A tribute to a son of Kilmarnock

I was in Kilmarnock today visiting the Principal of Kilmarnock College. As I was a little early, I took this photograph, just off London Road in Kilmarnock (an aptly named road as we shall discover).

The statue in the photograph, which was created from Carrara marble, on a base of Aberdeen granite, commemorates Sir James Shaw. He came from very humble Ayrshire farming stock, like his relation Robert Burns, the poet.

Like many, he had to move away from Ayrshire in search of employment, firstly to America at the age of 17, then returning to make his way three years later to London. He became a wealthy merchant and successful politician, but never forgot his humble beginnings. After the death of Robert Burns in 1796, he used his wealth to support Burns's orphaned children. His philanthropy and social conscience no doubt helps explain his presidency of St Barthomolew's Hospital between 1806 and 1831.

As Lord Mayor of London, he led the funeral procession of Lord Nelson in 1806.

The 17 foot high statue was established following a public subscription in Kilmarnock which raised close to £1000, which equates to approximately £80,000 at today's prices.

The statue seems in need of some TLC.