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60-566: Dalry ( / d æ l ˈ r aɪ / ) is a small town in the Garnock Valley in Ayrshire , Scotland. Drakemyre is a northern suburb. Dalry (from Scottish Gaelic : Dail Ruighe , 'the haugh at the slope') is a small settlement on the Rye Burn. Its history has signs of early inhabitants in the area; the remains of an ancient fort, made of three concentric round walls, can be found on
120-529: A Nature Conservation Site, and enters the Garnock near its namesake Pitcon House . The Rye Water drains from the area of Muirhead Reservoir and Camphill Reservoir and runs through the old village of Drakemyre to join the Garnock north of Dalry near Brownhill Junction on the main railway line . A ford across the river at Drakemyre is associated with the song " Comin' Thro' the Rye ". The Putyan Burn forms from
180-517: A bar-built estuary in the UK and is the only major estuary between the Solway and Inner Clyde . The majority of the estuary has been designated a SSSI , in recognition of its national importance for three bird species eider , red-breasted merganser and goldeneye ). It is also a nationally important feeding ground for thousands of migrating birds during the spring and autumn. Otters and water voles live on
240-592: A canal serving early coal pits at Ardeer that the small lochans used to ease construction lay on the old course of the River Garnock. It is recorded in official documents of the 1770 "Trial of Mungo Campbell for the Murder of Alexander, Earl of Eglinton" that Alexander Montgomery, 10th Earl of Eglinton was very protective of his fishing rights on the River Garmock to the extent that he banned fishing on
300-566: A charter for Bourtreehill from Robert Frances, Lord of Stane (the last mention of the Lynns of that Ilk in Bourtreehill being in 1608). In 1614 John Lyn of that Ilk is recorded as the lord superior of the lands of 'Hileis' in the parish of Dalry and Patrick Hunter of Hunterston was his baillie. In 1522, the 16-acre mains of the barony of Lynn were conveyed in a charter from John Lyne of that Ilk to John Lyne of Bourtreehill, described therein as
360-412: A curse on the river, preventing it from ever having fish in its waters; the river responded by changing course and thereby avoiding the curse. It is clear that the river has substantially changed its course in recorded history, previously having entered the sea at Stevenston. Ardeer therefore being an island at that time. Blaeu's map printed in 1654 shows this. It was also noted during the construction of
420-510: A discussion he then disappeared through a hole in a wall or dyke, apparently too small for a normal person to pass through. She said she was trained by her "familiar" on how to make and use ointments to heal livestock and people. She was said to have cured and advised various people from poor children to gentry. As a "wise woman" her strange efforts at the time attracted the attention of the law. Her abilities were more akin to today's current psychics, and with an understanding of medicinal herbs, she
480-699: A field near the Caaf Bridge on the town side of the Caaf Water. In 1892, John Fulton installed one of the first hydroelectric plants in Ayrshire, generating electricity for Broadlie House. The dam still exists (2008) and can be seen on the Putyan Burn close to a pedestrian bridge that gave views of the installation to visitors. The water was carried downstream to a turbine house through a cast iron pipe. This house derives its name from 'Dogger'. Dogger
540-533: A high-ranking Norman aristocracy in his new kingdom. These Norman nobles were given lands creating in Scotland an influential Norman aristocracy. One of these "nobles or knights", Hugh de Morville , was made Lord High Constable of Scotland and given lands in Cunninghame. De Morville probably then gave some of these lands or baronies to a relative a Walter de Lynne, to William de Blair, to William Kerr and to
600-528: A natural auditorium at the head of the Lynn glen. When the main parish church at the Glebe was resited at the "cross" in 1608 it created around it a "kirktoun" establishing the village of Dalry. By 1700 the inhabitants of Dalry still however, numbered barely 100 and contained only about six dwellings. In the mid 18th century, Dalry was still the only town in the parish. In 1830 there were about 1,000 inhabitants, and
