|
 The following pages are a
record of some pleasing Rambles in and around the town of Kilmarnock. A
considerable portion appeared in the Kilmarnock Standard, and met
with such a favorable reception, both at home and abroad, that I have
yielded to the solicitation of numerous friends, and now present them to
the public in their present form. In doing so, I have carefully revised
them and added much new matter suggested by further inquiry, and have
endeavoured to make the work as useful, entertaining, instructive,
concise, and accurate as possible. In nearly every instance, although one
visit is only mentioned, I have repeatedly gone to the places described;
but, nevertheless, it must be borne in mind that the "Rambler" does not
rise to the dignity of the historian, therefore he is not be censured if
he omits some things which fall within the province of one who aims at
giving a minutely detailed history of a locality or place. The district is
one of singularly romantic interest, and replete with memories of patriot
and bard; so much so, that the Scotchman must be soulless indeed who can
tread its classic ground and pass by the haunts of heroes and the graves
of martyrs, and look upon scenes that once inspired the tongue of Coila’s
bard, without being susceptible to a feeling of pride that the land of
Wallace and Bruce is that of his nativity. The time-shattered ruins, auld
Kirk yards, and quaint villages which nestle in many a picturesque nook in
the vicinity of the town are dear to every Kilmarnockonian, but more so to
those whom fate or circumstances have removed from the scenes of youthful
days; therefore I trust that this work will not only serve to awaken fond
memories of each loved spot, but act as a handy guide to the numerous
places of interest in and around the town, for a want of a knowledge of
the topography, historic, and tradition lore of a distant often robs a
ramble of an amount of pleasure which otherwise would be derived from it.
With the idea of making the
Rambles more complete, an introductory description of the town has been
given. In doing this I frankly acknowledge my indebtedness to the
History of Kilmarnock,
for no historical notice of the town can be
written without reference to its pages, the author having carefully
collected almost everything regarding the subject. Nevertheless, there
will be found in the following sketch not a little that is new and
entertaining.
In conclusion, the writing
of this work has been "My
leisure’s best resource." I now respectfully
dedicate it to the Natives of Kilmarnock and surrounding district at home
and abroad, and trust that they will experience as much pleasure in its
perusal as I have had in my walks and wanderings.
THE AUTHOR. |
