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Coylton
COYLTON, or Coylston, a parish in the
district of Kyle, Ayrshire. It is bounded on the north by the parish
of Ayr; on the east by Ochil; on the south by Dalrymple; and on the
west by Dalrymple and Ayr. It stretches from the Doon to Ayr water;
and is 7 miles in length, and about 2 in average breadth. Its surface
is in general flat; though, at one point toward the south, it rises to
a gentle elevation. The holms near the rivers Ayr and Coyl are fertile
and dry, and most other parts of the parish have a clayey and
productive soil. Coal, lime, and marl are abundant. Coyl water
traverses the district from south-east to north-west, and falls into
the Ayr. There are three lakes, the largest of which, Martnahaim, is a
mile in length. The parish, and the stream which intersects it, are
said, by tradition, to derive their name from a fabulous king, called
Coilus, or Coil, who is reported to have been slain in battle, at
Coylesfield, 5 miles south of Coylston, and buried at the
parish-church. A large stone is still regarded as monumental of 'Auld
King Coil.' There are, in this parish, several small villages, -
thechief of which, Coylston, stands on Coyl water. Population, in
1801, 848; in 1831, 1,389. Houses 222. Assessed property, in 1815,
£7,144. — The parish, formerly a prebend, is in the presbytery of Ayr,
and synod of Glasgow and Ayr. Patron, the Crown. Stipend £254 8s. 4d.;
glebe £12. Schoolmaster's salary £30, with about £30 additional
emoluments. There are 3 other schools.
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