Ceremonial plaque recognises local legacy of Rev. Dr James Hamilton

The life and legacy of one of Kilmarnock’s historical figures were officially recognised at a recent event at James Hamilton Primary School.

Rev. Dr James Hamilton MA.DD was a prominent figure in Kilmarnock around the turn of the 20th century. He first came to Kilmarnock 1902 when he arrived as Minister at Henderson Church, where he served for over 41 years.

But Dr Hamilton was best known to the people of Ayrshire and throughout Scotland as an educationist - devoting himself to improving the quality of education facilities in Kilmarnock and raising the standard of education for all. In recognition of his passion and commitment, in 1933 a new school - James Hamilton Central School - on London Road in Kilmarnock was named after him. In 1969, when comprehensive education was introduced, the school then became James Hamilton Academy.  

In 1976 this school relocated to New Farm Loch, where it remained until 2018 when it was replaced by the McIlvanney Campus on Sutherland Drive, Kilmarnock. Dr Hamilton’s legacy lives on today within James Hamilton Primary School, as part of this new education campus. ​

Mr James Gilchrist, grandson of James Hamilton had contacted the Council to request assistance in recognising the legacy of the Rev. Dr James Hamilton and last week a commemorative information board was unveiled at the William McIlvanney Campus.

Mr Gilchrist was joined by his wife Heather, sister Margaret and her husband Donald Maclauchlan at the unveiling.

Welcoming guests to the event, East Ayrshire Provost Claire Leitch, said: 

 I’d like to thank Mr Gilchrist and his family for providing us with this opportunity to celebrate one of Kilmarnock’s famous sons.

"I’m sure you will agree there is no better location for paying tribute to Dr Hamilton than here in the new establishment which now carries his name – ensuring that local children and young people of today and for generations to come continue to learn about the important role he had in their education."

Mr Gilchrist and his family were also joined by elected members, Councillors Douglas Reid, Neal Ingram, Linda Mabon and Graham Boyd, Graham Barton, Elaine Cowan. Head Teacher Scott McPhilemy and five P6 pupils from James Hamilton Primary School assisted with proceedings, alongside Angela Brownlie Head of Campus and Gail Elder, Quality Improvement Officer. 

Unveiling the commemorative board, Mr Gilchrist said:

“We are delighted to be here today and we thank East Ayrshire Council and James Hamilton Primary School for ensuring our grandfather’s legacy lives on in this way.

“I never met my grandfather as he passed away five years before I was born, but my mother often spoke of him and his passion for education and his desire to offer a curriculum that would benefit all.

“He always maintained that teachers were fundamental to the education of our children – and I’m sure we all have memories of those teachers who made a lasting impression on us and helped shape our future.

“This plaque features an image of a portrait of our grandfather which we donated to the Dick Institute in 2016 and it’s touching to know that these young people will pass this image every day of their school career as they enter this building.”  

Invited guests and pupils gathered round the new plaque, alongside an antique wooden lectern dating back to 1944, inscribed in memory of their grandfather.

Headteacher Scott McPhilemy later escorted the family on a short tour of the primary school which now carries their grandfather’s name.