Due to Covid-19 restrictions, venues and exhibitions are closed until further notice. We recommend checking with the venues' own websites for up-to-date information. The McKechnie Institute opened in 1889 thanks to the bequest of local businessman Thomas McKechnie. Its architectural style is Scottish Baronial with some Renaissance detailing. The ground floor originally contained a Library, Reading Room and Ladies Room. On the first floor was a billiards room and beyond that the Librarian’s House. A contemporary report states 'Every evening the places are all but crowded with labouring men, fishermen, tradesmen and others…' The McKechnie Institute remains a popular community venue to this day, showing exhibitions of items from the McKechnie and wider South Ayrshire collections, plus a variety of local themed and incoming exhibitions. Also, the McKechnie is the venue for many local group meetings, Councillor surgeries, art classes and much more.