KILWINNING Abbey Tower Heritage Centre is set to open its doors for the summer season.

Visitors will be welcomed by volunteers from Kilwinning Heritage who will offer guided tours to the roof of the 201-year-old clock tower.

On display on the ground floor are photographs and items from the town’s history, matchstick models, Masonic items and information about Eglinton Castle, as well as a very rare Weavers Banner, used on a protest rally in the 19th century.

A special exhibition of letters from the front and the Death Plaque of a local man mark the centenary of the end of World War 1.

On the upper floors, visitors will have the opportunity to see the original 1816 working clock mechanism as well as a close up of the town bells. The views from the roof are amongst the best in Ayrshire, and are well worth the effort of climbing 143 steps, as many discovered when they visited the tower during the 200th anniversary celebrations last year.

On a clear day, the Ayrshire coast and Firth of Clyde can be seen from Troon to Arran, and the Garnock Valley with the Dalry hills form a spectacular backdrop to the nearer views over the town.

Last year around 1,300 visitors came from the local area as well as the four corners of the world to see the Abbey Tower and to wander round the ruins of the 12th century Abbey, which was once one of the most important religious centres in Scotland.

The Abbey Tower is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 1pm and 3pm from Friday May 18 until mid-September.

Entry is free (under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult).

If you fancy becoming a member of the team of tower volunteers, please email kh.2011@hotmail.co.uk or pay a visit www.kilwinningheritage.org.uk