Kilmarnock is the largest town in East Ayrshire and was one of the major forces in shaping modern industrial Scotland.
Decline in traditional manufacturing has been met by a strong community spirit evident last year in the campaign to save the Johnnie Walker bottling plant and in continuing efforts to regenerate the town centre.
It has its place in literary history as the name of the first edition of Burns' poetry now celebrated at the new Burns Monument Centre. Rugby Park has witnessed great football memories with Kilmarnock FC - its name betraying the original sport of cricketers wanting a winter game.