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Cumnock Castle was the ancient seat of the Barons of Cumnock from the 12th- 17th century. The castle was strategically situated on a hill overlooking the confluence of the Afton Water and the River Nith, giving rise to
the name Cumnock, from Gaelic comunn achadh 'place of the confluence'. Cumnock Castle played an important role during the Wars of Independence, a time which saw William Wallace and Robert the Bruce take refuge in the surrounding hills and glens.
In 1650 the parish of Cumnock was sub-divided into the two new parishes of Old Cumnock and New Cumnock. The town of Cumnock grew up around the site of the original parish church of Cumnock (Old Cumnock) whilst the town of New Cumnock grew up around the site of Cumnock Castle (New Cumnock). Since then the two towns and two parishes have co-existed as friendly neighbours.
By Road : New Cumnock is in East Ayrhsire and sits mid-way between Glasgow(40 miles to the north-west) and Dumfries (38 miles to the south-east). From Kilmarnock (21 miles) follow the A77 passing through Mauchline (15 miles) and by-pass Auchinleck (7 miles) and Cumnock (5 miles).
By Rail : Limited service from and to Glasgow via, Barrhead, Kilmarnock, Auchinleck and New Cumnock.