660-640: A number of coal pits from the 1840s, wholly changed the character of the parish of Dalry. It became an increasingly industrial area peppered with mines to provide the ore and coal to fuel the blast furnaces at the various iron works. The town lies on the Ayrshire Coast Line and once was a busier junction with trains from Kilmarnock and the Dalry and North Johnstone Line joining the line here. The railway station at Dalry opened in March 1840 as part of
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#1732780490068720-635: A number of small burns, etc., such as the Baidland Burn from Baidland Hill and springs at Baidland Mill. It reaches its confluence with the Garnock at Putyan Cottage and the Lynn Holm, near the road junction for Ardrossan at the Kilwinning end of the town. It passes Broadlie House where a small weir or dam still exists as part of an abandoned 1892 hydroelectric scheme which provided the house with its own electricity. The burn has its confluence with
780-413: A rail line from Blair iron works to the main line. This development of large iron works and the mining of ore and coal further increased the housing stock and population in and around the area. The suburb of Blair for example developed around one such ironworks. Numerous bings next to these excavations in the area are still evident to this day. Morning and evening daily stage coaches passed through Dalry on
840-424: A safety valve. For about five hours great volumes of water and sand were thrown up into the air like fountains and the mining villages of Bartonholm, Snodgrass, Longford and Nethermains were flooded. Archibald William, the enterprising 13th Earl of Eglinton purchased all the lands concerned in 1852 and through the simple expedient of cutting a short canal at Bogend, across the loop of the river involved, he bypassed
900-593: A while, and vanished." Built for the Crichtons in 1812, this house was a small mansion house by 1858 with a vaguely 'Elizabethan' appearance. It was purchased by the Neilsen family of Chapeltoun in 1924 and sold by them in 1960. The house lay empty for a number of years and was demolished so that the site could be redeveloped as a housing estate. Only the gatepiers remain, leading onto the Dalry to Kilwinninmg road. On
960-461: Is Scots for a course ironstone, which has been mined in the area as witnessed by waste bings below Ryefield and at Flashwood. A fine, but now redundant, cast iron bridge crosses the Rye Water at Doggartland. The barony of Lynn was created from lands inherited about 1204 from Hugh de Morville. It reportedly was first held by Walter de Lynne, who signed the 1296 Ragman Roll . According to Douglas,
1020-435: Is a natural cave mentioned as the "Elf House" about 183 feet (56 m) in length near the middle it expands into a large chamber, 35 feet (11 m) long by 12 feet (3.7 m), and 12 feet (3.7 m) in height. In the reign of Charles II , it was said to be a refuge to the covenanters of this parish from the violence of their persecutors. When David I (1082–1153) was crowned King of Scots, he brought in and created
1080-475: Is a small stream, known locally as Jock's Burn, which comes into play on the golf course at Kilbirnie Place Golf Club. The Powgree Burn rises on Cuff hill in the Gateside area, runs east of the old Speir's school , through Auchengree and Longbar then shortly after runs under Glengarnock railway station . The Pitcon Burn cuts deep into the hillside causing the tree lined gully known as Swinlees Glen,
1140-416: Is linked to the covenanter Robert Ker of Kersland. The Rye Water has its source among the nearby high hills. The most interesting spot is that about which the world has been singing for centuries - the spot where it was crossed by a ford below Ryefield House. Before the erection of any bridge at Drakemire, the fording of the stream had occasioned much fun and banter, as shown by the many traditionary verses of
1200-503: Is the location of Peden's Point, where the noted Covenanting minister Alexander Peden preached to outdoor conventicles from a pinnacle forming a natural pulpit overlooking the water above the falls. The Lynns themselves were Presbyterians, and it may be that they willingly made their land available for the preaching of the reformed faith. The Lords of Lynn became extinct as a landed family in Dalry, but they were remembered in Ayrshire folklore as "a beloved aristocracy that came, lingered
