Coylton
[Vol.I, pages 101–102.]
By the Rev. Mr David Shaw.
Name, Situation, Extent, Soil, and Surface
There is a tradition, though it is believed very ill founded, that Coylton derives its name from a King called Coilus, who was killed in battle in the neighbourhood, and buried at the church of Coylton. This parish is in the district of the county of Air called Kyle, in the presbytery of Air, and synod of Glasgow and Air. It is 7 miles long, and at an average, about 2 broad. It is bounded on the south by Dalmellington, on the east by Stair, on the north by Tarbolton and St. Quivox, on the west by Air, and on the southwest by Dalrymple. The soil of the greater part of the parish is clayey, which, when properly cultivated, is abundantly fertile. The holms near the rivers of Ayr and of Kyle, are fertile and dry. The parish, in general, is flat; one farm, however, on the south is rather high ground.
Population
Forty years ago, the farms were in general small and run–rig, which was necessarily an obstacle to improvement. The proprietors at that time occupied their own lands, and kept them in grass, which, of course, diminished the number of inhabitants. The lands being afterwards [102] properly divided, were let in larger farms, and population again increased. The number of inhabitants, as returned to Dr Webster, was 527; at present they amount to 667. For these last eight years, the annual average of baptisms is about 15; of marriages 9; and of burials 16.
Poor
10 or 12 poor persons are generally supported by the session. The funds are about £50 Sterling at interest, and the weekly collections made at the church.
Rent
The valued rent of the parish is £3330 Scots; the real rent about £2000 Sterling. The number of heritors is 9; 2 of whom reside in the parish.
Church and Stipend
The church, which is an old prebendary, was repaired about 16 years ago. The manse was built in 1750. The stipend is 5 chalders of victual, half meal half barley, 500 merks of money, and 100 merks for communion elements.
Miscellaneous Observations
The air is wholesome. There are three considerable lakes, particularly one called Martorham, a mile long, and in some parts a quarter of a mile broad. Lime, marle, and several strata of coal, are lately found. Coal is the only fuel used in the parish. There are several plantations: both they and the natural woods are in a thriving state. A labourer's wages are 1s per day. All the inhabitants of this parish belong to the Established Church.