The presence of the Dragon Stone in Darvel, along with cup and ring markings near to the Ballochmyle Viaduct at Mauchline, indicate early occupation and settlement in and around East Ayrshire.

The areas first permanent settlements is said to date from the expansion of Christianity in Scotland, after St Ninian established a church at Whithorn.

Many of the areas castles played a prominent role, largely in part due to barons being at the peak of military and political powers.

[7] During the 17th century, the Covenanters were particularly active in the East Ayrshire area, as well as along Scotland's west coast where they began promoting National Covenant.

Many towns in modern day East Ayrshire were granted charters which allowed them to use the newly created title.

Such towns and settlements which were granted Burgh of Barony status included Newmilns in 1491, Auchinleck in 1507, Cumnock in 1509, Kilmarnock in 1592 and Riccarton in 1638.

Other settlements, such as Stewarton, became known internationally its manufacturing of bonnets, and the Irvine Valley region had become renowned for its specialised lace industry.

[6] During this period, coal mining was considered an important economic asset across the area, particularly in communities such as Dalmellington and Patna.

Additionally, iron making was developed at locations such as at Dunaskin in the Doon Valley, ultimately in which all were contributed to the importance of industry in East Ayrshire.

Subsequently, the county area was divided between four new districts within the two-tier Strathclyde region: Cumnock and Doon Valley, Cunninghame, Kilmarnock and Loudoun and Kyle and Carrick.

[9] The area's name references its location within the historic county of Ayrshire, which had been abolished for local government purposes in 1975 when Kilmarnock and Loudoun, Cumnock and Doon Valley, and Strathclyde region had been created.

[12] Historically the economy of East Ayrshire was dependent on industries such as coal mining, textiles and general manufacturing which largely fell into decline in Scotland during the 1970s and 1980s.

[13] Certain parts of East Ayrshire, particularly in the south of the region, such as Auchinleck, Bellsbank and Dalmellington have struggled to recover from the economic hardship caused by the decline and gradual closure of traditional industries, and are supported through various initiatives to try and rejuvenate their economies.

Work on University Hospital Crosshouse, which was commissioned to replace the Kilmarnock Infirmary, began on the site in August 1972 with completion expected in May 1977.

[20] The contractor, Melville Dundas & Whitson, encountered difficulties with the water supply and ventilation systems[21] and the facility was only officially opened by George Younger, Secretary of State for Scotland, as Crosshouse Hospital in June 1984.

[25] East Ayrshire is served by a number of general practice (GP) surgeries under NHS Scotland and a variety of other healthcare services including dental treatment and pharmacies.

[26] Kilmarnock Academy is one of only two schools in the world to have educated two Nobel laureates: Alexander Fleming and John Boyd Orr.

Both men attended Kilmarnock Academy when it was located on North Hamilton Street; the school has since relocated to Sutherland Drive.

[30] The area's secondary schools include: Kilmarnock is home to a campus of Ayrshire College, which provides a range of courses to adults as well as school-aged pupils.

The local council boasts the proximity to Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, as a unique selling point for the area.

Additionally, the area is said to "combine an idyllic mix of rural beauty and urban living", and being set in the "midst of some of Scotland's finest countryside".