East Ayrshire, Galston lies on the Burn Anne where it meets the River Irvine, 5 miles (8 km) east of Kilmarnock. Settled by Huguenots in the 17th century, Galston developed in association with coal mining and the manufacture of footwear, paper and wool, flax, silk and cotton textiles. It was designated a Police Burgh in 1862 and in the early 20th century produced blankets, muslins, lace and hosiery. Modern industries also include canning and engineering. A half-mile (1 km) to the north of Galston lies the shell of Loudon Castle, a former stronghold of the hereditary Campbell sheriffs of Ayr, which was rebuilt in 1811 by Archibald Elliott (1761 - 1823). Known as the 'Windsor of the north', its parkland was developed by Alexander Nasmyth (1758 - 1840). The castle was destroyed by fire in 1941 but its remains lie next to Loudoun Castle Theme Park, which opened in 1996. Just to the southwest of the castle is Loudoun Academy, which has more than 1000 pupils. To the east of this school is Loudoun Gowf (Golf) Club, founded in 1909.


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