Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # North Ayrshire Heritage The Home of Heritage in North Ayrshire ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://naheritage.co.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Blog](https://naheritage.co.uk/blog) - [New Exhibition: 10 Years of the Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society](https://naheritage.co.uk/new-exhibition-10-years-of-the-ardrossan-castle-heritage-society) - Our newest exhibition is here and on display at the Heritage Centre! Focusing on the Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society, come and learn all about this wonderful volunteer group who are now celebrating their 10th anniversary. "We were invited to set up as an organisation as the castle was in a state of disrepair and NAC - [John Galt Lecture: 'A “wrong resenting” race? Characterising Popular Protest in John Galt’s Scotland'](https://naheritage.co.uk/john-galt-lecture-a-wrong-resenting-race-characterising-popular-protest-in-john-galts-scotland) - Our friends at the Harbour Art Centre in Irvine are hosting a talk on John Galt on the 5th of May, 2023. If you are interested in this famous North Ayrshire figure, then why not check it out? A lecture by Professor Christopher Whatley, followed by a buffet supper with a glass of wine. Born - [Titanic: The Story of the Legendary Liner at the Museum of the Cumbraes](https://naheritage.co.uk/titanic-the-story-of-the-legendary-liner-at-the-museum-of-the-cumbraes) - Our new exhibition 'Titanic: The Story of the Legendary Liner' is now on display at the Museum of the Cumbraes! Running until the 21st of September, the exhibition features a wide variety of artefacts including personal belongings of Titanic passengers, examples of dining plates upon which meals were served onboard the Titanic and a costume - ['Bound by the Sea' New Exhibition at Saltcoats Heritage Centre](https://naheritage.co.uk/bound-by-the-sea-new-exhibition-at-saltcoats-heritage-centre) - Our latest exhibition 'Bound by the Sea' is now on display at our Heritage Centre in Saltcoats. The exhibition explores how the Three Towns of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston each developed their own distinct identity whilst remaining closely tied through the Merchant Navy. And also how these seemingly modest towns launched shipping empires and produced - [Archibald Clark Manuel Has Been Added to the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/archibald-clark-manuel-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - Archibald Clark Manuel was born in Perthshire in 1901 then moved to Ardrossan in 1920 to work for the Glasgow and South-Western Railway. In multiple spells living in the town, he would become deeply involved in the fabric of the area, both politically and socially. Later in his life, he was elected to the Town - [From Quiet Shores to Bold Words: The Declaration of Arbroath at the Heritage Centre](https://naheritage.co.uk/from-quiet-shores-to-bold-words-the-declaration-of-arbroath-at-the-heritage-centre) - We are delighted to announce that on Saturday the 30th of May at the North Ayrshire Heritage Centre in Saltcoats, our friends from the Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society will be unveiling their replica of the Declaration of Arbroath. This stunning replica is one of only 7 in existence and will be the only one on - [What's in the Box? by Sarah MacDiarmid](https://naheritage.co.uk/whats-in-the-box-by-sarah-macdiarmid) - The following blog post was kindly written for us by our student volunteer Sarah MacDiarmid. During my current master’s course in Museum Studies at the University of Glasgow, I was given the invaluable opportunity of carrying out a work placement at the North Ayrshire Heritage Centre with a fellow student, Honor. The project we are undertaking is called ‘What’s in the box?’ which entails cataloguing the objects held - [Major General Sir Charles Mathew Has Been Added to the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/major-general-sir-charles-mathew-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - Major General Sir Charles Mathew was born in Ireland and was a distinguished British Army General who served in multiple campaigns throughout Africa and in the First World War. He had a strong connection to Kilbirnie in North Ayrshire. He lived at Place House in Kilbirnie, he was part of the unveiling of Kilbirnie War - [Alexander Young Malcomson Has Been Added to the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/alexander-young-malcomson-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - Did you know a man from Dalry, Alexander Young Malcomson, played a role in the foundation of the car company Ford? Malcomson provided funding to Henry Ford to support him in the founding of his car company. Malcomson ran a highly successful coal business and founded his own car company, 'Aerocar'. Alexander Young Malcomson died - [What's in the Box? by Honor Mackenzie](https://naheritage.co.uk/whats-in-the-box-by-honor-mackenzie) - The following blog post was kindly written for us by our student volunteer Honor Mackenzie. As a Museum Studies student on work placement at the North Ayrshire Heritage Centre, I have been working behind the scenes alongside my fellow student, to catalogue objects from the collection stores. Although much of this work takes place outwith public view, it plays part of an essential role - [Alexander Dickson – From Hero to Villain](https://naheritage.co.uk/alexander-dickson-from-hero-to-villain) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. In the heyday of Scottish Junior football, it was fairly common practice for fans to celebrate their clubs’ successes by immortalising cup wins and great players in verse. In 1909 Kilwinning Rangers gave the amateur poets - [Willie Stewart: Brains in his Head as well as in his Feet](https://naheritage.co.uk/willie-stewart-brains-in-his-head-as-well-as-in-his-feet) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. To generations of Irvine schoolchildren he was Mr Stewart the Maths teacher at Irvine Royal Academy, but Willie Stewart had a second career as a player in both Junior and Senior football. The boot was on - [Alex “Sanny” Moffat – If the Cap Fits](https://naheritage.co.uk/alex-sanny-moffat-if-the-cap-fits) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. When Alexander “Sanny” Moffat signed for his local club, Irvine Meadow XI, in 1898 he could have had no idea that he was going to make history for the club. For as well as contributing towards - [The Cousars - Medda in the Blood](https://naheritage.co.uk/the-cousars-medda-in-the-blood) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. Cousar is a good old Irvine name. There have been Cousars living in the town from well over 250 years ago to the present day and Lex Cousar is one of the current crop. Lex is - [Kenny Dalglish at Victoria Park in 1967](https://naheritage.co.uk/kenny-dalglish-at-victoria-park-in-1967) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. When Irvine Victoria were drawn to play at home against Cumbernauld United in the 1st Round of the Scottish Cup in 1967/68 they couldn’t possibly have known they’d be facing one of the greatest players ever - [The Marymass Derby](https://naheritage.co.uk/the-marymass-derby) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. Over the years Meadow XI has dominated the traditional Marymass Derby against local rivals Irvine Victoria, but it wasn’t like that right at the start. Up until 1921 both clubs had enjoyed free Marymass Saturdays to - [Robert Smallwood – Re-united with his Past](https://naheritage.co.uk/robert-smallwood-re-united-with-his-past) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. The wide-eyed 12-year-old Meadow fan reached his hands up as Bobby Carroll held out his trophy for the schoolboy to hold. It was the morning of the 1959 Scottish Junior Cup final and the players were - [George Wall:  Johnny McIntyre put me to left-back](https://naheritage.co.uk/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 - [1970 Ian’s Cracking Performance](https://naheritage.co.uk/1970-ians-cracking-performance) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. I’ve often heard the Ayrshire Regional League Cup being referred to as a competition that “didnae maitter onyway” … usually after the Medda has been unexpectedly knocked out of it. To be fair it was never - [Ayrshire Dockyard Company](https://naheritage.co.uk/ayrshire-dockyard-company) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. Regular readers of my articles will be aware that Irvine has not always been a two-club town as far as Junior football is concerned. If you go back to Queen Victoria’s Reign you’ll come across names - [1959 - A Teddy Bear’s Hampden Picnic](https://naheritage.co.uk/1959-a-teddy-bears-hampden-picnic) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. Recalling the 1959 Scottish Cup final triumph over Shettleston conjures up famous names like Ian Prentice, “Hookey” Walker, Johnnie McIntyre and double goalscorer Jackie Morrison. However, one small but important personality from that glorious day has - [1968 -The Case of the Disappearing Players](https://naheritage.co.uk/1968-the-case-of-the-disappearing-players) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. It was just a run-of-the-mill