The famous map maker Timothy Pont, was the first person to record the existence of Kilmarnock in 1609 while making a survey of Cunninghame.

50 years later, Richard Frank wrote, ' Part of their manufacture is knitting of bonnets and spinning of Scottish cloth, which turns to very good account. Then for their temper metals, they are without compeer - Scotland has no better, and as they are artisans in darks, so are the artists in fiddling, as if there were some rule in drinking, so that, it represents as if art and ale were inseparable companions '.

It is therefore sad to see the decline of Kilmarnocks industrial manufacturing heritage over the last couple of decades. Famous names such as T. & J. Ferguson, Gavin Morton & Robert Blackwood who joined forces to form the world famous 'BMK' mark. Stoddart Templeton, Douglas Raeburn, all giants of the carpet industry.

One of Kilmarnock's most prosperous companies was the fashionable clothing manufactures Jaeger . The companies founder, Dr. Gustav Jaeger believed that 'pure wool' alone was compatible with human health and well-being.

Another famous name was George Clark who founded the shoe manufacturing company. In 1903 they joined up with George Abbot of England to form the 'Saxone Shoe Company'. At its peak it employed around 2000 people.