1260-571: The Boyles of Kelburne . The name Lynne then meaning "a waterfall," is first noted in the area of Dalry in the years 1200-1300 They were located here and had land and owned the Castle of Lin near the waterfall of the Calf. The name Blair at that time meant "a field clear of woods" and is recognised in the area in late 12th century when a Norman keep was within the barony of Blair. This was later replaced by
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#17327804900681320-576: The Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway . The station at Dalry Junction opened in April 1843 with the line to Kilmarnock via Crosshouse , subsequently closing in January 1860 with the interchange transferred to Dalry railway station. The line to Kilmarnock remained open with local services ceasing in 1955, with occasional long-distance passenger services remaining. The line closed in 1973, following
1380-470: The "... dominical lands of Lyne called Burnesyd, with a house, garden, and Lyne Knoll." In 1532, John Lyn "for a sum of money to him paid, sold" to Thomas Boyd a portion of Lyn ("forty-shilling land of old extent", the latter term referring to a former valuation). Nevertheless, the Lynns continued to hold the 16-acre mains of the property: in 1583, the mains were conveyed by Laurence Lyn (of Bourtreehill) to William Lyn, his son and heir apparent; on this occasion,
1440-494: The 1870s. The remains of a timber hall similar to those in England dated to around the 8th century were found. These digs refer to a timber hall or court structure with a turf roof, that was then replaced by a motte (a structure on a hill) similar to those used by the early Normans infiltrating the area then. Amongst the debris a flint arrow head from an even earlier period was found. At Auchinskich, meaning Cleeves Cove, there
1500-479: The 8th Nov 1576, midwife Bessie Dunlop, resident of Lynne, in Dalry, was accused of sorcery and witchcraft. She answered her accusers that she received information on prophecies or to the whereabouts of lost goods from a Thomas Reid, a former barony officer in Dalry who died at the Battle of Pinkie some 30 years before. She said she first met him while walking between her own house and the yard of Monkcastle, and after
1560-743: The Blair castle. Dalry was mentioned in 1226 as a "chapel of Ardrossan ". The parish of Dalry was probably formed in 1279 when a "Henry, Rector of the Church of Dalry" appears in the Register of the Diocese of Glasgow. Two places of worship in the parish appear by the late 13th century. One on the east bank of the River Garnock at Kilcush, and the other on the west, located near the Old Glebe. This
1620-506: The Den. Various manufacturing existed in the parish relating to cotton and carpet yarn with silk and harness weaving, in which both men and women were employed. A significant number of women were occupied in sewing and embroidering, mainly for the Glasgow and Paisley manufacturers. The dressing and spinning of flax to some extent was also done in the area. The opening of numerous limeworks, and
1680-717: The Garnock below the tidal limit, shortly after passing through Eglinton Country Park , developed around the ancient estate of the Earl of Eglinton. The two main rivers of North Ayrshire, the Irvine and the Garnock, come together in the estuary at Irvine Harbour where they jointly enter the Firth of Clyde . Major tributaries of the Irvine are the Glen Water, Cessnock Water, Kilmarnock Water (combined Fenwick and Craufurdland Waters), Carmel Water and Annick Water.. These rivers flow into
1740-588: The Garnock near the Lovers' Bridge in Dalry. The Caaf Water drains from Caaf Reservoir and soon passes the Michelin star rated Braidwoods Restaurant, before entering the Lynn Glen with its waterfall and finally enters the Garnock south of Dalry. The Bombo Burn is a small stream, only about 5 miles (8.0 km) in length, that runs across the north side of Bankhead Moss, a Special Area of Conservation and joins
1800-648: The Garnock soon after passing through the Blair Estate: The delightfully landscaped grounds and gardens of the Estate contain a wonderful mixture of species trees and shrubs from all over the world. The Bombo Burn meanders gently for a mile through the gardens creating many natural beauty spots. The ancient yew tree recorded in the Domesday Book leans over the banks of the Bombo Burn presiding on
