The town of Irvine is on the coast of the Firth of Clyde in North Ayrshire, Scotland.
The River Irvine flows through the town, making its last meander before joining the River Garnock and flowing into the sea. The area benefits from substantial green spaces, including Eglinton Country Park and Irvine Beach Park, as well as marshland and dunes. The Ardeer Peninsula and the sandy beaches of Irvine Bay offer views of the Island of Arran.
Irvine has a rich history dating back several centuries. A part of Irvine contains the oldest continually inhabited village in Europe. In Dreghorn, a separate village on the outskirts of Irvine, archaeological remains were found dating back to the first entry of humanity into Scotland during the Mesolithic Age. Iron Age Forts were also found in Dreghorn.
Situated in the River Irvine, below the Rivergate Centre in Irvine, the Grannie Stone (Granny Stane) is either a glacial erratic left behind from the Ice Age or the last remaining stone of a stone circle after others were removed by blasting in 1897 or 1899 after the Irvine Weir was built in 1895.
The medieval parish of Irvine was the military headquarters of the Lord High Constable of Scotland, Hugh de Morville. One of the earliest Scottish capitals, Irvine was the headquarters for three kings: King John I of Scotland, Robert, King Robert I (Robert the Bruce), and Robert II (Robert the Steward).
Irvine was established as a royal burgh during the 12th century.
In 1618, a man named John Stewart and Margaret Barclay, the wife of Archibald Dean, a burgess of Irvine, were tried on charges of witchcraft. The accusation was that they sunk The Gift of God of Irvine, a ship belonging to John Dean, Barclay's brother-in-law. Margaret Barclay was alleged to. have wished the crew would be eaten by crabs at the bottom of the sea. Stewart hung himself, and Barclay was tortured, after which she confessed and was executed with Isobel Scherer, who had also been found guilty of witchcraft.
The poet Robert Burns, widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, once worked in a flax mill on the Glasgow Vennel in Irvine. Two streets (Burns Street and Burns Crescent) are named for him.
In 1966, Irvine was designated the fifth (and last) New Town to be developed in Scotland, and the only one on the coast. Unlike the others (Cumbernauld, East Kilbride, Glenrothes, and Livingston), which were either newly built or based around small villages, Irvine was already a sizable town, and had been a Royal Burgh since 1372.
The town's economy has evolved over the years. While its traditional industries, such as coal mining, have declined, new developments emerged. Volvo began operations in the town in the 1980s, although its truck and bus plant closed in 1999. However, the UPM Caledonian Paper Mill has operated since 1989, specializing in producing paper for magazines, catalogs, and brochures. Irvine also has chemical manufacturing, engineering, and life sciences operations.
The religious needs of Irvine residents are served by several churches, including the Irvine Parish Church of Scotland, recently formed through the merger of five congregations. Irvine Old Parish Church is also a Church of Scotland congregation. Although it was not part of the merged congregation, discussions about its future involvement are underway. Constructed in 1875, St. Mary's Parish Church is a Roman Catholic church in Irvine.
As the focal point of this portion of our guide is on Irvine, resources pertaining to the town are appropriate to this category, along with local businesses, industries, organisations, attractions, and events.
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Set up as a community radio station in 2009, Irvine Beat FM became a registered charity in Scotland in 2012 and was awarded a five-year licence to begin broadcasting full-time in 2013. Under the terms of its licence, the station must provide a wide variety of music, a firm focus on health and wellbeing topics, and information benefiting the local community. Its programming may be heard online and in podcasts. Schedules, presenters, and an introduction to its studios are put forth.
https://irvinebeatfm.co.uk/
In the 16th century, Irvine's harbour was one of Scotland's most important ports, but it declined in the 19th century due to the prominence of Glasgow, Greenock, and Port Glasgow as sea ports. Today, the Harbour is closed as a commercial port, although it hosts privately owned pleasure craft and a portion of the Scottish Maritime Museum. However, there are redevelopment plans as part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal. Sailing directions, plans, and other documents are featured.
https://irvineharbour.com/
With roots in the King's School of Irvine, founded in 1572, the Irvine Royal Academy was chartered in 1818 and merged with Ravenspark Academy in 1993. The six-year non-denominational secondary school is in Irvine, North Ayrshire, Scotland, and is a partner school of Glasgow University. Staff introductions, a map of the school, and a virtual tour of the school are provided, along with an overview of the faculties, support systems, extracurricular activities, and contacts.
https://www.irvineroyal.co.uk/
The website promotes Irvine, Scotland, by highlighting its history, culture, attractions, and events. It profiles the people of Irvine, some of whom were born there while others visited for a short time. Historical structures are featured, along with other places of contemporary interest. The town's "New Town" status is discussed, along with the developments that took place at that time and those that did not. Irvine businesses, places to stay or to eat, and a map of the town are profiled.
http://irvinescotland.info/
Situated in the heart of Irvine's historical harbour, the building was once a hostelry for carters who would transport goods from the Irvine Harbour to Glasgow and surrounding areas by horse and cart. It is now a family-operated guest house within walking distance of the Maritime Museum. Some of its guest rooms have harbour views, as do those of the Isle of Arran. Its rooms are highlighted and may be booked online. Guest reviews and special offers are posted on the site.
https://marinaviewguesthouse.com/
Located in Irvine, Scotland, the hotel has 126 rooms of various sizes and accommodations, from deluxe doubles and twins to eleven family rooms that sleep three, four, or five guests. Each room includes free toiletries, ironing facilities, coffee and tea, a hair dryer, free WiFi, and 24-hour service. An on-site restaurant, Riverside Restaurant, is highlighted on the site, including its opening times, a menu, and online table booking. Special events can also be accommodated.
https://theriversidelodgehotel.co.uk/
Open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, The Ship is open to adults and children of all ages, and the restaurant even has accommodations for dogs. Online bookings are suggested if a children's highchair, a table in a dog-friendly area, or parties of twelve or more are needed. In any event, online bookings are recommended to avoid disappointments. Its location, map, hours of operation, menu, telephone number, email address, and social media contacts, are included.
https://www.theshipayrshire.com/
Located along West Road, Irvine, Scotland, St. Mary's Parish is in the Scottish Roman Catholic Diocese of Galloway and is one of two parishes serving the needs of Catholics in the Irvine area. St. Mary's has several parish groups, including the Children's Liturgy Group, Justice and Peace, Knights of St. Columba, Ladies Guild, Over 50's Club, Parish Pastoral Council, Pledge Committee, St. Vincent de Paul, Toddler Group, and Youth Group, each of which is featured here.
https://www.stmarysirvine.org/
