New Cumnock - George Corson - John Hair

Two and a half miles from New Cumnock on the southside of the A76 road to Kirkconnel near the farm of Over Cairn stands a monument to two covenanters. Their names were George Corson and John Hair who were both farmers from the Kirkconnel area. They were caught on the south side of the Nith Valley reading from their bibles by Colonel James Douglas and his Highlanders. This was enough to convict them and without trial were shot on the spot. The monument which was erected in 1843 to replace an earlier stone that had been destroyed, stands on a hill and is visible from the road.

Inscription on the front of the stone:
In memory of GEORGE CORSON and JOHN HAIR who were shot near this place in 1685 for their adherence to DEVINE TRUTH and attachment to the Covenanted Reformation of 1638-50. "They lived unknown Till persecution changed them into fame And chased them up to Heaven." 1845