East Ayrshire Image
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East Ayrshire Image March 15, 2012
1. The Railway Viaduct from Green Street
Date: 17 December 2009
Photograph:
2. 9.17am from Dumfries arrives at Kilmarnock Station, January 2010.
Date: 5th January 2010
Photograph: ©MBailey
Built to carry the Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway's southern extension to Dumfries and Carlisle, the Kilmarnock railway viaduct dominates the northern fringe of the burgh.
This imposing viaduct, built between 1843 and 1850, carries the Glasgow and South Western's Nithsdale line from the station, across Portland and Soulis Streets and spans the Kilmarnock Water to join land that became Kay Park.
The structure is asymmetrical. Arches to W of Portland Street are of diminishing span, with shallow pointed heads. There is a wider span at Portland Street. At the time of construction, the structure towered over the older, smaller properties in the surrounding area.
In the 1860's John Simpson and Mr Bostock constructed a theatre under the railway arch in Back Street, this continuing until 1869.
The viaduct is still in use, carrying the main line south from Glasgow to Dumfries. It continues to dominate the streetscape to the north of the town centre.
The viaduct has been 'B listed' by Historic Scotland.
For further information please follow this LINK