Kilbarchan Steeple Church (Kilbarchan)

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The Kilbarchan Church steeple, built in 1755 by James Milliken, dominates the village skyline. When built, the building acted as a combined school and meal market. The door on the west side was also the entrance to the schoolroom. This entrance was closed when the school was enlarged in 1782 and another door made. It has been suggested the pupils could not resist the temptation of pulling the bell rope which hung down the side of the staircase. The bell was rung by the church at 6am, and 6pm and again at 10pm. The church was originally built with only one clock face - facing Kilbarchan cross. The other three faces were put in 27 years later. It has a square shaped spire about 75 feet high. On the building is a niche containing a bronze statue of Robert 'Habbie' Simpson (1550-1620), a famous local piper. This statue was added in 1822. The nickname 'habbie' derives from the old nickname of a native of Kilbarchan. A ballustrade was also placed above the clocks having 5 balusters in each square, for the safety of people wishing to walk around the belfry and enjoy the view of the village, although today it is not open to the public. The steeple building plays an important part in the village's annual Lilas Day celebrations, held in early June.