league game, played out at Dreghorn’s Fordside Park in 1967/68. The atrocious weather was spoiling the play, but the players battled through the wind and rain and gave the rain-soaked fans - [Goals Galore … After a Scare in Dreghorn](https://naheritage.co.uk/goals-galore-after-a-scare-in-dreghorn) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. After winning the Scottish Junior Cup in 1963, Irvine Meadow XI were, inevitably, amongst the favourites to win the cup the following season. So, when they were drawn away to their now defunct local rivals, Dreghorn - [A Double Shift for Meadow’s Cup Winners](https://naheritage.co.uk/a-double-shift-for-meadows-cup-winners) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. Irvine Meadow have had a lot of success over the years in the West of Scotland Cup, winning the prestigious trophy nine times. But surely the Meadow team that had to work hardest for their West - [Eddy Gemmell - "They Said I Was Too Wee"](https://naheritage.co.uk/eddy-gemmell-they-said-i-was-too-wee) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. Football fans throughout Ayrshire will recognise Eddy Gemmell from the excellent “Fitba’ Shorts” reports he and his enthusiastic team of young volunteers have been presenting on YouTube over the past few years. Eddy also does a - [William 'Bill' Jolly](https://naheritage.co.uk/william-bill-jolly) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. When it comes to writing about the men who created the history of football clubs, attention is inevitably focused on cup-winning goal scorers James F Delury and cranky goalkeepers. But for every player who is singled - [Gentleman George - "An Inside Forward of Sublime Skill"](https://naheritage.co.uk/gentleman-george-an-inside-forward-of-sublime-skill) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. Now that the dust has settled after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, it seems appropriate to consider the contribution that Irvine meadow XI has made to the biggest football tournament on Earth. To be realistic, - [Kenny Beaton - Another Kind of Hero](https://naheritage.co.uk/kenny-beaton-another-kind-of-hero) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. When we read reports of Junior football matches we often encounter the term “hero” to describe members of Scottish Cup winning teams, goalkeepers who defy the odds in keeping a clean sheet or maybe saving a - [Alan Johnstone - "A Natural Goal-Scorer"](https://naheritage.co.uk/alan-johnstone-a-natural-goal-scorer) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. There were barely five minutes played when Alan Johnstone gathered the ball in midfield and played it wide to Eric Morris on the left touchline. Morris beat his defender and raced towards the corner of the - ["Played in Good Spirits"](https://naheritage.co.uk/played-in-good-spirits) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. 26 September 1992 Irvine Meadow XI v Ardeer Thistle Ayrshire League, Division 1. Irvine Meadow XI:- Brown; Ferry, Hamilton, Morrison, Stewart; Fontana, Walker; Johnson, Faulds, Walsh, Phillips. Subs: Davidson, Kilpatrick. Ardeer Thistle:- McKay; Frew, Evan, Ross, - [Craig Brown on Junior Football](https://naheritage.co.uk/craig-brown-on-junior-football) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. Craig Brown was one of the high profile guest speakers at the Irvine Meadow Wednesday Club last season. He was manager of the Scotland Under 21 team for seven years before taking over the full international - [1911 Irvine Meadow XI v Kilwinning Rangers - Scottish Cup, 3rd Round Replay ](https://naheritage.co.uk/1911-irvine-meadow-xi-v-kilwinning-rangers-scottish-cup-3rd-round-replay) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. There are photographs of Irvine Meadow XI going all the way back to the beginning of their step up to the Junior ranks in 1897. In fact, there is also a photo from their days as - [Johnny McIntyre - "Captain Courageous"](https://naheritage.co.uk/johnny-mcintyre-captain-courageous) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. Johnny McIntyre, who passed away on Saturday, 24th January 2015, was one of the most successful players ever to pull a Medda jersey over his head. He featured in three of Irvine Meadow’s Scottish Junior Cup - [Joe Cassidy Interview - "I Once Stopped 3 Penalties"](https://naheritage.co.uk/joe-cassidy-interview-i-once-stopped-3-penalties) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. Joe Cassidy was a fine goalkeeper who later became a local businessman. He joined Meadow in 1965-66 and played so impressively that he was capped for Junior Scotland against Ireland in 1968. Readers who don’t know - [Davy McDougall](https://naheritage.co.uk/davy-mcdougall) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. Davy McDougall only played one season for Irvine Meadow XI before setting off on a remarkable footballing journey, which took him all round the United Kingdom. He signed up in 1898 and played at outside left - [1989-90 – Meadow are Best in the West](https://naheritage.co.uk/1989-90-meadow-are-best-in-the-west) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. When Irvine Meadow ran out at Newlandsfield Park in front of a crowd of 1,100 on a sunny Wednesday evening in 1990, they were looking to win the West of Scotland Cup for the seventh time. - [Hugh Drennan - Interview](https://naheritage.co.uk/hugh-drennan-interview) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. Hugh Drennan signed for Meadow in season 1954-55. After breaking into the team he helped Meadow win the Western League Cup, the Irvine & District Cup and the Western League Championship, beating Auchinleck Talbot 1-0 after - [Kilbirnie War Memorial Has Been Added to the 'Stories' Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/kilbirnie-war-memorial-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - We are pleased to announce we have added yet another war memorial to our 'Stories' section and this time it is Kilbirnie War Memorial. Unveiled on the 7th of October, 1922, the war memorial in Kilbirnie takes the shape of a large memorial gateway which leads to the public park. At the time of the - [The Final Talk at Haylie Neolithic Tomb](https://naheritage.co.uk/the-final-talk-at-haylie-neolithic-tomb) - Gordon Black of the Haylie Neolithic Tombsters has been conducting a series of very well received talks at Haylie Neolithic Tomb and the final one takes place on Tuesday, the 12th of May at 10:30am. Meeting at the entrance to Douglas Park (just off of Irvine Street with nearby street parking available) Gordon will inform - [Beith Bronze Age Shield Returns to Scotland](https://naheritage.co.uk/beith-bronze-age-shield-returns-to-scotland) - A bronze age shield is finally returning to Scotland after more than 230 years! Found in 1779 in a peat bog, following an excursion at Luggtonrigge Farm, just outside of Beith, the shield was presented to the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1791 by Dr Ferris (who acquired it from the Estate owner) where - [HMS Dasher Memorial Book](https://naheritage.co.uk/hms-dasher-memorial-book-2) - Today, the 27th of March, marks the anniversary of the sinking of HMS Dasher, Royal Navy aircraft carrier which exploded and sank between Ardrossan and Arran in 1943, with the lost of 379 men. In our collection is a small memorial book to HMS Dasher which we occasionally have on display in our Heritage Centre. - [Archive of Air Disasters in North Ayrshire and Arran Has Been Added to the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/archive-of-air-disasters-in-north-ayrshire-and-arran-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - We are delighted to announce that the Stories section of the site now has a new section, entitled 'Air Disasters', This section includes some of our own stories of air disasters in North Ayrshire, such as the crash of an RAF Liberator on Arran and the crash of Whitley Bomber Z9362 at Saltcoats Harbour. The - [A Series of Talks at Haylie Neolithic Tomb](https://naheritage.co.uk/a-series-of-talks-at-haylie-neolithic-tomb) - After a hugely successful talk at Largs Museum, Gordon Black is continuing with a series of on-site talks about Halie Neolithic Tomb! Three talks in March, starting at the entrance to Douglas Park, where Gordon will walk with visitors up to the Neolithic Tomb and tell the story of this fascinating part of North Ayrshire - [Frigate Goes for Conservation](https://naheritage.co.uk/frigate-goes-for-conservation) - The Heritage Centre Team said a fond but temporary goodbye to a really special object from our collection yesterday. This gorgeous model ship is sailing off to AOC Archaeology for some conservation work. The frigate, Caledonia, was made by a Mr William Dunlop, who was a member of the congregation of Ardrossan Parish Church in - [The Story of the Sinking of S.S. Blairgowrie is now in the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/the-story-of-the-sinking-of-s-s-blairgowrie-is-now-in-the-stories-section) - We have added another bit of naval history to our 'Stories' section, this time the sad tale of the sinking of S.S. Blairgowrie, which was sunk by a violent hurricane in the North Atlantic on the 27th of February, 1935. Seven of the crew were from North Ayrshire. Four were from Ardrossan, one from