Our vast collections and staff expertise make the Centre an essential destination for anyone with an interest in East Ayrshire’s heritage. Individuals, groups, and organisations are welcome to visit the Local History Service at the Centre during opening hours.
The 4 star Burns Monument Centre is a shared venue among East Ayrshire Leisure, East Ayrshire Council and Ayrshire Archives. The local and family history collections at the Centre are cared for by East Ayrshire Leisure. The collection includes items such as newspapers, maps, historic photographs, books and many other local and family history resources.
We hold major collections of printed material on Ayrshire and Robert Burns, official and non-official archives of the area, and comprehensive family history resources. We work closely with East Ayrshire Council Registration Services to deliver an outstanding family history service, with access to Scotland’s People records from 1513 to the present day.
Whether you are curious about the Covenanters or want to settle a bet in the pub about who had the chemist shop in the High Street, call in to the local and family history department at the Centre where our experienced staff will point you in the right direction.
At our heart is W. G. Stevenson’s statue of Robert Burns, which was the centrepiece of the original Kilmarnock Monument unveiled in 1879 in the Kay Park. Much of the original monument was destroyed by fire in 2004 but the statue survived. The remains of the monument were restored and incorporated into the new custom-built Centre in 2009.
Perhaps you are just starting to trace your family history and don’t know where to begin? Then why not sign up for one of our regular “Introduction to Family History” workshops.
Researchers and visitors can drop in at any time during opening hours – no appointment necessary.