Newspapers are an invaluable resource which can enrich and build upon the basic framework of your family tree and add depth and character to your ancestors’ lives.
Newspapers contain millions of birth, marriage and death intimations placed by people at home and abroad, along with obituaries, accident reports and fatal accident inquiries. News stories, Town Council meetings, school events, advertisements, public notices, church news and notices, sports news, club and group news, Police and Court news, long service awards, notices of retirement and photographs can all add substance to your ancestors’ lives.
During both World Wars, the newspapers provided information on the military, including letters home, promotions, awards, news of those who were wounded, taken prisoner of war or died, along with photographs. The Irvine Herald frequently mentioned those home on leave.
When researching an event, it’s worth checking more than one newspaper as both local and national newspapers provide differing viewpoints of the same event and may provide the reader with additional information.
Our newspaper archives for North Ayrshire are on microfilm, and cover:
Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald 1857-2024 (updated regularly)
Beith Echo and Northern District Advertiser 1904-1913
Dalry and Kilbirnie Herald 1894-1926
Irvine and Fullarton Times 1874-2003
Irvine Herald 1877-2005
Largs & Millport Weekly News 1877-2005
Kilwinning Chronicle 1894-1950
Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston News 1906-1908
Stevenston Gazette 1894-1926
The employees of I.C.I. at Ardeer, Stevenston had their own internal newspaper known as the Nobel Times. It includes industry news, sporting achievements, long service awards, death intimations and obituaries. Copies of the Nobel Times are available in paper format from 1955 until 1994.
For further information contact naheritage@north-ayrshire.gov.uk