The event will continue from Friday, October 30, to Friday, November 6, and include such recent favourites as Wall-E, Coraline, A Night at the Museum 2, Persepolis, Star Trek, Bolt and the Secret of Moonacre.

This is the 14^th running year in which National Schools Film Week has been held, and is now the world’s largest film festival for young people. A record number of children attended last year’s film week in over 500 cinemas across the country.

This year, the theme for the Film Week is ‘Creativity and Diversity’, and on feature will be current and forthcoming films designed to offer diverse viewpoints on challenging issues.

Oscar winning director Danny Boyle commented, “I’m very proud to be a patron of Film Education and National Schools Film Week. I think it’s important that people go to the cinema as soon as possible in their lives and keep going. We’ll have a much better film industry the more people go to the cinema. More people are now making films about their own country.”

Chill NiteClub is all set to open on October 3^rd, and with its message that you don’t need alcohol to have a good time, is meant for 12 to 17 year olds. It is modeled much on the lines of a commercial nightclub- disco lighting, professional disc jockeys, state of the art sound system, a dance floor… the only thing missing will be the alcohol. Another difference from a standard nightclub would be its hours- it stays open only on Saturday nights, and that too from 7 till 9:30 pm.

The idea was the brainchild of the Church of Scotland. According to Jamie Milliken, associate minister of St Andrew’s and St Marnock’s Church, the Chill NiteCLub project was born amidst rising concerns of increasing alcohol usage among young people. The project is intended to help young people meet and interact in a completely non-alcoholic environment in order to show them that there are other, better ways to enjoy themselves in life.

The palace part of Dean Castle was not added on until about the year 1468. The reason behind its expansion, was that the head of the estate, Lord Boyd wanted an area he could go to for privacy and total relaxation. No amenity was spared. In 1735, the castle caught fire and was seriously gutted and it lay dormant and in ruins for a couple of hundred years. The Boyd family sold the estate in 1749 and since then it has had numerous owners, some of which were very prestigious and important people.

Inherited, Lord Howard de Walden the 8th restored the estate and its castle to its former glory and it was completed in the year 1908. Today, the castle is home to his extensive collection of armour, weapons and many wall tapestries, which is proudly on display today. His wife’s father kept his gathering of musical instruments there for all to see and is still there to this day also. Total restoring of the place was completed in total in the year 1946 and the estate and Dean Castle and all its belongings were given to the township of Kilmarnock by Lord Howart de Walden the 8th’s son.

Presently, visitors and guest is welcomed by a beautiful Visitors Centre located within the estate’s Country Park. It is home to much wildlife and let’s all who visit, get close and interact with the animals. You can also learn much information about the wildlife you will find there on the grounds in the Discovery Room and Auditorium as well. There is even a centre for rare breeds of animals, kept there on the grounds, which allows for a Children’s Corner and Riding Centre as well. A tea room has been added, so after walking and exploring its beautiful ground at leisure, you can take you a hot, relaxing cup.

September 19, 2002, the Robert Burns World Federation, alongside East Ayrshire Council, commemorated a plaque for the United States tragedy that occurred on Sept 11, 2001. It sits peacefully in a memorial garden of beautiful roses out in the front area of Dean Castle.

The institute first opened its doors in 1901, but the building suffered a serious fire after the eight year from its opening. There was loss also, as far as some collections that were on display. In 1911, it reopened its doors and was even used temporarily as a hospital for World War I. The building has many famous claims to lending itself in time of need as well as preserving many items and wares from years of long ago. The Dick Institute has lovingly giving them a home, where they will forever be enjoyed by their visitors.

Dick Institute is home to two of the finest contemporary Art Galleries, and have many regular, revolving exhibits. The museum has proud displays of many collections and the institute offers a broad range of local history and fare. They hold many events throughout the year and feature many great, famous artists and craftsman. Much of the fine art collection, that is on display now, dates clear back to the early 1800s. Admission to the Institute is totally free and there are many amenities and facilities for the public as well as the disabled.

