Alex Christie says

Robert Burns visited Newmilns prior to publishing his first edition in Kilmarnock. The Bard stayed over with the Lawrie family in Saint Margaret Hill Manse. Was entertained by the Seraph-Sister band, run after by Mrs. Lawrie and helped by Rev. George Lawrie. Visiting Newmilns changed his outlook.
Burns wrote an awesome Prayer and an eight line poem 'Irvine's Bairns'. A wee gem. Near the 'Green', brother Robert was asked to take a seat.
2008 'Reply fae a Mouse', written 222 years after 'To a Mouse'. Newmilns Heir? 2009 Introduces a new 'Burns' walk to the 7th excellent Irvine Valley Walking & Outdoor Festival which joins in with the Darvel Music Festival in May.

Alex Christie says

20th Century - Graeme Obree relocates to Newmilns and soon learns to cycle his bicycle as fast as he can. You could say his life depended on cycling really fast. He didn't know it at the time but he was training to become a World Champion. The story is told in 'The Flying Scotsman' movie. Strangely the director picked Galston to film in and then stranger still the Provost dedicated the new cycle way to Sir Chris Hoy. However that gives Newmilns the opportunity to name 'The Flying Scotsman Cycle Way', all the way till it meets, 'The Spirit of Scotland Way' near the Sir William Wallace Memorial at Loudoun Hill. Even the BraveHeart Cyclists and Miss Brown would approve of that.

Alex Christie says

Possible new edition to National Cycle Network 73. Newmilns 26 arch viaduct, would make any Scotsperson feel as though they are flying. U.S.P. addition to Newmilns awesome list of unique 1st.

Stephen (Steve) Brown says

Lest we forget, if we do not remember the past how can we look to the future.

Many of the residents of Newmilns & Greenholm were in the Armed Forces and later supported one another in the British Legion, some even gave their Lives for their country.

But are now forgotten, the Legion Laid up their colours in the Church as many of their Members were getting to old to carry them. These were dedicated Colours.

Where has their Standard been in the last two years and likely to remain there, in a cupboard.

Some respect.

Why can't they go back on the Inside Wall for every one to see and remember.

Come on Church what about it.

Stephen Drury says

To add to Burns' connection with Newmilns, he ASKED to receive membership of Lodge Loudoun Newmilns No 51. Gavin Hamilton factor of Loudoun was I understand Master of the Lodge, mentioned in "Holy Willies Prayer". John Lapraik a fellow poet from Muirkirk area also associated with the Lodge. The Lodge assembled above the Loudoun Arms. There will be more info out there, please can anyone elaborate?

Alex Christie says

Irvine's Bairns, Prayer ~ O Thou Dread Power ~ 'lovely Mrs. Lawrie, she is all charms'. Literally composed and scribed near River Irvine. Jean, Lady Flora, Joseph, John and many others have followed with their own works. Recently Reply fae a Mouse. New museums in Loudoun and Kilmarnock have more information. Muirkirk Diamond will offer an audio tour.

Stephen Drury says

Can anyone provide more detail about Dalqwhatswood (sic). I am an interloper, I know of the ruined building above the Cemetery, I assume it to be this building. John Arnot, friend of Burns resided here, was it a farm?
Info please.
Stephen Drury

Site Admin says

Zillah Warner nee Girvan says:
Don't ever believe that those who died in battle will ever be forgotten, as the daughter of William Girvan I will never forget him. He was the first Valley Lad to die in the 2nd World War, I have added a photo of his obituary as it was published in the Irvine Valley News, his name is on your War Memorial.

Jim Wilson says

Loudoun Academy was opened in 1970 and not 1971 as stated on the "history" page as I was one of the first "first" year pupils.

Alex Christie says

Another pupil from Newmilns at Loudoun was Mr. Graeme Obree.

I propose we honour this World Champion Cyclist with naming the next part of the National Cycle Network 73 'Flying Scotman Cycle Way'. The path will follow on from Sir Chris Hoy Cycle Way at Galston, Gauchalland/A719. Loudoun is currently promoting cycling. The Braveheart Cycle starts from A719 Loudoun Academy as an option from Kilmarnock's Grassyards Road, Saint Joseph's. I have recently spoken to Graeme, Newmilns C.C. and EA Councillors about this idea.

William (bill ) Torrance says

Although having left Newmilns as a two year old in 1948, I returned every single weekend throughout my childhood and teenage years to stay with my Grandparents in Gilfoot.Both my Mother (May Wallace) and father(James Parker Torrance) were Newmilns weans ,born there, went to school there .and later married there. I was Christened in the parish kirk .
My paternal Grandfather had the joiners business in brown street(Wallace and Torrance)
But in those days of course `lace was king`,and when the siren `went aff`at droppin time,the sleepy wee town streets thronged with men and women , faces shining like minsrels (from the black-lead used to lubricate the looms )My grandad was one of them , indeed my gran had worked in the factory too.
Hard ,poorly paid, dirty work------the only `perk` being that they were allowed to take home any faulty lace to do with as they pleased .And so shoes were polished with lace,the grate was Zebo`d with lace ,and when the dog came in drookit from a walk ---it was dried with lace .
It was from the walks round the valley that I acquired my love of nature .It was my Grandfather and Great-Grandfather who imparted their inate knowledge of the birds ,mammals and plants .
The memories flood back . Gatherin mushrooms below woodhead farm. Bluebells from the plantin, and snowdrops from beside Loudon castle Collecting Pewit eggs up Herrin Nancy`s brae .Making a huge omlette from a special find ---a pheasants nest hidden under the hawthorn hedge up the high coach road. (all now totally non P.C. )
Being taght to `guddle for troot up the burn Anne .Catching minnows ,pins and needles, and beardies , in the Irvine, with a Heath Robinson contraption ,comprising of a net made from a broom-handle and a basket from an old chip- pan whipped to the end and covered with lace----what else?
I can still taste the `chough-jeans` from Polly Ritchies sweety shop And dont forget Vinegar toffee . Or what could beat a `hoat-pea-special` from Ferris ,just down the street?
I can still smell the thick black pipe reek that seemed to fill the Rex picture house .
Sadly most now have gone, the lace ,the joiners business and most of those who gave me such treasured memories--thank you Newmilns and your folk .

susannah warner nee Girvan says

I remember the old Cinema and the movies that were shown during the war ,and when the Americans took over the ice cream shop, and all the children has free icecream they also used to throw parties for the children ,first time I ever tasted a custard cream biscuit was at one of the parties what about the Bleachfields and the Italian POW's that were held there, I can remember running home up Castle street when the the air raid sirens went off ,we lived in High Street ,and being taken to see the bomb crater too , we as children used to collect rose hips and take them to school which was the collection point I vividly remember the day they collected the alluminium saucepans ect.and also cut down all the iron pailings in Newmilns to use to build aeroplanes ,and ,even though it was War time they were still Happy days ,at least for the children so thanks Newmilns for the Memories somewhere I have an old school photo must look it out and post for you
regards Zillah Warner Nee Girvan

Stephen Drury says

Does anyone have photographs or information on the cinema in

Newmilns, please ad them to s1.

Stephen Drury