Robert Simson was a man born into a family that had his path decided for him. As many other families did in that era, the children were expected or generally followed in the footsteps of their fathers, or entered professions guided by their families. Robert Simson was no different. He was originally intended to enter the church. Logic was too string within him though and he decided on pursuing mathematics via university in Glasgow, where he gained his degree.

Naturally inclined towards numbers and logic, Simson caught wind of a possible chair position at the Glasgow University. Inclined to pursue that opportunity, he decided to move to London and study for another year. Upon his return to Glasgow, he was given the position of professor of mathematics at the university. He held this position for 50 years.

His work consisted of early critiques and analysis of many of the worlds earliest practitioners of mathematics and those who were published in the field of geometry itself. His first published work, in 1723, was a critique on Euclid’s Porisms. Between his first publication and 1749 he had 5 greatly known and popular works under his belt, and was continuing on with more. A multi volume work on Euclid authored by Simsin was showcased in 1756. This volume became the standard text that was used on the subject during that era..

Some of his work on Apollonius and Euclid were restored and reproduced for private consumers and buyers, after his death. They were popular even then and the market had a steady demand for the mathematicians writings. Having had such an influence, a part of the triangle is sometimes granted a name in his remembrance and honor; the pedal line. Sometimes called the Simpson Line, it’s done so in his honor for all the work he had published and the impact he had on the mathematics community.

It is believed, that West Kilbride is named after the Celtic Saint Brigid of Kildare who, according to local history, established her church sometime around 500AD. The West was added in front of Kilbride to differentiate it from other communities that commemorate St. Bride in the area.

West Kilbride and the surrounding area hold a lot of history. There four castles in the area that are still standing. Law Castle which can be rented for a holiday, as well as Portencross Castle, Hunterston Castle and Crosbie Castle (also known as Crosbie Towers). A park in the West Kilbride area bears the name of Crosby, the maiden name of William Wallace’s mother. One of the oldest houses in West Kilbride is Kirktonhall House. This house, dating back to the 1660’s, was rebuilt partially and extended between 1791 and 1868. Currently it is used as office for the North Aryshire Council.

Although mostly a rural area, farming only makes up about 1.4% of the local employment. In addition to the famous Ayrshire potatoes, crops such as sweetcorn, root vegetables and berries are grown. Livestock, primarily cattle and sheep, are also farmed here. Other areas of employment are real estate, rentals, manufacturing, health and social services and education make up the majority of the employment. It is home to Airtricity which is a wind turbine field located just above West Kilbride and Seamill.

West Kilbride is becoming known as “Craft Town Scotland”. There are several craft studios where you can actually see the raw material converted to the final product and you may buy straight from the studio. You can also go online and shop the studios. This was an initiative to contribute to the growth of the area culturally and through retail.

Other features of this small town are the West Kilbride Primary School and beautiful West Kilbride Institute and Public Hall. The school opened in 1983 and the Institute opened in 1900. West Kilbride has the distinction of being the first Scottish town to host a Scarecrow Festival. A championship 18-hole golf course, the West Kilbride Golf Club, is located in Seamill with the breathtaking backdrop of the Scottish coast.