Kilmarnock Station, Langlands Brae, Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock Station

This Grade B listed railway station was built in 1878, with later additions and canopies. It is a substantial structure, principally 2-storeys but diminishing to single storey at the east end to accommodate the sloping ground. The building forms an L-plan measuring 18 bays by 6 bays, with a distinctive 3-storey, single-bay Italianate tower positioned at the south-east corner.

The main structure is constructed in coursed red ashlar sandstone, rusticated at ground level and droved to the 1st floor with polished dressings. A cill band runs at 1st-floor level, and the windows are architraved rectangles. A cornice and blocking course is raised above the central bays, topped with a block pediment.

The south (principal) elevation extends 18 bays across the slope, divided into sections of 5, 8 and 5 bays. The left section comprises a regularly fenestrated 2-storey block of 5 bays. The central portion, slightly advanced, is 8 bays and 2 storeys with a prominent raised block pediment. To the right are 4 single-storey bays. A plain parapet conceals the roof line. The 5th bay stands taller and features an arched window with a prominent keystone, which forms the base of the 3-storey tower. A band course runs at the springing-line. To the 2nd storey of the tower is an arched bipartite window with impost blocks and a circular light above. A band course clasps the full height of the angle margins. The upper stage features a large circular light surmounted by a bracketed pediment, with identical details repeated on each elevation of the tower.

The west elevation is largely blind, serving as the lean-to end of the principal offices on the right, separated by a high wall from the platform elevation. On the right of the platform are 2 cast-iron arches with decorative spandrels resting on a stone wall. The upper sections of these arches have radial glazing, terminating in a decorative cast-iron support pillar to the left. A large roof truss spans across all and extends over the railway line to rest on a matching pillar on the adjacent platform.

The north (platform) elevation features 21 painted cast-iron pillars supporting a projecting cast-iron and glass verandah-style roof over the platforms. Each pillar has a T-shaped form with a circular plinth and a bowed section leading to a partially ringed shaft. Paired arched roof brackets flank the riveted upper section of each pillar, each inscribed with a circular GSWR (Glasgow and South Western Railway) monogram and decorated with scrolled foliate spandrels. Four pillars to the left bays hold roof beams adjoining a high platform wall via semi-arched matching brackets, with an open section between the 4th and 5th brackets. The bays between brackets 5 and 7 form the right return of the east elevation, with a door and window to the left bay and a window to the right bay; the right return contains a door and window of the former booking office. In front, a double flight of stairs leads from the subway, flanked by a pair of cast-iron newel piers with pyramid caps and ball finials. The long elevation extends the full length of the platform, regularly fenestrated with windows and doors leading to former refreshment and waiting rooms. A row of 13 plain cast-iron pillars holds riveted roof trusses parallel to the length of the elevation.

The east elevation shows the return of the tower to the left with an arched window bearing a prominent keystone and a band course at the springing-line (details as described for the south elevation). To the right is a single-storey, 6-bay section with windows bearing margins and drip sills, paired doors to the 2nd and 3rd bays, and a blind wall adjoining at 90 degrees at the extreme right.

Windows throughout are mostly 8-pane, double-glazed sash and case. Fixed multi-paned radial arched windows serve the west end of the platforms. The main station building and tower are roofed in piended grey slate, while glazed panels cover the piended roof over the platforms, supported by cast-iron columns, braces and rivets throughout.

Internally, a modern underpass provides access to the platforms. Stone steps with wrought-iron pillars and ball finials mark the platform exit. A screen to the original ticket office survives, retaining its bracketed ledge and plaster cornice. Some original features remain in the former waiting and refreshment rooms on the platform, including skirting boards, plaster cornicing, and panelled timber doors.