Kay Park is situated at the north end of Kilmarnock and has been appreciated by local residents and visitors alike since it was gifted to the people of Kilmarnock by local insurance broker Alexander Kay in 1879, 130 years ago!

Whether the pond is frozen over in winter or basking in the summer sun, the park is home to a surprisingly wide variety of wildlife. The pond itself proves to be a magnet for many wild birds together with a large family of swans which have been breeding there for many years. A pair of large grey herons have also been spotted visiting from time to time together with some strange birds which need to be identified by local bird watchers. Please send in any pictures and we will try to discover which varied species are now visiting this part of Scotland.

Slightly more than 40 acres, Kay Park consists of what is known locally as “Kay Park Pond”, an artificial lake, together with a recently upgraded children’s playground, tree-lined avenues and well laid out paths suitable for all ages. The park is prolific with gray squirrels which were introduced to the United Kingdom from the United States and as they spread across the country, eventually reaching Scotland, they have largely displaced the native Red Squirrel. Although, watching their antics as they play together in the park is more entertaining that any television show!

There was a monument to Robert Burns erected in the park which was unveiled in 1879 by Colonel Alexander of Ballochmyle, M.P. Unfortunately this was destroyed by fire in 2004. The statute of the bard survived intact and underwent an extensive cleaning and restoration programme in 2008 forming the centrepiece of the new Burns Monument Centre. This centre provides a spectacular venue for weddings and other ceremonies and the Robert Burns Suite is also available for hosting conferences and events.

Kay Park can now provide an inexpensive day out for the whole family. Feed the swans, try out all the new playground equipment, take a leisurely stroll round the whole park and finish off with a visit to the new Burns Monument Centre. Enjoy!

FYI – The song accompanying the above video of Kay Park is called “Clouds One and Two” and was written by Kilmarnock Song Writer Martin Gallacher and sang by George Palin.