Galston (Lowland Scots: Gauston, Scottish Gaelic: Baile nan Gall) is a town in East Ayrshire, Scotland, which has a population of 4,710 (2022)[2] and is at the heart of the civil parish of the same name.

The word baile was anglicised in more recent history as toun like many other place names in Scotland which were originally "bal".

A great danger is the presence of the alien invader, the pink purslane or Stewarton flower, which will spread rapidly and destroy the native herbs by out-competing them (2007).

This tributary of the Irvine was famous[9] for its rich jasper pebbles; semi-precious stones which were collected, cut and polished for use in jewellery.

Probably dating from the 15th century, this five-storeyed red sandstone tower castle still stands as a prominent feature (NS 505 360) on a rocky knoll close to the Burn Anne, within the town's boundaries.

[10] William Wallace is said to have taken refuge from pursuing English soldiers within the tower, eventually escaping siege by climbing down an overhanging tree.

In August 1528, James Campbell of Lochlee abducted Alexander Pawtoun from Mauchline and imprisoned him for 5 days in the dungeon ('spelunca') of the Tower of Galston in order to extort the sum of £20.

[10] Handball was popular in these parts during the 19th century and Galston was the site of the most important competition, held on the Saturday of the Glasgow Fair.