Saltcoats, - [Our Heritage Centre Is Now Open](https://naheritage.co.uk/our-heritage-centre-is-now-open) - We are delighted to confirm that our Heritage Centre re-opened on the 23rd of February! We are back to our usual opening times which are: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday: 09:30am - 1pm & 2pm - 4:30pm. We are also open the last Saturday of every month (same opening times), with the 28th of February being - [Haylie Neolithic Tomb Talk at Largs Museum](https://naheritage.co.uk/haylie-neolithic-tomb-talk-at-largs-museum) - On the 24th of February at 2pm (it was previously scheduled for 7pm but has been changed) Gordon Black of the Haylie Neoltihic Tombsters is presenting a talk on the history of the tomb at Largs Museum. The talk will last around an hour and there will be time for questions to be asked also. - [The Tombsters and Haylie Neolithic Tomb](https://naheritage.co.uk/the-tombsters-and-haylie-neolithic-tomb) - The Haylie Neolithic Chambered Cairn in Largs is looking great. When I first arrived in Largs some four years ago it was in a sad state: overgrown, fence down and no interpretation board (there had been one but it had rotted away). What I didn’t know was that local historical enthusiast Richard Topping was on - [Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin Visits Ayrshire](https://naheritage.co.uk/soviet-premier-alexei-kosygin-visits-ayrshire) - On the 11th of February 1967, Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin visited the UK and his trip included a 14 hour visit to Scotland. In this trip he visited Glasgow, had a tour of Hunterston Power Plant in North Ayrshire, visited Troon to have lunch at the Marine Hotel and watched Kilmarnock v Rangers at Rugby Park. Prior to kick-off, - [The 1880 Lifeboat Rescue of the Matilda Hillyards is Now in the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/the-1880-lifeboat-rescue-of-the-matilda-hillyards-is-now-in-the-stories-section) - Yet another story has been added to our 'Stories' section and it is a daring tale from the sea's at Ardrossan! In 1880, the barque 'Matilda Hillyards' departed Ardrossan Harbour en-route for Yarmouth. 4 miles outside of the Harbour, the ship was caught in a violent storm and sent out a signal requesting assistance. The - [50 New Stories Have Been Added to the 'Stories' Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/50-new-stories-have-been-added-to-the-stories) - As a Christmas present to our readers, we added 50 new stories to the 'Stories' section of our website, from all around North Ayrshire and on a huge variety of topics! From the history of the Cumbrae War Memorial and West Kilbride Village Hall, to tales of the 1913 Strike at Nobel's Factory and the - [Heritage Centre Closed Until 2026](https://naheritage.co.uk/heritage-centre-closed-until-2026) - Our Heritage Centre is currently closed as we get our windows replaced and some other essential maintenance works completed. We had hoped to re-open before Christmas but the Heritage Centre will now not reopen until 2026. We will still be active here on our website and on our Facebook page. Keep an eye on for - [The Crash of Whitley Bomber Z9362 at Saltcoats Harbour is now Available to Watch](https://naheritage.co.uk/the-crash-of-whitley-bomber-z9362-at-saltcoats-harbour-is-now-available-to-watch) - We are delighted to announce that our video interview with John and Ian McCallum about the crash of Whitley Bomber Z9362 at Saltcoats Harbour in 1943 is now live on YouTube for everyone to watch. In this fascinating interview, Ian McCallum tells the story of the crash, what went wrong and what happened to the - [Return of the Bell](https://naheritage.co.uk/return-of-the-bell) - We have had a lot of conversation in the Heritage Centre over the last while as to the whereabouts of the bell that used to hang in the bell tower in Ardrossan Parish Church, which is now the Heritage Centre. Over a month ago our lovely volunteer and local history enthusiast, Frances Gilmour, brought a - [James Steedman](https://naheritage.co.uk/james-steedman) - Did you know that James Steedman of Irvine first came up with the idea for a screw propeller in 1810 after observing the trout swimming in the streams at Eglinton, Kilwinning? He noticed that the fish propelled themselves through water using their tails. Through experimentation he refined his idea and eventually conducted a successful experiment in - [Stane Castle Has Been Added to the Castles Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/stane-castle-has-been-added-to-the-castles-section) - We have now added Stane Castle to the 'Castles' section! Constructed in the 16th century by William Montgomerie, the first son of the first Earl of Eglinton, Stane Castle sits about 3 miles from Irvine Town Centre. The castle itself is in remarkably good condition, with external walls and roof intact. To learn all about - [Doors Open Day 2025 in North Ayrshire](https://naheritage.co.uk/doors-open-day-2025-in-north-ayrshire) - Doors Open Day in Ayrshire takes place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September, a chance to explore as many buildings as you can, some of which are not normally open to the public. All are free entry. Over the next couple of weeks, we will highlight some of the North Ayrshire buildings that are - [Betsy Miller Statue Consultation](https://naheritage.co.uk/betsy-miller-statue-consultation) - North Ayrshire Council is proud to lay claim to a very special lady.Elizabeth (Betsy) Miller was born in Saltcoats on the 11th June 1762 and went on to become the first female sea captain registered with Lloyds Register of Shipping. From feedback received from Place Making consultations carried out by our Regeneration team, it was - [Charles Miller Has Been Added to the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/charles-miller-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - Charles William Miller was the son of John Miller, who was born in Fairlie and emigrated to Brazil to work on the Sao Paulo railway. It was there that he met and married Carlota Alexandrina Fox who gave birth to their son Charles. Charles would go on to be credited with introducing football to Brazil, - [New Exhibition: Fabric of North Ayrshire](https://naheritage.co.uk/new-exhibition-fabric-of-north-ayrshire) - Our new exhibition is now on display at our Heritage Centre in Saltcoats! 'Fabric of North Ayrshire', which runs until the 17th of December 2025, was inspired by two Glasgow University Students (Grace & Julia) who spent their placement with us. They both wrote fascinating blog posts on working with us, you can read Grace's - [The Passing of John McCallum](https://naheritage.co.uk/the-passing-of-john-mccallum) - It is with a heavy heart that we would like to share the news on the passing of John McCallum, at the age of 97. John was recently at the launch of our new exhibition, 'For Our Freedom and Yours', which includes a video interview with him and his son, Ian, where they discuss the - [New Exhibition: For Our Freedom and Yours](https://naheritage.co.uk/new-exhibition-for-our-freedom-and-yours) - Our latest exhibition is now underway and it focuses on telling the story of the Polish armed forces during the Second World War! The exhibition tells the story of the Polish 1st Armoured Division and the contributions they made to the Allied war effort. Collected and curated by Sean Szmalc of Titanic Honour and Glory - [What's in the Box?](https://naheritage.co.uk/whats-in-the-box) - The following blog post was kindly written for us by our student volunteer, Grace Levine. Growing up in upstate New York, I was surrounded by history from a very young age. With not much to do in my rural town in the Hudson Valley, my parents brought me to local museums, historical societies, and heritage - [Crochet at the Heritage Centre](https://naheritage.co.uk/crochet-at-the-heritage-centre) - The following blog post was kindly written for us by one of our student volunteers, Julia Kahn. At the North Ayrshire Heritage Centre, I have had the pleasure of inventorying the costume and textile collection over the past several months. The collection holds many treasures, from Harry Kemp’s costumes to beautiful Ayrshire white work. As - [New Video Tour of Haylie Neolithic Tomb](https://naheritage.co.uk/new-video-tour-of-haylie-neolithic-tomb) - We were recently at Haylie Neolithic Tomb in Largs for the unveiling of the new interpretation board which now sits at the site. The board tells the story of the tomb and was created in conjunction with Historic Environment Scotland, Archaeology Scotland, Forestry & Land Scotland, Largs Museum volunteers and the North Ayrshire Council Heritage - [New Interpretation Board at Haylie Neolithic Tomb](https://naheritage.co.uk/new-interpretation-board-at-haylie-neolithic-tomb) - On Monday the 19th of May, North Ayrshire Council Provost Anthea Dickson was joined by fellow councillors at Haylie Neolithic Tomb in Largs for the unveiling of a new interpretation board at the site. Created in conjunction with Historic Environment Scotland, Archaeology Scotland, Forestry & Land Scotland, Largs Museum volunteers and the North Ayrshire Council - [Montgomerie Pier has Been Added to the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/montgomerie-pier-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - Learn all about