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Learn About the History of Stevenston Corn Mill

Have you ever noticed the old mill stones on Main Street in Stevenston? We received a request for information on them and it led to some research on the topic and now there is an article in our ‘Stories’ section! By May 1936, the old corn mill with its giant waterwheel had almost disappeared, with only the walls of the …

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Sir John Smith Knox Boyd Has Been Added to the Stories Section

The Largs-born bacteriologist, Sir John Smith Knox Boyd has now been added to the ‘Stories’ section of our website! This fascinating man served with the Royal Army Medical Corps during the First World War and worked to improve the treatment of troops: including blood transfusions, treatment of malaria and dysentry. Read his full story below!

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Learn About the History of Ardeer Golf Club

This is one for the golfers out there! Officially opened in 1905, Ardeer Golf Club, the 18 hole golf course replaced the previous one that had been opened in 1880. The new clubhouse had 2 club rooms, one for the ladies and one for the gentlemen, and was designed by architect Hugh Thomson. To read more about the club, click …

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Read About the History of Main Street, Stevenston

We have a new article in our ‘Stories’ section which documents the history of Main Street in Stevenston, from the end of the 1880’s to the 1970’s through photographs. If you are from the area or have an interest in the development of North Ayrshire towns this is a must-read piece!

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John Caldwell has Been Added to the Stories Section

John Caldwell, born in Beith in 1873, served as a postman for 46 years and was the first postman in Scotland to use a bicycle to deliver letters. He has now been added to the ‘Stories’ section of the website where you can read more about this long-serving postie!

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George Wall:  Johnny McIntyre put me to left-back

The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. George Wall began his Junior career at Dalry Thistle, playing alongside a young Jim Leighton, who went on to win 91 Scottish international caps during his career with, amongst others, Aberdeen, Manchester United and Hibs.  At the other end of his …

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Hugh Hogarth has Been Added to the Stories Section

We have added another new story to our ‘Stories’ section and this time it is about Hugh Hogarth, who founded the Baron Line. Born in 1840, Hugh Hogarth became a wealthy shipping shipping magnate who played an active role in the affairs of Ardrossan itself. In 1881 the Hogarth family were living at Clutha Villa, Montgomerie Street, Ardrossan. Interestingly the …

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A History of Marymass

Marymass 2024 is now in the past but the history of the event goes back much, much further with origins in the 9th century! The first queen was Martha McHarg, who was crowned in front of Irvine Townhouse in 1928. Irvine Town Council and Carters Society suggested including children in Marymass and proposed ‘a Marymass Queen’, with the first Queen, …