An actual working replica of the printing press that John Wilson used to print Robert Burns, First Edition in the year 1786, got its first showing at the Dick Institute. There are many things such as this, that you can see when visiting the famous landmark. If you come at the right time, you can also partake of many special events, exhibits and collections, that can be found no where else in the world. By visiting the Dick Institute, you can transcend back into another time and world, much different from the world we live in today.

Since they had raised such a great amount of money, they scraped staying with just their old statue and building plans. They now had the money and means to extend their building of a building worthy of the poet by using an architect. They held a contest to find the most appropriate sculptor to come forth, which would be W.G. Stevenson.

On August 9, 1879, the statue was shown for the first time to the biggest gathering of individuals, this tiny area had ever known. However, in November 2004, the statue and building were partially damaged by a fire. In 2008 the monument was restored and returned to its former glory and was placed with brand new accessories and settings to enhance the Burns Monument Centre. Today, it proudly stands as it once did many years ago.

The monument and statue are the perfect backdrop for any important pictures to be taken, such as weddings, reunions and other special occasions. Alexander Kay, who the park is named after gave the land as a gift to start a 30-acre park for all to enjoy. She believed that a park was important for bodily health and greatly improved moral issues. She also believed in every town having one and that was her life’s wish. She thought that land should be set aside in every down for the sole purpose of a park. She often said that to many times came up, where a town had not thought of, until it was too late, or set aside ample amounts of land for a park.

In 2004, the monument was severly damaged by fire, but has since been restored and the area redeveloped into the Burns Monument Centre.

Atop of Loudoun Hill, one can easily see complete 360 degree views. And this very reason is why the battle of Sir William Wallace against the English took place. He defeated them successfully in the year 1296. On a sloped hillside that sits aside Loudoun Hill, is a signature mound and holds a monument that is dedicated to Wallace.

Loudoun Hill is famous for being an ideal rock climbing trek and many visit there for its sheer beauty. The area is very scenic and is a proud destination for visitors and guest to travel to. Whether it is for its historical value or scenic bounty, everyone who pays homage to the area, leaves with a feeling of awe. The hills height tops out at 1,036 feet and it’s locale is one thing that makes it one of Scotland’s most coveted historical landmarks.

Loudoun Hill was created when a glacier had leveled pretty much the valley surrounding it and Loudoun Hill was left unscathed by the glacier. If you are set on climbing Loudoun Hill, then you had better be pretty fit, as it is very steep on all sides of it’s rocky outcrop. The point of Loudoun Hill that is the steepest, is the one that most avid rock climbers find most appealing. Once you do make it to the top, it is well worth the trek and climb. There are views that leave you breathless and look towards Strathaven and Lanarkshire. If you look the other way, one sees the Irvine Valley stretching out to the Fifth of Clyde and you can see the numerous mountains on the Isle of Arran. The highest mountain peak that can be seen from the top of Loudoun Hill is Goat Fell.

The history of Kilmarnock Scotland, is one steeped rich in history. It is a gorgeous place, with restful and peaceful areas of beautiful scenery. It is home to a railway tram and was one of the earliest known anywhere in the world. Kilmarnock is also home to the well known popular Johnnie Walker Scotch whiskey. The company of Johnnie Walker Scotch has been around a very long time but have made plans to close its doors by the year 2011.

It is also home to the famous and well known historical buildings like, King Street Church and the Town Hall, all which is being rebuilt. Kilmarnock Scotland houses a beautiful 30-acre park, known as Kay Park. This park was given as a gift by a woman named Alexander Kay. It was first opened to the public in 1979 and the Burns Monument can be found located in it.

Kilmarnock Scotland has always been a town with transportation on its mind and the tram lines and power lines put into place are there to prove it. The idea was tossed around to extend the trek of the tram system but with rising costs, the plan never got approval. The town of Kilmarnock also is known for Dean Castle. The castle is home to an impressive armour and weapon exhibit and various musical instruments known as the Van Raalte collection.