the history of Montgomerie Pier at Ardrossan, which opened on the 30th May 1890. As well as coal, the railway carried passengers to catch steamers to Arran, Ireland and the Isle of Man, some of which were owned by the Caledonian Steam Packet Company. The last boat train to Montgomerie Pier Station - [Saltcoats Bathing Pond Has Been Added to the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/saltcoats-bathing-pond-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - Learn all about the history of the bathing pond at Saltcoats! Did you know Saltcoats has had two bathing ponds? One of which was opened in 1907 and the other in 1933. On Saturday 10th June 1933, a new outdoor tidal bathing pool was opened on the original site by the Lord Provost of Glasgow, - [New Addition to the Collection: Beithcraft Furniture](https://naheritage.co.uk/new-addition-to-the-collection-beithcraft-furniture) - Those of you who have visited our wee heritage centre will know that space is not on our side! We have to think carefully about how we can make the most of what we have to display some of our wonderful objects. When we were offered a donation of two pieces of Beithcraft bedroom furniture, - [Thomas Christie Has Been Added to the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/thomas-christie-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - 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 - [Learn About the History of the Earls of Eglinton and Eglinton Estate](https://naheritage.co.uk/learn-about-the-history-of-the-earls-of-eglinton-and-eglinton-estate) - 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 - ['Outwith' Exhibition at the Museum of the Cumbraes](https://naheritage.co.uk/outwith-exhibition-at-the-museum-of-the-cumbraes) - We have a new art exhibition within our Museum of the Cumbraes, which is located within the beautiful Garrison House in Millport. Called "Outwith" this exhibition features a showcase of work by talented Irvine-based artist Kevin O'Rourke', who took his inspiration from the Scottish word meaning ‘outside or beyond.’ Talking about his inspiration, Kevins shares - [Sir John Smith Knox Boyd Has Been Added to the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/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! - [Newcomen Engine House at Auchenharvie Has Been Added to the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/newcomen-engine-house-at-auchenharvie-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - 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 - [Read About the Ardeer Explosion of 1938](https://naheritage.co.uk/read-about-the-ardeer-explosion-of-1938) - 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: - [The Story of the 1913 Explosion at Ardeer ICI Has Been Added to the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/the-story-of-the-1913-explosion-at-ardeer-ici-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - 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: - [Read About the History of Main Street, Stevenston](https://naheritage.co.uk/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! - [Learn About the History of Stevenston Corn Mill](https://naheritage.co.uk/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 - [Learn About the History of Ardeer Golf Club](https://naheritage.co.uk/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 - [Back Doon the Watter Exhibition is Now On!](https://naheritage.co.uk/back-doon-the-watter-exhibition-is-now-on) - Our new exhibition, 'Back Doon the Watter' is now on at our Heritage Centre in Saltcoats! Featuring a photography exhibition by Mandy Edwards and a wide variety of objects and digital content, this exhibition is a must visit if you love the history of holidaying on the west coast! The exhibition runs from September until - [John Caldwell has Been Added to the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/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! - [Hugh Hogarth has Been Added to the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/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, - [James Morrison the First Provost of Stevenston has Been Added to the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/james-morrison-the-first-provost-of-stevenston-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - James Morrison was elected as the first Provost of Stevenston in 1952 at the age of 92! He has now been added to the 'Stories' section of our website for you to learn all about this fascinating man. In 1870 James left school to start his apprenticeship as a baker, after which he was employed - [A History of Marymass](https://naheritage.co.uk/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 - [Genealogy is Moving](https://naheritage.co.uk/genealogy-is-moving) - Some of you may have noticed an announcement on North Ayrshire Council's page a couple of weeks ago about our genealogy and local history service, which is currently located in Irvine Townhouse..... We are really excited to share with you that we have closed the doors on the service in the Townhouse and are busy - [Our New Collections Section is Live!](https://naheritage.co.uk/our-new-collections-section-is-live) - Since the launch of our website at Christmas 2022, we have worked tirelessly on expanding the site: we have steadily added more stories which tell the history of North Ayrshire, we are delighted to say we have had more and more local historians contributing blog posts to the site and there has been so much - [St Margaret's Free Church](https://naheritage.co.uk/st-margarets-free-church) - Another addition to the 'Stories' section and this time it is a history of St Margaret's Free Church in Fairlie. St. Margaret’s Free Church in Fairlie was first known as the Free Church of Fairlie. It’s first minister was the Port Glasgow born Reverend – John Gemmel. The Free Church of Fairlie opened on Wednesday - [Second Time: A Companion to Time Piece](https://naheritage.co.uk/second-time-a-companion-to-time-piece) - In December 2019, my book entitled Time Piece, a history of James Blair and the clocks, clock & watchmakers of Kilwinning, 1719-2019, was published by Kilwinning Heritage and launched at an event at Nethermains Community Centre, in January 2020. It sold out in the first year and was subsequently reprinted. It has now been updated - [The 1954 Prestwick Air Disaster](https://naheritage.co.uk/the-1954-prestwick-air-disaster) - Another article has been added to our 'Stories' section and it's about the 1954 Prestwick air disaster. In the early morning of 25 December 1954 the RMS Cathay, a British Overseas Airways Corporation Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, crashed upon landing at Prestwick Airport killing 28 people. The aircraft had been on a flight from Heathrow Airport - [The 1930 Saltcoats Railway Disaster](https://naheritage.co.uk/the-1930-saltcoats-railway-disaster) - We have added another fascinating story to our 'Stories' section of the website and it is all about a railway disaster that occurred at Canal Street, Saltcoats when a 7-coach train derailed and crashed in 1939. On Saturday 05 August 1939 a disastrous railway crash took place at Canal Street, Saltcoats, which killed 4 people - [HMS Black Prince has Been Added to the 'Stories' Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/hms-black-prince-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - We have added an interesting little story in the history of Millport: the evening when HMS Black Prince fired it's guns at midnight and woke up many residents of the island! To read more about this quirky story, click the link below! - [New Exhibition: 'They Wore It So Well'](https://naheritage.co.uk/new-exhibition-they-wore-it-so-well) - We have a brand-new exhibition at our Heritage Centre in Saltcoats and it's all about fashion! We are going back to the 60's and 70's for 'They Wore It So Well', an exhibition which celebrates the fashions from those two decades. The exhibition features a lovely variety of dresses, shoes, handbags and coats and it's - [Ardrossan War Memorial has Been Added to the 'Stories' Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/ardrossan-war-memorial-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - At the top of our 'Stories' section, is our list of notable 'Buildings, Castles & Monuments' throughout North Ayrshire. We are slowly, but surely, adding North Ayrshire's war memorials to the list and we are pleased to announce the addition of Ardrossan war memorial! Unveiled in May, 1923, the memorial was designed by Dr Peter - [North Ayrshire's D-Day Roll of Honour](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour) - Have you seen the latest addition to our website? We have prepared something special to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord and the D-Day landings: North Ayrshire's D-Day Roll of Honour. Our website now has a permanent page dedicated to those from North Ayrshire who fell during the invasion, whose names are on the - [John Parkinson 1874-1918, Poet and Writer on Islam](https://naheritage.co.uk/john-parkinson-1874-1918-poet-and-writer-on-islam) - This blog post was kindly provided by Christine Watson from Kilwinning Heritage. Check out their website to plan your visit to the Heritage Centre at Kilwinning Abbey Tower. Or why not give them a follow on their Facebook