The Friends of the McKechnie Institute were delighted to unveil a new memorial bench in the McKechnie Institute Garden on Saturday 18 July.
Commissioned as part of the Friends of the McKechnie Institute's legacy, the memorial bench serves as a permanent tribute to those who were involved in the development and preservation of the historic building in Girvan.
The bench honours Thomas McKechnie, whose generous donation funded Girvan's first Public Library and Reading Room. The McKechnie Institute opened its doors in December 1888, with its library welcoming visitors in early 1889.
It also commemorates Dr Margaret McCance, Ian McGregor, Ian Fitzsimmons and Margaret Milroy, whose dedication was instrumental in preserving and developing the McKechnie Institute. Through their efforts to secure the building’s reopening, establishing it as a museum and art gallery and supporting its ongoing development, they helped safeguard the Institute and strengthen its role as an important part of Girvan’s cultural heritage.
Today, South Ayrshire Council continues to work closely with the Friends of the McKechnie Institute to celebrate the town's rich history and support the space as a valued community and heritage asset. The Institute features a permanent display of artefacts showcasing the town's heritage, alongside a regular programme of changing exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors can explore artworks by Alex Cubie and William Muir, displays on geology, fossils, Ailsa Craig and its granite, and model ships.
After attending the ceremony, South Ayrshire Council's Depute Leader and Policy Lead for Commercial/Operational Services, Councillor Alec Clark, said:
“On a sunny Saturday July afternoon within the walls of the McKechnie Institute Garden, it was a pleasure and a privilege to see the beautiful newly unveiled memorial bench commissioned by the Friends of the McKechnie.
Councillor Clark whose remit includes culture and tourism continued: “The bench, in memory of Thomas McKechnie, also commemorates four past Friends, who all played their part in making sure that the important heritage of the McKechnie continues to live on. The bench is a beautiful reminder of their good work.”
The bench design celebrates landmarks closely connected to Thomas McKechnie and the town's heritage, featuring depictions of Knockcushan House, the McKechnie Institute and Girvan Valley Church.
The Friends of the McKechnie Institute hope the bench will serve as a lasting reminder of the people whose contributions helped secure the future of the historic building and its place at the heart of the local community.