Burns Monument

Burns Monument occupies a raised position in Kay Park and comprises a white marble structure with an octagonal tower. The centre inside now functions as a genealogy research facility with historical records available to visitors.

The monument opened in 1879 to honor Robert Burns, funded by local donations. A fire in 2004 caused significant damage, leading to a major reconstruction of the structure.

The site commemorates Robert Burns' link to Kilmarnock, where his first poems were printed in 1786. Today, visitors can see how this literary connection shapes the way the place is used and valued by the community.

The building provides access to genealogical archives and family research resources that work best with advance booking. Plan ahead if you want to access historical records or conduct genealogy research.

Following the 2004 fire, the structure was transformed into Scotland's first dedicated genealogy centre. This second purpose makes it an unexpected destination for ancestry research beyond its literary significance.

Location: East Ayrshire

Location: Kilmarnock

Website: http://burnsmonumentcentre.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 55.61290,-4.48973

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:05