A brief history of Muirkirk
Nestled at the eastern edge of East Ayrshire, Muirkirk is currently home to some 1200 people.
The area has been inhabited since Neolithic times, and has two burial sites on the summit of Cairntable, which are looked after by Historic Scotland.
Situated on the North bank of the River Ayr, the village originally developed around the Kirk Green Parish Church, built in 1631 and still in use today.
It was the first place in the UK to have gas street lighting, and
John Loudoun MacAdam built his first metalised road here which is still in use. The ruins of his tar works, and his house, Springhill, are still visible, as are his workers raws.
The area is littered with cairns to commemorate the loss of life of covenanters in their battles with Charles II's dragoons. Arguably the most memorable battle in the area was the Battle of Airds Moss on 22nd July 1680, when a group of 60 covenanters faced a mounted troop of approximately 120 men.
At one point it had numerous mine workings, and is the only place in Scotland where all four minerals were mined in one location.
Because of the mineral resources an Iron works was constructed here in 1787 and continued in production until 1921 and a canal was built to bring the materials to it, (the canal is still visible). Originally it was proposed to take the canal all the way to the port of Ayr, but this was soon replaced by the railway in 1848. Lines from Ayr and Auchinleck were built by the Glasgow and Southwestern Railway. The Caledonian Railway line from Muirkirk to Lanark opened in 1865.
A junction just east of Muirkirk was built to take coal to Coalburn and beyond, but was never used as the viaduct over the River Ayr at Torhill was found to be sinking due to earlier mine workings. A few of the viaduct piers still exist to this day.
The routes from Auchinleck, Ayr and Lanark were all shut by 1964, although there are current plans by local communities to reopen the routes as cycling and walking routes.
As well as its rich industrial past, Muirkirk has a long history of educators and writers, producing several professors, including:
Sir Thomas Symington - Consultant Pathologist and a leading figure in cancer research, specializing in adrenal gland diseases. He served as director of the Institute of Cancer Research in London.
Professor Campbell Murdoch - His father, Joe Murdoch, taught English in Muirkirk, and Professor Murdoch himself noted that Muirkirk produced a notable number of medical professors.
Andrew Wilson - Born in Glasgow, he received early education in Muirkirk before pursuing a career in pharmacy and later medicine, eventually becoming a physician.
Muirkirk has also been home to renowned poets:
Isobel “Tibbie” Pagan, born in New Cumnock, Tibbie moved to Muirkirk and made her home just outside the village. Remains of her house can still be seen in the area known as Tibbie's Brig. As a resident and poet, her work is rooted in the local community and cultural traditions. Her poetry often reflected communal rituals and social life in Muirkirk.
Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Bard was a well known visitor to the village, often engaging with its literary community, particularly with John Lapraik. He even wrote three epistles to Lapraik, which were later published.
John Lapraik, born near Muirkirk, Lapraik later lived in the town, where he ran a public house and post office. He was known for his poetry and his correspondence with Burns, who considered him a significant influence.
Tibbie and Lapraik are both buried in the Kirk Green churchyard (pictured above).
Biodiversity and ecology
The environment is gradually recovering from the industrialisation and has a rich natural environment, including the Muirkirk Uplands Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands Special Protection Area (SPA).
These areas are recognized for their important upland bird populations and peatland habitats. Restoration projects, like those
focused on peat land, are underway to enhance the environment and address issues such as erosion and modification of the peat land. Additionally, the area has a history of mining and industrial activity, with ongoing efforts to manage and restore former mining sites for woodland creation and other uses.
Key Environmental Aspects of Muirkirk:
Muirkirk Uplands SSSI:
This site is noted for its exceptional upland birdlife, including hen harriers, short-eared owls, and curlews, with significant percentages of the British population found there.
Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands SPA:
This area is recognized for its blanket bog and peat land habitats, which are vital for biodiversity and carbon storage.
Peat land Restoration:
The CABB (Community Action for the Borders and the Berwickshire) project focuses on peat land restoration at Airds Moss and other areas within the SPA, including ditch blocking and other techniques to improve water retention and habitat.
Forestry and Land Management:
Forestry and Land Scotland manages woodland areas in Muirkirk, with plans for sustainable timber production and increased biodiversity, while also balancing recreational access.