page? As part of the Kilwinning Heritage Trail, there is a blue plaque on the Main Street at the entrance to Garden - [The Stranding of the Mars](https://naheritage.co.uk/the-stranding-of-the-mars) - The paddle-steamer 'Mars' got into trouble off the Largs coast on the 10th of April, 1855 and washed ashore at the mouth of the Gogo burn! Sadly, it did not go well for the ship despite the best efforts of a passing carter who tried to help! Click below to watch the video and hear - [Beith v The Buffs - It’s Raining Goals](https://naheritage.co.uk/beith-v-the-buffs-its-raining-goals) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. Fans paying to get into Beith’s Bellsdale Park on 19th January 1952, were probably just glad that there was a game for them to go to. The wintery weather had left the park covered in a - [Tammy and the Beast](https://naheritage.co.uk/tammy-and-the-beast) - The following post was kindly submitted to us by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen Ayrshire junior football historian. When Thomas Geddes signed for Irvine Meadow XI as a full back in season 1902/03, he no doubt had hopes of getting a regular game and of winning cups and medals. What he could not have - [Murder on the 'Toward Castle'!](https://naheritage.co.uk/murder-on-the-toward-castle) - Our latest exhibition, 'Song of the River Steamers' is on display at our Heritage Centre and we have been having far too much fun reading through the extensive research folders of Charles Glen. Some of the stories are amusing, some are tragic and one even involves murder! Watch the video above for a short tale - [The Largs War Memorial has Been Added to the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/the-largs-war-memorial-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - Another new addition to our 'Stories' section is the Largs War Memorial. Dedicated on the 19th of September, 1921 the memorial features three soldiers carved from white freestone by sculptor William Kellock Brown. The statue bears the names of 85 men who were killed in the First World War and 67 who were killed in - [PS Waverley has Been Added to the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/ps-waverley) - The legendary paddle steamer PS Waverley is now in the Stories section of our website! You can learn all about the history of the PS Waverley, from it's launch on the 2nd of October, 1946 to it being withdrawn from service in 1973 and ultimately sold to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society for £1. The - [The Witchcraft Trials in North Ayrshire](https://naheritage.co.uk/the-witchcraft-trials-in-north-ayrshire) - We are delighted to announce the addition of a wonderful piece of individual research relating to the whole of North Ayrshire has been added to the 'Stories' section of our website. 'The Witchcraft Trials in North Ayrshire' is the latest submission to NA Heritage by regular contributor Heather Upfield. This well-researched piece incudes details of - [Duchess of Fife in War Livery](https://naheritage.co.uk/duchess-of-fife-in-war-livery) - You might not know that, on the outbreak of World War II in 1939, most of the Clyde paddlers were called up for minesweeping – some of them for a second time, having played that role in World War I. Several were lost, and at the close of the hostilities only one replacement was built - ['Health and Pleasure Cruise'](https://naheritage.co.uk/health-and-pleasure-cruise) - Our latest exhibition 'Song of the River Steamers' is well underway and we are still finding gems in the collection of Charles Glen! While going through the wealth of resources and research of Charles Glen we've found this advertisement for a Health and Pleasure Cruise aboard the Duchess of Argyll in 1938. We do think - ['Song of the River Steamers' at the North Ayrshire Heritage Centre](https://naheritage.co.uk/song-of-the-river-steamers-at-the-north-ayrshire-heritage-centre) - All aboard for our new exhibition! 'Song of the River Steamers' is now on display at our Heritage Centre in Saltcoats and features a wide variety of objects including models, paintings, brochures and more from the collection of Charles Glen. His collection was kindly donated to us in 2018 and was recently on display at - [New 'Cumbrae Queen' Exhibition at the Museum of the Cumbraes](https://naheritage.co.uk/new-cumbrae-queen-exhibition-at-the-museum-of-the-cumbraes) - We have a new exhibition on display at Garrison House, Millport and it is all about a Cumbrae tradition that dates back to 1964: the Cumbrae Queen! For the last 60 years a different girl has been crowned Cumbrae Queen annually and the exhibition showcases the history of this tradition. Come along and enjoy video - [Kilwinning Across The Pond](https://naheritage.co.uk/kilwinning-across-the-pond) - Back in February 2021, during the dark days of lockdown, Heather Upfield, from Kilwinning, was looking for something to do, to while away the hours. She decided to search for any other Kilwinning sites outwith Scotland and was surprised to find four Kilwinning mentions in the Americas! Here’s Heather’s account of her discoveries. Provinces of - [What Are The Odds?](https://naheritage.co.uk/what-are-the-odds) - Back in November 2023, Heather Upfield from Kilwinning Heritage, was in correspondence with Bob Farace from Clinton, Connecticut, USA about a painting relating to Kilwinning. In December 2023, she was in correspondence with Brett Hamm from Leduc, Alberta, Canada, about a Kilwinning-made James Blair longcase clock. Both have ancestors in Kilwinning and Dalry, and in - [New and Unusual Exhibition Finished](https://naheritage.co.uk/new-and-unusual-exhibition-finished) - Our exhibition 'New and Unusual' has now officially ended and we are in the process of installing our new exhibition 'Song of the Clyde River Steamers' featuring artworks by Charles Glen, which document the history of steamers on the Clyde. We are still in the change-over phase but feel free to pop in and see - [Titanic Honour & Glory Exhibition Video Preview](https://naheritage.co.uk/titanic-honour-glory-exhibition-video-preview) - Our latest exhibition, 'Titanic Honour and Glory' has been a huge hit and we created this preview video to entice you further! If you haven't managed to visit the exhibition, give this video a watch to get a taste of what there is to see! If you'd like to learn more about the exhibition, click - [Alexander Hamilton](https://naheritage.co.uk/alexander-hamilton) - We have added another historical figure to our 'Stories' section and this time it is Alexander Hamilton. With a father from Stevenston, Alexander Hamilton was born in Charlestown in the West Indies but eventually went to live in the USA. Alexander would go on to have a huge impact on the history of the USA: - [Hunterston Castle Has Been Added To The Castles Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/hunterston-castle-has-been-added-to-the-castles-section) - We have now added Hunterston Castle to the 'Castles' section of the website! One of North Ayrshire's most historic castles, it has been in the ownership of the Hunter family for around 800 years. Originally consisting of a tower, with a moat and rampart, it has changed throughout the centuries to include the attached Hunterston - [Law Castle Has Been Added To The Castles Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/law-castle-has-been-added-to-the-castles-section) - Our 'Castles' section has a new addition: this time we are in West Kilbride, with the pretty Law Castle! Originally built in the 15th century, it was a gift for Princess Mary. Later, it was a ruin and now it is once again occupied after being fully restored. Read more about Law Castle HERE (and - [Lylestone Quarry, Brickworks and Coal Mines - a brief history](https://naheritage.co.uk/lylestone-quarry-brickworks-and-coal-mines-a-brief-history) - This blog post was kindly provided by Chris Hawksworth from Kilwinning Heritage. Check out their website to plan your visit to the Heritage Centre at Kilwinning Abbey Tower. Or why not give them a follow on their Facebook page? John Campbell Brisbane, a gentleman of independant means, died in July 1868. He had inherited the estate of Lylestone from his - [What It Means To Be A Volunteer At The Heritage Centre In Saltcoats](https://naheritage.co.uk/what-it-means-to-be-a-volunteer-at-the-heritage-centre-in-saltcoats) - The following blog post was written by our volunteer, Frances, who gives her time at our North Ayrshire Heritage Centre in Saltcoats. I retired from my job in social work, it could be sometimes difficult and emotional working with the public and families in traumatic circumstances, but on occasions it was hugely rewarding when the - [Sinking of the Norwegian Brig Lovren](https://naheritage.co.uk/sinking-of-the-norwegian-brig-lovren) - We have now added the remarkable story of the sinking of the Norwegian brig 'Lovren' to the 'Stories' section of our website. It's a fascinating story and one well worth a read! A severe hurricane battered Britain on the nights of 21st and 22nd December 1894. Around 7pm on Friday 21st December, the Norwegian Brig - [Beith War Memorial Added to the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/beith-war-memorial-added-to-the-stories-section) - We have now added Beith War Memorial in the stories section! The memorial was unveiled on