Riccarton One-Place Study

This study explores the history of Riccarton, a village in East Ayrshire that has now largely been absorbed into Kilmarnock. Although it is no longer clearly defined as a separate place, Riccarton once existed as its own village with a strong local identity and close-knit community.

My interest in Riccarton grew out of genealogical research, with my own family having lived in the area for several generations. I was, for example, born in the same street as my three-times great-grandfather, creating a strong personal connection to the place. Through this research, I have gathered a substantial amount of information about Riccarton, particularly from around 1800 onwards.

The aim of this study is to understand when Riccarton was at its most independent and thriving, and to trace the changes that led to its gradual incorporation into Kilmarnock. This includes examining population growth, occupations, housing, local institutions, and the impact of wider industrial and urban expansion in the surrounding area.

By bringing together local history and family history, this study will show how Riccarton changed over time, how its identity evolved, and how it eventually became part of a larger town.