National Gazetteer, 1868

"OCHILTREE, a parish in the district of Kyle, county Ayr, Scotland. It comprises the village of the same name. It extends in length about 8 miles from N. to S., with an extreme breadth of 5 miles. It is bounded by the parishes of Stair, Auchinleck, Old Cumnock, New Cumnock, Dalmellington, and Coylton. The surface is moderately even, the greatest altitude being to the S., which rises 1,000 feet in some parts. It is divided betwixt arable, pasture, and moss. The soil is chiefly a clayey loam upon a subsoil of stiff clay. Ironstone, marl, freestone, and coal exist. The parish is traversed by the road from Cumnock to Ayr; and is within easy access of the Auchinleck and Cumnock stations of the Glasgow and South-Western railway. The village of Ochiltree is about 5 miles W. of New Cumnock, 4 W. by N. of Old Cumnock, and 11½ E. of Ayr. It is situated at the confluence of the Burnock and Lugar Waters, on the road from Cumnock to Ayr. Weaving and snuff-box making employ a considerable portion of the inhabitants. There are also extensive manufactories for shearing hooks. There are ruins of three ancient castles, the property of the Earl of Glencairn. John Knox, the Scottish reformer, was a native of this village. This parish is in the presbytery of Ayr, and synod of Glasgow and Ayr. The minister has a stipend of £261. The parish church was rebuilt in 1789. Beside the parish church there area Free church and a parochial school. Ochiltree gave title of baron to the Stewarts of Avondale, now dormant. Fairs are held on the second Wednesday in May and on the first Tuesday in November."

Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868)
Transcribed by Colin Hinson ©2003