Kilwinning is a small town in the north of the county with a population of around 16,000, sitting on the River Garnock and only three miles north of the town.

It merits the title of ‘Ayrshire's Crossroads’ as it sits at the connection of rail lines linking Glasgow with the stations to the south, and also links to Ardrossan and the Isle of Arran. Both road and rail links make it highly accessible.

Historically, religion has played a major part in the development of the town and even today Kilwinning is known as the home of Freemasonry in Scotland, with Mother Lodge Kilwinning (No 0) founded in 1107. Also of historical interest are the ruins of Eglinton Castle within Eglinton Park (once an imposing stately home), the family seat of the Montgomery’s, and Earls of Eglinton. The town is now a popular attraction for families, cyclists, walkers and host to events throughout the year.

Today Kilwinning consists of the pedestrianised historic town centre, Bridgend (which was originally a separate village), now surrounded by the estates of Corsehill, Dirrans, Woodwynd, Blacklands, Pennyburn, Whitehirst Park, and Woodside. The latter three were added after its incorporation into Irvine New Town.

The Main Street of Kilwinning has recently been refurbished as part of the regeneration of the Irvine Bay area, and provides a welcoming shopping and leisure area for locals and visitors alike.

The Kilwinning community is vibrant, like many around Ayrshire, and is well served by its excellent schools, local college, sports clubs, community centres, churches, local businesses, community council and its range of voluntary groups. Throughout the year it supports a range of popular family community events such as the Christmas lights switch on, the crowning of the Segdoune Royal Carnival, Picnic in the Park, the Spring and Autumn clean-ups, the annual flower show, and the annual fireworks display.

Kilwinning is the home to Kilwinning Rangers, AKA ‘The Buffs’, who play junior football in the West of Scotland. They play from their home ground The Buffs Park which is part of Kilwinning Sports Club, and have been the local football team since 1899.