MR GEORGE DUNLOP c1843 – June 1909 KILMARNOCK STANDARD CO-PROPRIETOR

MR GEORGE DUNLOP 

c1843 – June 1909 

KILMARNOCK STANDARD  

CO-PROPRIETOR 

Born in Gas Brae, Kilmarnock, to James Dunlop (carpet weaver) and Helen Brown, George Dunlop was the youngest of eight sons.  His parents must have instilled in their children the value of a good education because, not only did George become a pupil teacher in Kilmarnock Academy, but also two of his brothers became Ministers with the Church of Scotland and another became a doctor. 

However, George found that teaching was not the career he really wished to pursue and quickly moved from that into a printing office, first in King Street, before working with Mr James McKie. This was in the former premises of John Wilson, famed for the printing of Robert Burns’ First Edition.   

Moving on, George set up in partnership with Mr James Rose as co-proprietor of the Kilmarnock Standard newspaper in 1863.  Soon after, James Rose left the partnership and was replaced by William Drennan.  This partnership worked very well, with George managing the newspaper and William supervising the printing office.  Later, a Mr Osborne joined the partnership, and was responsible for the commercial department of the paper. 

George collected rare books, manuscripts and the autographs of many famous people including political leaders, poets and authors.  Like his colleagues and his past employer, George had a great admiration for the National Bard and devoted much space in the Kilmarnock Standard for all things Burns related. 

George provided support and assistance to the Burns Monument Committee during the movement for its build as the focus for the newly opened Kay Park, and he acquired many of the valuable manuscripts and relics that were subsequently housed in the monument.   

Taking a considerable interest in many of the town’s pursuits, he also played a prominent part in the erection of the Reformers Monument, also housed in the Kay Park – near the upper entrance. 

Mr George Dunlop married his wife, Annie Roxburgh, in October 1869 and he died in his home in Portland Road on 26 June 1909 at the age of 66, after a severe attack of pneumonia and left behind his wife and three remaining children. 

Following a fire in 2004, the Monument is now an integral part of the Burns Monument Centre.