63 Dalhowan Street, Crosshill

This is a continuous range of mostly three-bay cottages lining the west side of Dalhowan Street in Crosshill. The cottages were built in the early 19th century as part of a planned weaver’s village, with many weavers coming from Ireland to work. They are predominantly single storey, although some have dormers or attics and are two storeys high. The cottages are built of painted rubble with contrasting margins, and some are raised.

The windows vary, with some timber sash and case windows and some non-traditional replacements. The roofs are covered with grey slates, and there are gable and ridge stacks, some of which are raised with skews.

The row is notable for retaining much of its original external appearance, particularly its unaltered rooflines and window openings. Several cottages are asymmetrical, featuring two windows on one side of the entrance door and one on the other; reflecting the original weaving rooms that would have contained two looms. Crosshill is described in “The Buildings of Scotland” (2012) as the least altered example of a weaver’s village in Ayrshire.

Number 83 Dalhowan Street is a more recent addition, constructed in 2004. The group value of the cottages lies in their contribution to the streetscape and character of the village. The statutory address covers numbers 15 to 81 (odd numbers) and 85 to 91 (odd numbers) Dalhowan Street.