New Cumnock East Ayrshire, Scotland. Expanded during the coal mining era but, like so many others, suffered after the deep shaft pits closed in the '80's. The town is 5.7 miles (9.2 km) south east of Cumnock, and 21 miles (34 km) east of Ayr.
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Transport
Public transport links include the New Cumnock railway station on the Glasgow South Western Line and the A76 Kilmarnock to Dumfries trunk road.
Coal Mining
Open-cast coal mining is now one of the main employers but people still remember the pits of old and monuments tell of the sacrifices made, such as the Knockshinnoch Disaster Memorial dedicated to the 13 souls who lost their lives; the brave miners who survived and the rescuers who risked their lives and limbs to save others. The Scottish Wildlife Trust took over the Knockshinnoch Bing, turning into a wetland reserve which has several scenic paths meandering through it.
History
One of the first mentions of the village was when Patrick Dunbar of Comenagh signed the Ragman Roll of 1296. The poet Blind Harry placed William Wallace in and around the village four times in his heroic tales of the patriot, calling it Cumno and Dunbars' castle, which sat on Castlehill in the midst of a vast loch, as "Black Bog Castle".
Both William Wallace and Robert Bruce were hunted within the Afton's glen, where Robert Burns' "Sweet Afton" still flows gently, until it merges into the River Nith. Wallace seems to have known the surrounding area very well indeed, in fact many believe he may have spent much of his youth there. There is even a Castle William "up the glen" said to have been used as a fortress by him.
The name of the settlement changed through time, referred to as Cumnock Castle on Timothy Pont's map of Ayrshire c.1600.
In 1509, Cumnock was made a burgh of barony and a market began at Cumnock Kirk, 6 miles north-west of (New) Cumnock Castle. This is when things get a bit tricky. In 1659, a new kirk was built near (New) Cumnock Castle and became known as the New Kirk of Cumnock, now called the Auld Kirk of New Cumnock. Cumnock Kirk became known as Old Cumnock and is now known as Cumnock. All perfectly clear.
Robert Burns
Burns was a frequent visitor to the town and made a few friends in the area. There are plaques (mainly donated by New Cumnock Burns Club)on several buildings in and around New Cumnock. Robert Burns frequently mentions Corsencon Hill, referring to it as Parnassus Hill - in Greek mythology, Parnassus Hill was where Apollo slew the giant serpent or Python.
Sport
The local football club is Glenafton Athletic F.C.. Former players include Ted McMinn.
Notable people
- Billy Dodds
- The Stitchies
Views in and around New Cumnock
 Burns Cairn - River Afton |
 Afton Dyers on Main street |
 Old New Cumnock Mill |
 Afton Reservoir |
 New Cumnock Garden |
See also
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: New Cumnock |
References
Coordinates: 55°23′38.723″N 4°11′6.323″W / 55.39408972°N 4.18508972°W
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