Irvine, North Ayrshire

Irvine (Gaelic: Irbhinn) is a coastal new town in North Ayrshire, Scotland.

History

Irvine was the site of Scotland's 12th century Military Capital and former headquarters of the Lord High Constable of Scotland, Hugh de Morville. It also served as the Capital of Cunninghame.

The town was once a haunt of Robert Burns, after whom two streets in the town are named: Burns Street and Burns Crescent. He is known to have worked in a flax mill on the Glasgow Vennell. Despite being classed as a new town, Irvine has had a long history stretching back many centuries and was classed as a Royal Burgh. There are also conflicting rumours that Mary, Queen of Scots, was briefly involved in the town's history. Some say she stayed briefly at Seagate Castle. To this day there is still an annual festival, called Marymass, held in the town.

People

Irvine is the birthplace of the present Deputy First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon and the former First Minister of Scotland, Jack McConnell. Its twin town is Saint-Amand-les-Eaux in northern France just outside Lille.

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Irvine, North Ayrshire Media

Eglinton Castle, home of the Earls of Eglinton, c. 1830s.
Irvine Harbour with the River Irvine running through it
The Magnum Leisure Centre was the largest leisure centre in Europe when opended in 1976
The Big Idea opened as part of Millennium celebrations in 2000, and closed in 2003
Cunninghame House, the seat of North Ayrshire Council, located in the centre of Irvine
Laigh Milton Viaduct near Gatehead, Ayrshire, in 1996. The oldest railway viaduct in Scotland.
A train approaching Irvine railway station
The A78 road bypass passes Irvine
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