Other Burghs
At the centre of many burghs in south west Scotland would have been the mercat cross which would have been surrounded by the homes of the burgesses and merchants who benefited most from the towns new privileges.
The 16th and 17th centuries saw the establishment of 'Burghs of Barony' and many towns in south west Scotland received Charters - Newmilns in 1491, Auchinleck in 1507, Cumnock in 1509,Riccarton in 1638. Many towns prospered after being granted their Charters, trading in agriculture, livestock and textiles. By the 18th century coal and textile production dominated industrial expansion. Many towns and burghs became famous for specialised industries; Stewarton was famous for its bonnets and the Irvine Valley was renowned for it's lace industry.