The Sandbed Street Bridge is the oldest known surviving bridge in the area. The diversity of the area of Kilmarnock, has contributed to its rich historical past and draws visitors world wide. Kilmarnock is the very essence of Scotland. The town beckons for many to come explore and learn about its rich historical past.

The son and grandson of Johnnie Walker, are the ones that have made the Johnnie Walker Whisky a common name and is responsible for introducing many other blends and mixes of whisky’s. To this day the whisky is still being blended and produced in Kilmarnock; visitors and guests can still see its plant, warehouses and offices. You can buy inexpensive bottles of whisky however, there are just as many very expensive blends and rare whiskys, that the Johnnie Walker line produces.

Each different type and blend of Johnnie Walker whisky, has its own unique coloring and are to be used for different situations and occasions. The rarer the whisky, the rarer the special occasion should be. One can find that there are clubs and societies built entirely for the individual that is an avid fan of the brand. From the time the original Johnnie Walker was around to present day, the whisky company contributes and puts back into its loyal buyers. They host many popular golf tournaments and championships and also are proud sponsors of many sports and their teams and such.

The original Johnnie Walker plant in Kilmarnock, Scotland, plans to close its doors by 2011 and opens it’s new plant doors in Leven, Fife and Shieldhall in Glasgow. Many who are avid fans of the whisky and its maker, are against the change and a very public campaign and outcry have started to preserve the original home of the whisky and it;s tie to its famous maker. The government has even inducted itself into the endeavor. They have found that it is indeed part of their heritage as well and its popularity can only be preserved if they take action as well.

The railway was opened in 1812, and was only a system of horse-drawn railway carriages, but it had been carrying individuals prior. It was not licensed to transport passengers, but the railway found a way past this stipend, by charging individuals wishing to use the system for travel. They would weight them and according to how much they weighed, would charge them the same rates as freight. This railway was later Scotland’s first steam powered train. In the year of 1846, the railway system was shut down for a short stint, allowing the system to improve and modernize its tracks. Today, the railway system is still in working order and transports passengers on a regular basis.

The name Troon is derived from a Celtic word “Trwyn” and means point or head of land. The name is fitting as the land is centered in a somewhat crescent shape. During the late 1800s, the area of Troon had a name as one of the top ten most popular ports that were coal regulated in the country of Britain. The coal industry in Troon, eventually declined when the Ayshire fields of coal came into focus. After that, the harbor of Troon continued to stay active none the less.

The area known as Kilmarnock, is the inland’s largest settlement of people. Kilmarnock is known for the epicenter for most of its industry. Both Kilmarnock and Troon are very attractive areas for tourist and individuals that wish to visit a place that has much to offer in a historic element and holds on to its past, yet is very much modernized in many ways.

The viaduct is the worlds oldest known surviving railway viaduct. The viaduct, when you first get a glimpse of it, has a medieval feel. With its beautiful light colored stone bricks and old world look and feel, it is ideal for many pictures and paintings. The viaduct was also part of the Kilmarnock Troon railway. This railway and viaduct are a serious must for any railway enthusiasts or one that adores historic landmarks.

The bridge or viaduct was designed by a budding engineer by the name of William Jessop. However, the actual erection of the viaduct was completed by a masonry expert named, John Simpson. It was constructed to help the Duke of Portland transport his horse-drawn carts of coal from the mines to Troon Harbour. When the viaduct was shut down, due to a more modernized version of a viaduct that was built upstream from it.

The Laigh Milton Viaduct has since then, fell to very unstable situations, but a group of Civil Engineers has purchased it and has had it restored. For them to be able to carry out such a restoration, the River Irvine had to be damned for while and they had to take part of it down and reconstruct it. Now, it has an internal infrastructure of solid steel, that does an ideal job of supporting its heavy masonry weight and its arch construction. Any stones in need of replacement, was upgraded as well. They also seen to it, that a metal railing was constructed atop of the viaduct, to allow for the public to cross it without safety concerns. The group heading the restoration, won an award for restoring a structure that was in a state of almost total disrepair.