Located in the heart of Ayrshire, Kilmarnock was once considered its industrial powerhouse. It was little more than a large village until the start of the nineteenth century. In 1812 Kilmarnock was linked to the new harbour at Troon by railway. This established Kilmarnock as an engineering centre, which led to new companies being formed from the old cottage industries. Locomotives were built in Kilmarnock by several companies, the most prominent being Andrew Barclay Sons & Co., and Glenfield & Kennedy grew to be one of the biggest suppliers of all manner of hydraulic engineering. Kilmarnock’s most famous product is no longer made in the town, but sales of Johnnie Walker whisky are worth more than £1 billion a year.

Of course, it’s not all hard work and no play. Kilmarnock has pleasant parks and an outstanding country park. The area has produced people who have pushed the boundaries of science and have helped to build new nations. In this book local journalist, historian and author Frank Beattie explores the town’s past through a collection of vintage and modern postcards that help to tell the story of his home town.