Rankinston commands a panoramic view of over 20 miles (32 km) north, looking over the towns of Ayr, Prestwick and Troon.

[1][2] During the reign of Robert the Bruce, tradesmen, merchants and farmers were encouraged from the continent to settle in Scotland in an attempt to improve the country.

A Flemish family by the name of Rankin acquired the lands of Mill o'Shiel and it is thought that this is where Rankinston gets its name.

The recent decline in population was due to the closure of Littlemill pit in 1974.

The village had a shop, but is now served by a mobile post office and Community Centre that is run by East Ayrshire Council, but managed by the local members of the village.