FAQs

Often when discussing this project people will say it's Poets' Corner Bench installation, but this is misleading.  It's far more than a simple bench, it incorporates planting and craftsman designed artwork designed to create an artistic space for all to enjoy. 

• New paving slabs will replace old, cracked slabs and as there is a change of paving colour it will visually delineate the area
• Old bins are being removed to allow space for new bins to be installed
• Line marking is being refreshed
• The bench and planter provide protection from traffic, it is in effect a safety bollard protecting those who wish to stop and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area and buildings.
• Increase biodiversity in Kilmarnock town centre.

This new space will be an intimate area for people to gather and celebrate poetry, history and culture.

• A semi circle stone will create a 'stage' from which Poets can present
• The bench will seat 8-10 people as an audience or just for a rest or a place to eat lunch
• It gives us a new option in town for use as an Event Space 
• The bench and planter creates a new civic events space that celebrates the spoken word. 

The verse inscribed on the bench is an extract from one of Burns' lesser known but nevertheless highly acclaimed works, The Ordination.  Written in 1786 and featuring infamous Kilmarnock characters. 

You can read and hear it read by actor Derek Riddell on the BBC arts website 

East Ayrshire Council supports community wealth building. For this project the creation of the new civic space will be done by local company DM Homeshield, who are based in Kilmarnock.