Once one of the greatest abbeys in Scotland, the scant ruins of Kilwinning Abbey are quietly hidden away in a North Ayrshire housing estate. It was founded in the 12th century and populated by Tironesian monks from Kelso Abbey in the Scottish Borders. Despite the turbulent times, the monastery survived largely unscathed for 400 years, until falling into decline after the Protestant Reformation of 1560. 

The best-preserved parts of the abbey today are the south transept, the south nave wall, including the east processional doorway, and part of the west front. In 1814, the north-west bell tower collapsed. It was replaced by the present clock tower the following year.