the 6th of November, 1920 following a ceremony which featured Aylmer Hunter-Weston. The names of the First World War dead are carved on the eight sides of the pedestal, along with three sides of the top base. The pedestal - [Merry Christmas!](https://naheritage.co.uk/merry-christmas) - Merry Christmas everyone from all of us here at the Heritage Centre! Keep an eye on our FaceBook page for a constant stream of content to keep you entertained throughout the festive period! We wish you all a lovely holiday period and a Happy New Year when it comes. Then we will do it all - [RAF Liberator (AM 261) Crash on the Isle of Arran has Been Added to the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/raf-liberator-am-261-crash-on-the-isle-of-arran-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - On the 10th of August 1941, RAF Liberator (AM 261) crashed into the ridge at Mullach Buidhe, just north of Goatfell on the Isle of Arran with the loss of 22 airmen. The flight crews on board were from the Royal Air Force Ferry Command, Air Transport Auxiliary and the British Overseas Airways Corporation. In - [Edward Harold George Dyer Update](https://naheritage.co.uk/edward-harold-george-dyer-update) - On the 22nd of November, 1943, Sergeant Edward Harold George Dyer died while on a bombing raid on Berlin in World War II. The aircraft was likely shot down over the Netherland en-route to the target. You may remember the name of Edward Harold George Dyer from our story on the crash of a Whitley - [Edward Harold George Dyer](https://naheritage.co.uk/edward-harold-george-dyer) - This post is one in a series of posts on the crash of an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Z9362, which crashed into the sea 2-miles from Saltcoats Harbour on the 2nd of May, 1943. The portrait photograph of Sergeant Edward Dyer in uniform shown above was provided by Vera and Jim Duncan. Sergeant Edward Harold George - ['New and Unusual' Exhibition Preview Video](https://naheritage.co.uk/new-and-unusual-exhibition-preview-video) - Have you seen our latest exhibition 'New and Unusual: And a few of our favourite things'? We have just recently put out a preview video on our Facebook page to entice you! The exhibition features a wide variety of of objects from our collection, including artworks, archaeology, sporting memorabilia, vintage technology (including old radios, cameras - [Andrew Aitken Has Been Added To The 'Stories' Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/andrew-aitken-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - Andrew Aitken has now been added to the 'Stories' section of our website! Andrew was born in Beith in 1780 and worked on a farm and had a passion for poetry. He didn't attend school but was taught to read and write by his mother and began dabbling in writing essays and poetry, which were - [Law and Order: The Frew Collection](https://naheritage.co.uk/law-and-order-the-frew-collection) - This blog post was kindly provided by Jeni Park from Kilwinning Heritage. Check out their website to plan your visit to the Heritage Centre at Kilwinning Abbey Tower. Or why not give them a follow on their Facebook page? I am the volunteer Project Manager for the Frew Collection. This is a large collection of archival documents donated to Kilwinning - [Strange Happenings At The Heritage Centre](https://naheritage.co.uk/strange-happenings-at-the-heritage-centre) - In the month of October we keep receiving reports from staff that there is an odd presence in our H̷e̴r̷i̵t̵a̸g̴e̵ ̵C̵e̸n̶t̶r̴e̷. They have claimed they have heard or seen things. To assuage these fears, we have filmed this short tour of our H̵̭̣̞͋̆͘ẽ̴͕̻͙̔ŗ̴̙͛ȋ̸̩̙t̴͔̤̓ā̸̡̩̹̈̎͂g̴̮̉̓͒̍e̷̺̺̣̓̊͌ ̶̫̟͊̏̈́C̷͎̓̎̚͝ḙ̶̐̽ṅ̵̯͕̒t̸̪͎̯̋́̕r̸̫̖͇͂̀͝e̸̗̤̝̮̓, to show you that everything is perfectly normal here in October. P̵̜̰̉̇̃̃̎̅͝e̵̩̻̬̩̳͙̎̀ȓ̶̡̝̼̳̻̙͈̏͋̿͌̐f̸̢̢̰͔̦̩̈́̑ȩ̴͕̞̲̻̔͐ͅͅc̴̯͓͐̃̃̉ţ̶̟̮̋ľ̶͉̼̼̟̭͖̝̍y̵̖͎͋ - [HMS Dasher Memorial Book](https://naheritage.co.uk/hms-dasher-memorial-book) - Another object featured in our New and Unusual exhibition comes in to the category of favourite objects. It's a memorial book with all the names of the crew who perished when HMS Dasher sank in 1943. HMS Dasher was a British Royal Navy aircraft carrier of the Avenger Class. She served in World War II. - [World War I and Three Kilwinning Men](https://naheritage.co.uk/world-war-i-and-three-kilwinning-men) - An Unsung Hero 53465 Sgt. Peter Edwards whose address was given as c/o Boyd, Corsehill Head, Kilwinning enlisted in the Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery on 1st December 1908 at the age of 17. He became a Physical Instructor and by the outbreak of war in 1914 he had been promoted to Sergeant. He - [A New and Unusual Exhibition](https://naheritage.co.uk/a-new-and-unusual-exhibition) - The following blog post was written by our Collections Officer, Louise. Our current exhibition is an eclectic mix of North Ayrshire’s history, with cases filled with objects from the North Ayrshire Collection. I got really excited when we had a break in our busy programme to show off our own collection, as I haven’t had - [Accidental Discoveries](https://naheritage.co.uk/accidental-discoveries) - Byres Road in Kilwinning probably got its name from bere, a form of rough barley grown in the past. In the 19th century the small community of the Byres at the western end of Kilwinning town centre became a weaving village with long low cottages along its length. In the Imperial Gazetteer of Scotland of - [Kilwinning Heritage Publications](https://naheritage.co.uk/kilwinning-heritage-publications) - There are few small towns in Scotland whose name is more widely known than that of Kilwinning. What should be better recognised is the story of its once important abbey and in turn, its influence on the past. The medieval ruins and the 19th century tower that dominate the town attract a growing number of - [Hidden History of the River Garnock](https://naheritage.co.uk/hidden-history-of-the-river-garnock) - The following guest blog post has been kindly written for us by Heather Upfield of Kilwinning Heritage and it discusses the history of the River Garnock, which she has chronicled in a new article which you can download and read for free by clicking HERE. Kilwinning Heritage has just published a new text about the - [New and Unusual Exhibition Now on Display](https://naheritage.co.uk/new-and-unusual-exhibition-now-on-display) - Our latest exhibition is now on display at our North Ayrshire Heritage Centre in Saltcoats and it's all about our own collection! Featuring a huge variety of objects from our own collections, the exhibition also features interviews with us, the staff, on what our favourite objects are! The exhibition is running into 2024 but we - [Doors Open Days 2023](https://naheritage.co.uk/doors-open-days-2023) - 9th of September 10:00 - 16:00 It's Doors Open Day time again! Another chance to showcase our current exhibition which is celebrating 10 years of the wonderful Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society . The volunteers work tirelessly all year round, to promote the history and preservation of the castle. This will also be the last Saturday - [New Donations at the Museum of the Cumbraes](https://naheritage.co.uk/new-donations-at-the-museum-of-the-cumbraes) - Recently the Museum of the Cumbraes welcomed two beautiful donations. The first is a model of MV Ashton, which was commissioned by Jim Thomson who then very kindly donated it to the Museum where it is now on permanent display. The second is our current exhibition Song of the Clyde: the story of the Clyde - [Soldiering On](https://naheritage.co.uk/soldiering-on) - We have another exciting blog post and this time it has been written by our Collections Officer Louise and is all about a little 'autographs' book which was recently donated to our collection. I love an object with a story to tell and this little book that was donated this month gives us so many - [HMS Fortitude Is Now In The Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/hms-fortitude-is-now-in-the-stories-section) - During World War II, Ardrossan Harbour was requisitioned by the admiralty as a naval base and was re-named HMS Fortitude. "Following the invasion of Poland, Captain Henry Francis Waight arrived in Ardrossan on 27th August 1939 to take up command of the Ardrossan Naval Base, named ‘HMS Fortitude’. Within a few days of war being - [Local People and the Whitley Bomber Crash at Saltcoats](https://naheritage.co.uk/local-people-and-the-whitley-bomber-crash-at-saltcoats) - This post is one in a series of posts on the crash of an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Z9362, which crashed into the sea 2-miles from Saltcoats Harbour on the 2nd of May, 1943. Many people in the Saltcoats area knew about the Whitley Bomber crashing into Saltcoats harbour on the night of 1st/2nd May 1943. A - [Donald Ernest Watts](https://naheritage.co.uk/donald-ernest-watts) - This post is one in a series of posts on the crash of an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Z9362, which crashed into the sea 2-miles from Saltcoats Harbour on the 2nd of May, 1943. Sergeant Donald Ernest Watts (Service No 1250352, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner, aged 21) To date, very little information and no photographs have been identified - [Ernest Jack