East Ayrshire: History
=== Early settlements ===
The area which is now East Ayrshire features indications of early settlement dating as far back as 397. The presence of the Dragon Stone in Darvel, along with cup and ring markings near to the Ballochmyle Viaduct at Mauchline, indicate early occupation and settlement in and around East Ayrshire. The area's first permanent settlement is said to date from the expansion of Christianity in Scotland, after St Ninian established a church at Whithorn.
East Ayrshire is home to a number of towers, castles and other structures which were constructed between the 13th–15th century. Many of the areas castles played a prominent role, largely in part due to barons being at the peak of military and political powers. Many of the barons were involved in wider Scottish politics and affairs, in particular, resistance to the advances of Edward I towards Scotland. Prominent Scottish independence figure William Wallace has close connections with East Ayrshire. The Wallace family had a castle at Riccarton, later part of Kilmarnock, as well as his surprise attack on the English at Loudoun Hill in 1297. Wallace is also associated with Lockhart's Tower in the town of Galston. Lockhart's Tower was largely rebuilt during the middle ages, and is commonly referred to as Barr Castle presently. Wallace is said to "have made a daring escape" from Lockhart's Tower at one point.
During the First War of Scottish Independence, the areas Loudoun Hill was the scene of a Scottish victory over the English during the Battle of Loudoun Hill on 10 May 1307. The battlefield at Loudoun Hill is currently under research to be included in the Inventory of Historic Battlefields in Scotland and protected by Historic Scotland under the Scottish Historical Environment Policy of 2009.
During the 17th century, the Covenanters were particularly active in the East Ayrshire area, as well as along Scotland's west coast where they began promoting National Covenant. During this period, a significant number of Covenanters died as a result of advocating their beliefs. In order to commemorate those lost, a number of sites and monuments in East Ayrshire were erected, including Fenwick Kirk Yard, the Laigh Kirk in Kilmarnock, Galston Kirk Yard, Loudoun Old Parish Kirk near Galston, Newmilns Keep and Kirkyard, Threepwood near Galston, Lochgoyne Farm above Fenwick, Priesthill Farm near Muirkirk, Mauchline, Sorn, Cumnock and Airds Moss near Cumnock. In 1648, Mauchline was the location of a battle between the Covenanters and Royalists, known as the Battle of Mauchline Muir. A Covenanters Memorial was erected in Loan Green in Mauchline, commemorating the five martyrs who were hanged at the site in 1685.
During the 17th century, the establishment of 'Burghs of Barony' titles evolved. Many towns in modern day East Ayrshire were granted charters which allowed them to use the newly created title. Such towns and settlements which were granted Burgh of Barony status included Newmilns in 1491, Auchinleck in 1507, Cumnock in 1509, Kilmarnock in 1592 and Riccarton in 1638. With the settlements using the newly granted titles, the settlements were said to have "flourished and prospered after the granting of their Charters, with lively trade in agriculture, livestock and textiles". …