Riccarton Parish Church
21 OLD STREET KILMARNOCK, KA1 4DX

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Buchanan Centre

As Riccarton Church was not an affluent church, it was decided not to ask the church for any financial help. Both sides of the work continued to grow and be self-sufficient.

Two years on it was decided to erect another two prefabs to cope with the demand. The luncheon club expanded into a 'meals on wheels' service.

In 1976 a local trust (Witchknowe Trust) decided to wind up and gave four thousand pounds to the Buchanan Centre. It would have been easy to invest the money and use the interest but the Executive decided to erect a large industrial building which would eventually become a games hall.

The concrete pillars and 30' high roof was erected and the area measured 60’ x 30’ This would provide three badminton courts and five aside football etc. The other work in the prefabs continued.

Manpower Services, a government training scheme which was set up at this time created the possibility of further expansion. 30 men were involved in this project of expansion.

This work has continued in a wonderful way.

The care of the elderly is paramount in the centre's thinking. The main criterion is the meals on wheels service and luncheon club. This work has grown considerably e.g. The whole town of Kilmarnock is covered by 10 runs, The centre provides approximately 250 meals per day + 30 meals for the luncheon club. 10 drivers and helpers (all volunteers) take hot meals to the elderly or people in need from Monday -Friday.

The church organisations also use the centre for all their activities.

Although the centre is church based it is open to all irrespective of race, creed or culture.