Editing East Ayrshire (section)

===17th century===

During the 17th century, the [[Covenanters]] were particularly active in the East Ayrshire area, as well as along Scotland's west coast where they began promoting ''[[National Covenant]]''. During this period, a significant number of Covenanters died as a result of advocating their beliefs.<ref name="Local history"/> In order to commemorate those lost, a number of sites and monuments in East Ayrshire were erected, including Fenwick Kirk Yard, the [[Laigh Kirk, Kilmarnock|Laigh Kirk]] in Kilmarnock, Galston Kirk Yard, Loudoun Old Parish Kirk near Galston, Newmilns Keep and Kirkyard, Threepwood near Galston, Lochgoyne Farm above Fenwick, Priesthill Farm near Muirkirk, Mauchline, Sorn, Cumnock and Airds Moss near Cumnock. In 1648, [[Mauchline]] was the location of a battle between the Covenanters and Royalists, known as the Battle of Mauchline Muir. A Covenanters Memorial was erected in Loan Green in Mauchline, commemorating the five martyrs who were hanged at the site in 1685.<ref name="Local history"/>

During the 17th century, the establishment of 'Burghs of Barony' titles evolved. Many towns in modern day East Ayrshire were granted charters which allowed them to use the newly created title. Such towns and settlements which were granted Burgh of Barony status included [[Newmilns]] in 1491, [[Auchinleck]] in 1507, [[Cumnock]] in 1509, [[Kilmarnock]] in 1592 and Riccarton in 1638. With the settlements using the newly granted titles, the settlements were said to have "flourished and prospered after the granting of their Charters, with lively trade in agriculture, livestock and textiles".<ref name="Local history"/>