Kirkcolm has been in existence since the 1780s and at one time was known as Stewarton. However a village has been on this site since 1623 known as Burgh of Barony, surrounded on three sides by water, to the north and west by the Irish sea and Loch Ryan to the east. Leswalt parish is to the south. An old map can be seen in the Photo Gallery.
In the early days of the village it was known for having the best Black Galloway cattle in the Rhinns and the women had a home industry of muslin embroidery. Fishing was for salmon, herring and also oysters in Loch Ryan. There exists a letter from Julius Caesar that Loch Ryan oysters are the best in the world. Farming was the main industry.
More up to-date history, Sunderland flying boats of RAF Coastal Command were based in the deep waters at the Wig off Marion Point, giving air cover to WW2 convoys.
Today 2008 the village has spread a bit, but the main industry is still farming, some fishing still goes on, but that is now more for recreation. Oysters are still farmed, (if thats the right word), in Loch Ryan.
The Community Council, meets By-monthly 2nd Wednesday of the month. This is held in the Village Hall. Chairman...Mr Scott Baillie scottballie@lineone.net Secretary..Mr Matt Halliday
Blue Peter Hotel. 23 Main St, Kirkcolm, Stranraer. DG9 0NL Tel:(+44) 01776853221 e-mail blu3p3t3r23@aol.com
Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel. Corsewall Point, Near Kirkcolm, Stranraer. DG9 0QG Tel:(44) 01776853220 e-mail info@lighthousehotel.co.uk
There's the local village shop, this is a mini market, and Post Office. Philip & Loraine King Tel: 01776853571
Loch Connel Curling Club.... The club was started in 1844 and used to meet at the loch. The ladies would bring soup and rolls to keep them warm. Today they curl in the North West Castle.....Mrs Kate McIntyre 01776870652
Kirkcolm Bowling Club.
WRI meets on the 1st Wednesday in the month Mrs Irene Martindale Tel: 01776854285 This is held in the Village Hall
Youth Group-Cheeky Monkeys (Primary School Age) Mondays 6pm till 7-30pm Mrs Sara McCulloch Tel: 01776853203 They meet in the Village Hall
A Senior Citizens Working Group. Mrs Catherine Downie Tel:01776854202 e-mail catheyd@dumgal.gov.uk This group does a party for the elderly.
Welfare Committee ... Margaret Ballie.Tel: 01776854644 This group plans a bus trip for the elderly.
Kirkcolm Primary School Headmaster Mr Harold McCracken The School is at the edge of the village in a lovely setting. Each year the children do a mini walk, which is seven miles long. Some mum's and dad's do it with them and some former pupils come back and join in. The children are sponsored and the money goes towards school funds.
Photos of parish life and places of interest can be seen in the photo gallery.
