Curling, New Farm Loch

Since the early 1970s 'New Farm Loch' has been the name of a housing estate on the north east side of Kilmarnock. In earlier times  a loch had been constructed there by cooperation between the Duke of Portland's factor and the local curling clubs, and when, in winter, the loch froze over it was used as a curling rink, and one of these occasions is painted here. It is late afternoon and there are crowds out on the ice, a whole variety of townspeople . There are several games of curling underway but some are entertaining themselves by pushing their friends over.   The artificial loch provided ice for curling and skating for over 100 years.   It is thought that local artist Alexander MacKay collaborated on this painting with his brother James MacKay.  The brothers had studied together at the Trustee's Academy in Edinburgh and both returned to Kilmarnock to enjoy success painting local scenes and people. James was most well-known for his landscapes and Alexander for his figurative and portraiture work. Another brother, David, became Provost of the town.