A walk through history in Kilmarnock's newest square
Councillors and local community representatives with an interest in regeneration gathered in Kilmarnock’s newest green space, St Marnock Square, to unveil a new interpretation board last week. The second board to be placed in the square, its unveiling celebrates the people who have passed through the area over the centuries while marking the dawn of a new use and purpose for the town centre venue.
Rev David Cameron, whose drive and enthusiasm for the regeneration of Kilmarnock’s town centre was instrumental in the creation of St Marnock Square, unveiled the new board, which gives some of the history of the area and links to webpages and video which provide more in depth information.
He said: “As we unveil this plaque to mark the creation of this open green space we celebrate not just a physical place but the relationship between people and place that lies at its heart.
“Regeneration is not simply about buildings, investment or aesthetics. A town is revitalised not only through bricks and mortar but through relationships, memory and a shared sense of ownership and pride.
“When people feel that a space belongs to them, that their voices are heard and their presence valued they are more likely to use it, care for it and help it flourish.”
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council agreed, he said: “This interpretation board may look like just another sign, but it represents far more than that. It’s an integral part of the work our teams have carried out here over the past few years. And it’s a very important part of what we’ve tried to achieve as we redeveloped this space.
“When the mural was completed we needed the first information board, which explained the story of Lady Ann Boyd, Countess of Kilmarnock, but we always knew St Marnock Square has a wider story to tell.
“It’s more than just a patch of grass and a pretty picture. It’s all about the changing uses of this area. It’s all about the people who have lived and worked here, whose lives have touched others and influenced the history of the town.
“Now, with this space and these boards, and the webpages which lie behind them,we can all stop take a breath, follow the QR code and learn from the past to help influence the future too.
“We’ve already achieved a great deal with our regeneration of Kilmarnock and we’re just on the cusp of seeing far more extensive plans coming to fruition. This wee oasis is a good example of what we can do when we make bold moves to repurpose an area to fit the present and future.
“Looking at the history of this place we can see how others have strived to create changes, from those pioneers, who broke away from conventional religion and set up a popular church, to the engineers running trams past the door, and the many and varied successful businesses who have catered for the needs of generations. Through their stories we can also see how needs and uses have changed with the times.
“I’d like to think we can take the example of those who came before us in this square as an inspiration for the changes ahead as we look forward to more positive repurposing and regeneration of our Town Centre to the benefit of all who live, work and shop here.”
Among those present were members of the Kilmarnock Strategic Group including: Cllr Caroline Barton.Cllr Graham Barton, Cllr Graham Boyd, Cllr Barry Douglas, Cllr Clare Maitland, Cllr James Adams and Councillor Neill Watts.