Editing East Ayrshire (section)

===18th–19th century===
[[File:The Jougs in Kilmaurs, East Ayrshire. 1900.jpg|thumb|right|The Jougs in [[Kilmaurs]] in 1900, served as the council chamber for the Burgh of Kilmaurs]]

The arrival of the 18th century saw economic prosperity arrive in the area, with the main hub for industry arguably being Kilmarnock. During the 18th and 19th centuries, East Ayrshire became one of the industrial powerhouses of the expanding [[British Empire]]. Largely it was textile production which dominated the industrial expansion in the area, with other industries including muslin, cotton, blankets, carpets and woollen goods being produced in Kilmarnock. Other settlements, such as Stewarton, became known internationally its manufacturing of bonnets, and the Irvine Valley region had become renowned for its specialised lace industry.<ref name="Local history"/>

During this period, coal mining was considered an important economic asset across the area, particularly in communities such as [[Dalmellington]] and [[Patna]]. Additionally, iron making was developed at locations such as at Dunaskin in the Doon Valley, ultimately in which all were contributed to the importance of industry in East Ayrshire. The areas strength in industry and manufacturing allowed other sectors to develop in many parts of East Ayrshire, including the manufacturing of railway rolling stock in Kilmarnock which would later become exported internationally.<ref name="Local history"/>