These pages were set up for worldwide "Habbies" (people of Kilbarchan).
You now can show friends and family where you came from.
So for all you worldwide "wanderers" I hope this brings back fond memories.




The name Kilbarchan means "the Church, Cell, or Retreat of Barchan" is an ancient village.
Founded upon the Chapel of St Katrine round about 1483, it is also has close connections with St.Barchan dating from 550 A.D. It was not until the beginning of the 18th century that it started to expand and develop into a prosperous weaving community. Linen weaving was begun in the year 1739 by John Barbour of Forehouse and others, among whom the names of Spiers, How and Houston are associated in these earliest ventures.

In 1745 the village sent 50 able bodied Militia to assist in the opposition to the '45 uprising, fighting with the English.
It has been said (but I cannot verify), that, because of this Kilbarchan was permitted to still weave tartan when the majority of other parts of Scotland were banned from doing so.

By the year 1774 Kilbarchan contained 142 houses (122 thatched and 20 slated) in which 304 families, totalling 1184 persons lived. There were 180 weavers looms working.

Even our Scottish bard Robert Burns writing to Anges McLehose (Clarinda) mentioned Kilbarchan:
"Away, then, with these disquietudes! Let us pray with the honest weaver of Kilbarchan,"
“Lord, send us a gude conceit o’ oursel’!”
Or in the words of the auld sang,
“Who does me disdain, I can scorn them again",
“And I’ll never mind any such foes”.  


For all those living abroad or not near the village this is a small walkthrough with printable pictures.

Clochoderick Stone..A large piece of rock left over by the glaciers, and a place of worship for the druids.


Entrance into Kilbarchan and Kilbarchan's Poet.


West Church...This is one of the two churches within Kilbarchan only 500 yards apart.


East Church....This church is the nearest to the "Steeple"


St Barchan 156 Masonic Lodge and its "interesting" history.


The Inn.. one of the two "watering holes" within the village.


The Trust Inn, the inn at the bottom end of the village.


Kilbarchan's landmark... the Steeple with our famous piper Habbie Simpson.


"Weavers Cottage" one of the last working looms in Scotland.



Kilbarchan Pipe Band World champions.


Lilias Day Annual Fete .


History of Kilbarchan and some anecdotes.


The Kilbarchan picture gallery


Forthcoming Village events and interests.


Contact details for the "live" village and other associated snippets.


I hope you enjoyed the "tour" of Kilbarchan, any comments or requests please do not hesitate to contact me.
For all you "Habbies" out there I wish you all the best and never let the world forget where you came from.

Please feel free to sign HABBIE'S guestbook

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If you have any comments or interested in any of the above contact me at:
Kilbarchan@johnbutler.org


Last update  March 2007

Web Page Design © John Butler