Beer](https://naheritage.co.uk/ernest-jack-beer) - This post is one in a series of posts on the crash of an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Z9362, which crashed into the sea 2-miles from Saltcoats Harbour on the 2nd of May, 1943. Sergeant Ernest Jack Beer (Service Number 1600187, Wireless Operator, aged 29) Sergeant Beer was a pipe and gas fitter when the 1939 Register - [John Clifford North-Lewis](https://naheritage.co.uk/john-clifford-north-lewis) - This post is one in a series of posts on the crash of an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Z9362, which crashed into the sea 2-miles from Saltcoats Harbour on the 2nd of May, 1943. Flying Officer John Clifford North-Lewis (Service Number 109536, Pilot, aged 29) Flying Officer North-Lewis was the pilot of Whitley Z9362. He was educated - [Leslie Noel Atkinson](https://naheritage.co.uk/leslie-noel-atkinson) - This post is the first in a series about the crew of Whitley Bomber Z9362 of 24 Operational Training Unit that crashed into the sea, 2 miles from Saltcoats Harbour. The research that has been carried out is extensive, involving contributions from many individuals and organisations across the United Kingdom (UK) and in New Zealand. - [Our Singer Sewing Machine](https://naheritage.co.uk/our-singer-sewing-machine) - Historic Environment Scotland recently put up a fascinating blog post on the history of Singer sewing machines, which you can read HERE, and it got us thinking about our own Singer sewing machine which is on permanent display at our Heritage Centre in Saltcoats. Donated in late 2021, this machine had belonged to the donators - [Dr John Campbell Has Been Added To The 'Stories' Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/dr-john-campbell-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - Dr John Campbell (1791-1873) was a doctor and surgeon who served the people of Largs for 61 years. Born in Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, he attended the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh before moving to Largs. Following Dr John Campbell’s death, the people of Largs raised money by subscription to build a water fountain in his - [Passing of Gordon McQueen (1952 - 2023)](https://naheritage.co.uk/passing-of-gordon-mcqueen-1952-2023) - We are saddened to hear of the death of legendary Scottish footballer Gordon McQueen, who was born in Kilbirnie in 1952. Gordon enjoyed successful spells with Leeds Utd and Manchester Utd. McQueen made 140 appearances for Leeds before, in February 1978, Gordon moved to Manchester Utd, fierce rivals of Leeds Utd, for £495,000. McQueen had - [The Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society Will Be At The Heritage Centre On The 24th Of June](https://naheritage.co.uk/the-ardrossan-castle-heritage-society-will-be-at-the-heritage-centre-on-the-24th-of-june) - The last Saturday of the month is almost upon us and our friends at the Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society will be at the Heritage Centre this weekend (Saturday the 24th of June!) to educate our visitors about Ardrossan Castle and the history of the Society. We are open from 9:30am - 1pm & 2pm - - [David Shedden](https://naheritage.co.uk/david-shedden) - This post is one in a series of posts on the crash of an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Z9362, which crashed in the sea 2-miles from Saltcoats Harbour on the 2nd of May, 1943. David Shedden, Saltcoats fisherman, rescuer and World War 1 soldier David Shedden was a fisherman working out of Saltcoats harbour. After Whitley Z9362 - [Titanic Exhibition: Your Last Chance To See It!](https://naheritage.co.uk/titanic-exhibition-your-last-chance-to-see-it) - Our hugely popular Titanic exhibition is almost done and you only have until the end of the month to see it! Saturday the 27th of May is the final Saturday of the exhibition and Wednesday the 31st of May is officially the final day of the exhibition. If you haven't had a chance to see - [Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Z9362 Crash at Saltcoats](https://naheritage.co.uk/armstrong-whitworth-whitley-z9362-crash-at-saltcoats) - One of the lesser-known local stories of World War II in North Ayrshire is the crash of a Whitley bomber, which crashed into the sea 2 miles off from Saltcoats harbour in 1943, with the loss of 3 lives. The crew of Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Z9362 of 24 Operational Training Unit were being prepared for - [HMS Vandal Has Been Added to the Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/hms-vandal-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - HMS Vandal was a British submarine that was launched on the 23rd of November, 1942 and had the shortest career of any Royal Navy submarine on record, being lost with all hands just 4 days after being commissioned. HMS Vandal was commissioned on Saturday 20th February 1943 and was last seen on Wednesday 24th February 1943 leaving - [The 'Stories' Section Is Now Filterable By Location](https://naheritage.co.uk/the-stories-section-is-now-filterable-by-location) - Another new update to our website is the addition of locality-categories in our ever-popular 'Stories' section. You can now filter our stories via a specific town: useful if you are conducting research on an area or if you just want to find out more about your home town! The filters include: Ardrossan Beith Dalry Irvine - [Sir Aylmer Hunter-Weston Has Been Added to the 'Stories' Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/sir-aylmer-hunter-weston-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - The controversial Kilmarnock-born Lieutenant-General Sir Aylmer Hunter-Weston has now been added to the 'Stories' section of our website! During WWI he served in France at the battles of Le Cateau and Aisne and would often supervise his command from a motorbike. He faced major criticisms for his time in the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915 and - [Titanic Days at the Heritage Centre](https://naheritage.co.uk/titanic-days-at-the-heritage-centre) - We have some exciting Titanic events coming up at our Heritage Centre in Saltcoats! On Thursday the 6th of April bring your children to this kids-orientated Titanic experience! They can dress up, handle objects and learn from our Titanic-historian Sean Szmalc. On Thursday the 13th of April come along and enjoy a tour of Titanic - [Anniversary of the Sinking of HMS Dasher](https://naheritage.co.uk/anniversary-of-the-sinking-of-hms-dasher) - On this day, the 27th of March, in 1943 the Royal Navy Avenger-class escort carrier HMS Dasher exploded at 4:42pm and sank soon after with the loss of 379 of the 528 man crew. The ship sank in the waters between Ardrossan and Arran. "At 4.48pm with the carrier almost vertical, it sank into the - ['Down Your Way' Exhibition at West Kilbride Museum](https://naheritage.co.uk/down-your-way-exhibition-at-west-kilbride-museum) - Be sure to check out the latest exhibition at West Kilbride museum before it departs! Currently on display is the 'Down Your Way' exhibition, which shows the history of the shops of West Kilbride through a range of artefacts and also includes a photography exhibit. The exhibition runs until the 11th of April. We have - [William Riddet Has Been Added To The Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/william-riddet-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - William Riddet was born in Dalry on the 16th of March, 1896. William worked on his father's farm from a young age and went on to study agriculture and dairyism at the West of Scotland Agricultural Cottage in Glasgow. "William’s contribution to dairy science is immeasurable, his scientific knowledge was outstanding, and he was always - [North Ayrshire Heritage Quiz Part 4](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshire-heritage-quiz-part-4) - Another week and another quiz! Have a go and see how well you can do and, if you are feeling confident, try parts one, two and three! - [The Robert Burns Quiz](https://naheritage.co.uk/the-robert-burns-quiz) - We have been on a bit of a quiz-binge recently and we thought we would mix it up a bit by bringing you one on infamous poet Robert Burns! Test your knowledge on the man himself in this quiz! - [Edgar Allan Poe Has Been Added To The Stories Section](https://naheritage.co.uk/edgar-allan-poe-has-been-added-to-the-stories-section) - One of the most famous writers in the modern era, Edgar Allan Poe was born on the 19th of January, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts. Did you know he lived briefly in Irvine? He would also visit family in Kilmarnock and even had a day-trip to Arran. As for his writing he was one of the - [North Ayrshire Heritage Quiz Part 3](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshire-heritage-quiz-part-3) - The third part of our heritage quiz is here! Give it a go and see how well you can do. - [North Ayrshire Heritage Quiz Part 2](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshire-heritage-quiz-part-2) - Welcome back to our Heritage Quiz! This is part two where we will continue to test your knowledge on the history of North Ayrshire. Give it a go, send it to your friends and see how well you can do! If you'd like to play part 1, click HERE. - [North Ayrshire Heritage Quiz](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshire-heritage-quiz) - How