1860-471: The Lynns of that Ilk. In any case, the Lynns held the property from about 1204 until 1532, when they sold it to the Boyds of Kilmarnock. Even then, however, they retained use of 16 acres of the barony or "dominical lands", which acres were "called Burnesyd, Garden and Lyne Knoll in the town and territory of Lyne, bailliary of Cunningham and sheriffdom of Ayr". During this period, the family also owned Baidland on
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1920-411: The Rye Water. He stated in his Excavations of the forts of Castlehill, Aitnock and Coalhill, Ayrshire , that it was defended on one side by the steep drop to the Rye and by a horseshoe shaped deep ditch and stone walls. The interior was about 30 feet (9.1 m) in diameter, the floor had been leveled, then covered with yellow clay over which a pavement of rough slabs and river pebbles had been laid. On
1980-546: The area were part of the group owned by William Baird & Co. who then was the largest pig iron producer in the world. This once industrial town, like many such towns in this area of Scotland has seen a sharp decline of traditional industry, which has hit the town hard. In addition to coal mining, iron stone mining and textile manufacturing the town also had clay mines to be used in the areas various brickworks. To produce common red brick these brickworks were also well supplied with clay extracted from coal mine waste, available from
2040-570: The breach and once the river course had been drained and sealed off he was able to have the flooded mineworkings pumped out. The breach lay on the sea side of the loop close to Bogend on the Snodgrass Holm side. The Earl leased the mines to Bairds of Gartsherrie and the "Eglinton Iron Works" were born. A legend tells of Saint Winning sending his monks to fish in the Garnock, however no matter how hard they tried or how long they persevered they could catch nothing. The saint in response placed
2100-612: The cauldron. An irregular lump of sandstone was also found, bearing two chiseled cup marks one on each side, almost opposite each other. During his excavations he found four silver Roman coins, all denarii , two of Antoninus Pius and one each of Vespasian and Hadrian , all of which came from parts of an upper black layer of occupation. Smith's collection of this material was donated to the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland in 1981. At Courthill, excavations were undertaken by Cochrane–Patrick (1878) & Dobie (1876) in
2160-516: The changes over the centuries. The Dusk Water is a stream that has its beginnings on Cuff Hill, near Beith , and runs through Barrmill to eventually join the Garnock upstream of Dalgarven . Interesting places along its course, as well as several old watermills, are Giffin House , a large and handsome mansion-house, and Cleeves Cove , a system of caves in the Dusk Glen. A couple of miles from
2220-519: The electrification of the WCML . The closure of the Dalry and North Johnstone Line to passengers in 1966 and through freight in 1971, and steel freight traffic to Kilbirnie in 1977. Dalry station retained four platforms until rebuilding of the station and associated overbridge as part of the electrification of the Ayrshire Coast line during the early 1980s. Maps and information of the time indicate
2280-403: The estuary as well as numerous breeding birds, including water rail , grasshopper warbler and sand martin . The Garnock/Irvine estuary is also a Wildlife Site. Bogside Flats SSSI covers 253.8ha that include inter-tidal mudflats, salt-marsh and adjacent pasture land. The Pundeavon Burn drains from Pundeavon Reservoir and enters the Garnock just upstream of Kilbirnie Cross. The Paduff Burn
2340-632: The estuary, the Garnock being swelled by the Annick Water that has its confluence at the Dirrans in Kilwinning . The silt from these rivers has created the Bogside mudflats and the course of these rivers has been greatly altered over the centuries through both natural and man made influences. On 20 June 1833 the surface of the Garnock was seen to be ruffled and it was discovered that a section of
2400-420: The family bore the name Lynne long before coming to Ayrshire. If, as Douglas reports however, the family line is Robert de Lynne appearing in 1207 (Perthshire), William de Lynne appearing in 1246 (Perthshire), and Walter de Lynne appearing in 1296 (Ayrshire), one would expect William (or perhaps even Robert), rather than William's son Walter, to be the de Morville heir, first Lord of Lynn in Dalry, and progenitor of
