Lamlash House Welcomes the Newmilns Town Trail for Irvine Valley Walkfest 2025

We were delighted to once again play a role in this year’s Newmilns Town Trail, led by local historian Ian Pollock as part of the Irvine Valley Walkfest on Friday, 9th May 2025. The event brought together history enthusiasts, walkers, and members of the community to celebrate Newmilns’ rich heritage, with Lamlash House proudly serving as the first stop on the trail-even as we continue repairs from recent storm damage.

Celebrating Community and Heritage

This year’s trail was particularly special as it marked the first time the new heritage and educational interpretation boards were featured as part of Ian’s engaging tour. These panels, located at the recently completed community car park on Brown’s Road, were the result of collaborative research by Lamlash House, with invaluable historical insights from Ian Pollock and Linda Brown. Seeing these boards referenced and discussed during the walk was a proud moment for everyone involved, highlighting our shared commitment to preserving and sharing Newmilns’ story.

Opening Our Doors for Heritage

Lamlash House has a long-standing tradition of supporting local heritage. Over the years, we have opened our doors for 17 Town Trail events, giving the public a rare opportunity to view the remarkable stained-glass windows of the house. These windows, featuring portraits of Scottish literary figures Robert Burns, Robert Tannahill, Allan Ramsay, Walter Scott, and James Hogg, are a highlight of any visit and a testament to the area's cultural legacy.

A Tribute to Allan Ramsay and “The Lass of Patie’s Mill”

The community area now also pays tribute to poet Allan Ramsay and his celebrated poem, “The Lass of Patie’s Mill.” This year marks exactly 300 years since the poem was written in 1725, making its inclusion especially meaningful. Ramsay is depicted in the stained-glass windows on the staircase of Lamlash House, a nod to his enduring influence on Scottish literature and local culture. The poem itself, inspired by local life along the Brown’s Road area.

Remembering Local Figures

As you visit the community poetry garden, you’ll find heritage benches dedicated to Willie Deans and Miss Peggy Ironside-two figures fondly remembered by many in Newmilns. Their contributions to the community are celebrated alongside the poetry and history that shape the town.

Looking Ahead

We are grateful to everyone who joined the Town Trail and visited Lamlash House.   Special thanks to Ian Pollock for his ongoing dedication. We look forward to welcoming future visitors and sharing even more local stories and keeping history alive.

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