Irvine Historical Facts

Irvine is one of the prehistoric cities in Europe. A one-time capital of Scotland, the city is home to a number of archaeological places identifiable to date. History of Irvin dates back to more than 18,000 years ago with evidence of rock shelters and campsites still found scattered in some of the underdeveloped areas. The town acquired its name from James Irvin who owned a pastoral ranch in the years between 1866 and 1886.

St Mary’s Well

Commonly referred to as the Chapel’s Well, it is found beside Irvine River. A plaque with the words “St. Inan’s Well AD 839” are found in the well where for years hundreds flock to throw in coins seeking luck. The well has been renovated severally with the most recent being in 2013 when the well was re-dedicated.

Trindlemoss Loch

Reclaimed in 1691, formerly this natural loch was seated on a depression created by a glacier. This was in a low-lying area that span between Lockwards, Stanecastle and Ravenspark. An exiled minister of Irvine bought the loch and the adjacent lands. He drained the waters gradually using techniques learned in exile. Today the land is marked by a playing field located off Bank Street in the area where the Parish of Irvin is found.

Irvin Harbour

This is among the major points of history in Irvin. Despite having low traffic consisting of light commercial ships and other vessels, it was home to the quay of Nobel Explosives plant in the 19th century. In 20th century, the harbour hosted the Ayrshire Dock Company that was to convert to a fitting manufacturer and fixing for ships after World War II. Today this harbor is part of the Scottish Maritime Museums with historic vessels on display.

Automatic Tide Signalling Apparatus

Created by the harbourmaster in 1906, it was used to indicate the state of the tide. Two ways were used depending on the time of the day to mark the levels. A ball attached to a mast was used during the day with the help of a pulley. During the night lamps were used to mark the tide’s levels and give guidance to the ships. Over the years, the building has bee dismantled with little efforts achieving the bid to have it refurbished.

Irvine Burns Club

Known today as The Crown Inn, it carries history of Irvin dating back to 1826. Under presidency of John Mackenzie, it was founded as a commemoration of Robert Burns birth who was a poet in Ashyre. Membership at its inception included twelve members. Five of the founding members were known to Robert Burns and two of them were his close friends. Being one of the oldest clubs in the world today, it carries the biggest of Robert Burns’s artifacts most of which are original manuscripts