2460-419: The flooding of the workings and the river level returned to normal. The weight of the floodwater was so great that the compressed air broke through the ground in many places and many acres of ground were observed to bubble up like a pan of boiling water. In some places rents and cavities appeared measuring four or five feet in diameter, and from these came a roaring sound described as being like steam escaping from
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2520-406: The light and beautiful song " Comin' Thro' the Rye " that commemorates the primitive scene:- "Gin a body meet a body Comin’ through the Rye, Gin a body kiss a body Need a body cry ?, Ilka lassie has her laddie, Nane, they say, ha’e I ! Yet a’ the lads they smile on me, When comin’ through the Rye." A Rye Water ford still exists to this day (2008). A Cholera pit is located in
2580-410: The mains were further described as "... dominical lands of Lyne together with the house called Burnesyd with the garden thereof and Lyne Knoll lying in the town and territory of Lyne bailliary of Cunningham and sheriffdom of Ayr " (emphasis added). The property included the beautiful Lynn Falls or Lynn Spout, lying in a glen said to be the dwelling of witches, elves, and fairies. However, that same glen
2640-681: The north-western side of Dalry, Highlees just south of Dundonald, and the estate of Bourtreehill near Irvine . In 1385, the Laird of Lyne rented Baidland to the Cunninghams for one silver penny, then an average week's wages (this being the only known record of Lynns owning Baidland). In 1452, Andrew Lyn, Lord of that Ilk, gave a charter for Highlees to William Hunter of Arnele "for services rendered and to be rendered" (the Lynns remained superiors of Highlees for more than two centuries, their last recorded title being in 1668). In 1505, Andrew Lyne received
2700-483: The northern part of North Ayrshire , Scotland, adjoining Renfrewshire . The region includes the towns of Beith , Dalry , and Kilbirnie , and some smaller villages such as Gateside , Barrmill , Longbar and Glengarnock ; with a combined population of around 20,000. This North Ayrshire location article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . River Garnock The River Garnock ( Scottish Gaelic : Gairneag / Abhainn Ghairneig ),
2760-404: The numerous "bings" throughout the valley, whereas the mined clay was required for higher quality fire brick . On the edge of the town lies a large chemical plant once operated by Roche , but now run by DSM , producing vitamins C and B5. Garnock Valley 55°43′55″N 4°41′24″W / 55.732°N 4.690°W / 55.732; -4.690 Garnock Valley is an area in
2820-408: The pavement was an accumulation of deposits, in some places 6 inches (150 mm) deep, in and on which the relics were found... coins, stone objects, a glass bead, 1st- or 2nd-century Samian bowl fragments, burnt bones and iron objects. A sandstone cauldron was found near the centre of the interior, close by was a fireplace of slabs set on edge; this, he states, was possibly used to heat the water in
2880-532: The river bed had collapsed into mineworkings beneath. The river was now flowing into miles of mineworkings of the Snodgrass, Bartonholm and Longford collieries. Attempts were made to block the breach with clay, whin, straw, etc. to no avail. The miners had been safely brought to the surface and were able to witness the sight of the river standing dry for nearly a mile downstream, with fish jumping about in all directions. The tide brought in sufficient water to complete
2940-511: The routes between Glasgow and various coastal destinations. The "Fair Trader" coach stopped at the Crown Inn and the "Herald" coach at the King's Arms, neither ran on Sundays. There were also several public houses, which had accommodation for travellers. The public libraries at the time were the "Dalry Library", the "Dalry Church Library" and the "United Secession Library". At this time the town
3000-485: The ruins of Glengarnock Castle north of Kilbirnie, whereas "The Garnock Valley " refers to a wider geographic area of North Ayrshire abutting Renfrewshire , which encompasses the former parishes of Beith , Dalry , and Kilbirnie . Within Ayrshire by far the largest estuary has developed, behind the Ardeer Peninsula, at the confluence of the Irvine and Garnock Rivers. This is one of the best examples of
