History of North Ayrshire

We are pleased to share a fascinating part of North Ayrshire history in our ‘Stories’ section: Newcomen Engine House at Auchenharvie. The ruins can be seen at the grounds of Auchenharvie Golf Course. Have you ever wondered what it was? It was built in 1719 to hold a Newcomen atmospheric steam engine, whose purpose was to pump water out of …

Thomas Christie (1861-1943) was born in Paisley and went on to print the Stevenston Press and Saltcoats Advertiser. Thomas left school in 1875 and kept a record of his own employment which was included in his obituary in the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald, on the 23 April 1943. Thomas worked for a bookseller in Paisely and had various other jobs …

We are back at Ardeer and another explosion. This time, it occurred in 1938 and it was actually two explosions, one after another, that resulted in the deaths of 6 people. The vibration from the blasts was felt as far away as Kilmarnock and Ayr. Read the full story in the link below:

We have added a new page in our Stories section which details the history of the Earls of Eglinton, Eglinton Estate and the Eglinton Tournament! One of the most powerful families in Scotland for around 800 years, they created the modern layout of the town of Ardrossan (designed by Peter Nicholson), built Ardrossan Harbour, and built a castle at Eglinton …

Learn all about the violent explosion that occurred at Nobel’s Factory in 1913 which saw 10 people injured and 6 killed. The explosion was heard as far away as Kilmarnock and Lanarkshire! To read the full story, click the link below:

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 …

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!

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 …

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!

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!