MAUCHLINE residents enjoyed a symbolic unveiling of a communal seating area at Gilbert Burns Place to celebrate the town’s rich history.
Built by the Jean Armour Burns Trust in collaboration with East Ayrshire Council, the area provides a small community space for the elderly.
Set against a horseshoe shaped sandstone wall with a plaque mounted, which includes a brief history of the site, the seat will undoubtedly be a peaceful spot for many passing by.
The seating offers the residents of Mauchline a plac e to gather and reflect on how the community was first established in the late 1950s.
The bench’s arrival is thanks to the efforts of theClubs of Glasgow and District Burns Association, as well as donations by other clubs and individuals.
In the late 1940’s The Burns Clubs of Glasgow decided to build a small community of 11 houses at the location on land belonging to Mossgiel Farm.
The Houses were specifically built for elderly single or widowed ladies and was the first memorial to Jean Armour and called the Jean Armour Burns Houses.
When the East Ayrshire bought the site in 2012 and built 10 new attached cottages, which continue to provide houses for the elderly and ambulant disabled in this small community.
History can be remembered now the ribbon has been cut by Mrs Enez Anderson, Past President of the Glasgow and District Burns Association and Wife of the late George Anderson, Trust ee of the Jean Armour Burns Trust.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the East Ayrshire Council led the delegation from the Council to accept the communal seating area from The Jean Armour Burns Trust on behalf of the council.
When the Jean Armour Burns Trust was formed from the funds raised from the sale ofthe houses in 2012, the Trustees recognised the importance of leaving a marker on the site to commemorate the work ethic of the Glasgow ‘Burnsians’ who funded and created the first community in 1950’s.
After consultation with the tenants and with the full cooperation of East Ayrshire Council, who part funded the installation, it was decided to create a communal seating area setin the grounds of the new built houses.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article