3060-616: The smallest of Ayrshire 's six principal rivers, has its source on the southerly side of the Hill of Stake in the heart of the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park . About a mile and a half south of this starting point the untested stream tumbles over the Spout of Garnock , the highest waterfall in Ayrshire, once thought to be the river's origin. The river then continues, for a total length of 20 miles (32 km) or so, through
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#17327804900683120-732: The source of the Dusk, a sluice diverts water via a tunnel into the eastern end of the Roebank reservoir, which feeds the Muirdykes water treatment works supplying much of the Paisley area with drinking water. The Lugton Water, the largest tributary of the Garnock, runs 14 miles (23 km) from Loch Libo (395 feet above sea-level) in Uplawmoor , through Lugton and the parishes of Neilston, Beith, Dunlop, Stewarton and Kilwinning. The Lugton joins
3180-598: The summit of Carwinning Hill to the North of Dalry, west of the B784 to Largs . In 1883, excavations by John Smith of caves in the Dalry Blair estate at Cleeves Cove found evidence of prehistoric man and otter bones. Aitnock Fort at the south-west angle of Hindog Glen, was excavated by John Smith in 1901–02, it showed a possible dun occupying the summit of a cliff which rises about 60 feet (18 m) perpendicularly from
3240-403: The town consisted of five streets, three of these radiated from the "cross" or centre forming a square. Weekly market were held on Thursdays, and there were fairs in January, May and July. At that time it was a reasonably large irregular shaped rural parish, centred around on the small town of Dalry. The parish included the small settlements / villages of Blair, Burnside, Drakemire, Southfield and
3300-584: The towns of Kilbirnie , Glengarnock , Dalry and Kilwinning to its confluence with the River Irvine at Irvine Harbour . The main tributaries are the Rye Water and Caaf Water which join north and south of Dalry respectively and the Lugton Water which joins just south of Kilwinning. " Glen Garnock" pertains specifically to the short, sometimes precipitous, section of ravine overlooked by
3360-474: The word templar are to be found in the Dalry area. Lands including the area of Pitcon in Dalry were given by Robert the Bruce to his right-hand man Robert Boyd in 1316. In the 15th century, the parish had five main baronies; Kelburne, Blair, Kersland, Lynn and Pitcon . These names are still reflected in some of the areas, farms, houses and surnames in the area. Kersland had a church school and ruined castle and
3420-515: Was identified in a time of witchcraft hysteria. It resulted in a conviction and the tragic outcome was that she was burnt at the stake. at Castle Hill in Edinburgh in 1576. She is also said to have been burnt at Corsehillmuir , just outside Kilwinning. Alexander Peden (1626–1686) the renowned covenanting minister and remarked as a "profit" ( sic ) traveled throughout the district. He was said to have preached from Peden's Point (a rocky outcrop) in
3480-401: Was lit by gas, by a Company formed in 1834. The River Garnock helps to irrigate the valley and, joined by the tributaries Rye Water and Caaf Water , was a driving force behind the establishment of the town. These waters were utilised by the various mills in the 19th century The industries of limestone, coal and ironstone assisted Dalry to develop into a thriving mining community. The iron
3540-559: Was smelted in the furnaces of the four great iron companies - the Ayrshire, the Glengarnock, the Eglinton and the Blair. In 1845 a visitor was "astonished at the change and at the numerous tasks of the busy labourers. The blaze of furnaces, the smoke of coal-pits, the whiter volume emitted by limekilns, and the building of houses, are at intervals seen all over the district." In the 1870s it is stated that Blair Iron Works and others in
3600-502: Was the main parish church, it almost certainly dedicated to St. Margaret of Antioch , a 3rd or 4th century virgin martyr. A Knights Templar stone coffin of an Ardrossan Baron was found when excavations were made to the Ardrossan Parish Church. It would most likely have been made by a French mason working on the construction of Kilwinning Abbey during the late 12th - early 13th centuries. "Templand" names derived from
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