Provost’s Dalgarven Mill visit
North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson took in the latest exhibition at Dalgarven Mill Museum of Country Life and Costume during a recent visit.
And the Provost was full of praise after getting a close-up look at some of the stunning costumes on display in the ‘Treasures of the Orient’ which is a breathtaking collection of exquisite Imperial Chinese robes and Japanese kimonos.
During her tour of the facility, which was led by curator Robert Ferguson, whose family have owned the mill since 1922, the Provost took in the three floors of artefacts showing the lives of past rural workers.
What makes this museum so special and unique is how it spans generations and styles with it showcasing a fabulous costume collection dating from the mid 1700s to the present day.
Situated in a lovely, tranquil setting between Kilwinning and Dalry, the museum itself is located within one of Scotland’s oldest and tallest grain mills which was constructed in 1880.
Quote: Firstly I would like to thank Robert for a wonderful tour of this stunning museum. I often think Dalgarven is something of a hidden gem in North Ayrshire. It has so much to offer and it was a fantastic afternoon spent exploring the lives and history of community farmers and associated trades. The costume collection is also simply stunning and with over 3,000 items on display there can’t be many other museums with such an array of costumes. It is also one of Scotland’s last working water wheel, powered by the River Garnock, so it really is a magical place. Dalgarven is one of a number of museums throughout North Ayrshire, all run by volunteers with a passion for sharing North Ayrshire’s rich and diverse heritage. They deserve an enormous amount of credit for the great work they do.”
Quote from: Anthea Dickson, North Ayrshire Provost
The ‘Treasures of the Orient’ exhibition is on until the end of May and the museum is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm, and Sunday 11am to 4pm.
Dalgarven is one of many museums throughout North Ayrshire, all run by volunteers with a passion for sharing North Ayrshire’s rich and diverse heritage. To find out what is on offer, please visit their webpage
Published: 17 March 2025