Kilwinning

A history of the town and the vision for the future

Kilwinning has a long and rich history.  Its Abbey was founded in the 12th century and its builders became the world's first Freemasons.  The Masonic Lodge in the town is known as the Mother Lodge and is numbered 00, the first in the world.  With such a history the town should be a magnet for visitors and residents.  Kilwinning was part of the Irvine new town and its neighbourhoods were largely developed by the new town authorities.  However, the town centre was largely untouched by the new town planners and has retained much of its character.

Kilwinning is the point where the coastal road crosses the river and where the two rail lines join.  It is therefore a gateway to the area and the most accessible point to Glasgow.  This is reflected in a strong residential market.  

The vision for Kilwinning is therefore an historic abbey town offering an excellent quality of life, high quality services in a bustling town centre and attractive housing with easy transport links to Glasgow and the rest of Scotland.

Plans include a combination of environmental improvements, animation of street and public life in the town and the promotion of town centre businesses.