well do you know your North Ayrshire History? Why not put your knowledge to the test with our fun little North Ayrshire Heritage Quiz! Send it to your friends and see who can get the highest score. Be sure to keep an eye out for more quizzes that are coming in the future! - [Try Our Titanic Quiz](https://naheritage.co.uk/try-our-titanic-quiz) - Have you visited our Titanic Exhibition yet? It's on until the end of April at our Heritage Centre and has been very (very) popular! If you have visited (or if you just want to get in the mood) why not test your knowledge of the famous ship with our Titanic quiz? - [Castles of North Ayrshire: Brodick Castle](https://naheritage.co.uk/castles-of-north-ayrshire-brodick-castle) - We have added another castle to our 'Castles of North Ayrshire' section, this time it is Brodick Castle! A fortress has stood on the location of Brodick Castle since the 5th century and by the 10th century, the site was under the control of Norse forces until they were driven from Arran following the Battle - [Our New Joseph Russell Stained Glass Windows](https://naheritage.co.uk/our-new-joseph-russell-stained-glass-windows) - Have you seen our two beautiful stained glass windows that we recently installed? We want to share with you their fascinating story and to do so, we have to tell you about an e-mail we received and then go back to the 19th century. In 2019 we were contacted by Dr Andrew Russell, who explained - [Castles of North Ayrshire: Lochranza Castle](https://naheritage.co.uk/castles-of-north-ayrshire-lochranza-castle) - We have added another castle to our 'Castles of North Ayrshire' section and this time it is Lochranza Castle! Lochranza Castle sits in the north of Arran, on a peninsula at Loch Ranza. The castle dates from the 13th century when it was likely built for the MacSween family and it would play a role - [Wallace Hartley: Titanic Exhibition](https://naheritage.co.uk/wallace-hartley-titanic-exhibition) - Maria Robinson was the fiancée of Titanic’s bandleader, Wallace Hartley. Wallace gave Maria this brooch and locket which contained his photograph on the occasion of their engagement. The brooch is gold with an inlay of pearls in the form of a “W” for Wallace. In April 1912 Wallace Hartley was offered the position of bandmaster - [Our Latest Exhibition is Here! Titanic: Honour & Glory](https://naheritage.co.uk/our-latest-exhibition-is-here-titanic-honour-glory) - Visit our Heritage Centre in Saltcoats to see our latest exhibition: 'Titanic: Honour and Glory', which follows the history of one of the most infamous ships ever made. From construction in Belfast, to the fateful maiden voyage, the exhibition features video interviews and a wide variety of artefacts including some of the beautiful china dinner - [Our Latest Exhibition: Little Black Dress](https://naheritage.co.uk/our-latest-exhibition-little-black-dress) - The North Ayrshire Heritage Team and volunteers at Dalgarven Mill Museum of Country Life and Costume have been working in partnership to bring you the latest exhibition at North Ayrshire Heritage Centre in Saltcoats. The Little Black Dress exhibition is a celebration of that staple garment from the time the phrase was coined in the - [Heritage Centre Closed For Christmas](https://naheritage.co.uk/heritage-centre-closed-for-christmas) - As of today (14th of December 2022) we are now officially closed for the Christmas holidays at our Heritage Centre in Saltcoats. In the new year, our latest exhibition 'Titanic: Honour & Glory' will be waiting for you when we re-open on the 9th of January. Featuring fascinating videos and a wide variety of objects - [Private James Barrow, Dalry](https://naheritage.co.uk/private-james-barrow-dalry) - We have recently received a donation of a photograph which has been quite timely given the recent Remembrance events. The photograph shows Private James Barrow of Love Lane, Dalry, who was born on 14 February 1896 and died in service with the Cameronians (1st Battalion Scottish Rifles) on 27 May 1917. He is buried at - [Hidden Ayrshire: Skelmorlie Secret Bunker](https://naheritage.co.uk/hidden-ayrshire-skelmorlie-secret-bunker) - Our friends at Ayrshire Film Company have created a wonderful video on Skelmorlie Secret Bunker, which is one of North Ayrshire's hidden gems and somewhere you should definitely visit! Check it out below and you can find out more about the bunker on our information page HERE or on their official website HERE. - [Ardrossan Castle Archaeological Dig August 2022](https://naheritage.co.uk/ardrossan-castle-archaeological-dig-august-2022) - Rathmell Archaeology and members of the Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society recently had a dig at Ardrossan Castle. The dig was located in the area between the Castle and the Church in the hope of finding evidence of a settlement or trackway, with small 500cm square test pits being dug. Keep an eye out on the - [Places That We Know: River of Stories VR](https://naheritage.co.uk/places-that-we-know-river-of-stories-vr) - Our friends at Places That We Know have created a wonderful VR experience (that you can watch in 2D on a normal screen too!) called 'River of Stories'. Check out their VR section HERE. Come with us now on a journey into the past, as we pluck tales like droplets from the swirling waters of ## Pages - [Home](https://naheritage.co.uk/) - North Ayrshire Heritage brings together stories, trails and exhibitions to teach you all about the history of the area. - [Gordon McQueen](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/gordon-mcqueen) - Gordon McQueen (1952 - 2023) Kilbirnie-born footballer who played for Leeds Utd & Manchester Utd. Inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2012. On the 26th of June, legendary Scottish defender Gordon McQueen was born in Kilbirnie in 1952. Throughout his 15 year career he played for St Mirren, Leeds Utd & Manchester - [Accessibility Statement](https://naheritage.co.uk/accessibility-statement) - This accessibility statement applies to the North Ayrshire Heritage website, available at https://naheritage.co.uk. This website is managed by Information and Culture, North Ayrshire Council. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. For example, you should be able to: - change colours, contrast levels and fonts using your browser or device - [Isle of Arran](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/isle-of-arran) - Buildings, Castles & Monuments Brodick Castle Lochranza Castle Machrie Standing Stones St Bride's Church Notable People From Arran Marion Adams-Acton – Prolific author of children’s books Flora Drummond - Suffragette from Manchester who grew up on the Isle of Arran. Stories Commandos on Arran FV Antares HMS Vandal King Edward VII Visits Arran in 1902 RAF - [FV Antares](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/fv-antares) - On 22 November 1990 the 52 foot deep-water trawler FV Antares was sunk after it’s nets were snagged by the nuclear-powered submarine HMS Trenchant, off the coast of Arran. The Antares left its home port at Carradale with its four-men crew, on 19 November, to fish around the Firth of Clyde. Each day it would - [John Galt](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/john-galt) - John Galt (1779 - 1839) Irvine-born novelist who founded the town of Guelph in Canada. John Galt was born on the 2nd of May 1779, to sea captain John Galt and his wife Jean Thomson. The profession of sea captain was considered to be a fairly lucrative one as many traded for themselves and made - [Junior Football](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/junior-football) - With over a century of history of junior football in North Ayrshire, we put together this exhibition in celebration of the sport. We have 10 junior teams in North Ayrshire and they all have stories to tell about their teams, their players, their supporters and their history. The junior football teams are still at the - [John Mearns Taylor](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/john-mearns-taylor) - John Mearns Taylor (1868 - 1932), doctor who served the communities of Skelmorlie, Wemyss Bay and Inverkip. John Cole Mearns was born in 1868 in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, the youngest son of parents Captain Andrew Mearns, a Master Mariner, and Ann Sales. His father owned two houses in St. John’s, the second being tenanted - [Sir Thomas Brisbane](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/sir-thomas-brisbane) - On the 23rd of July, 1773, Sir Thomas Brisbane – for whom the city of Brisbane, Australia is named - was born in Largs. He was born at Brisbane House to Sir Thomas and Dame Eleanora Brisbane. He studied astronomy and mathematics at Edinburgh University and in 1789 enlisted in the military, joining the British - [Sir David Paulin](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/sir-david-paulin) - Sir David Paulin (1847 - 1930), Irvine-born founder of the Scottish Life Assurance Company. On the 27th of October, 1847 one of the founders of the Scottish Life Assurance Company, Sir David Paulin was born in Irvine. David was the second born son of George Paulin, Rector of Irvine Royal Academy 1844-1877, and Anne McDougall - [North Ayrshire at the World Cup](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-at-the-world-cup) - [The 1978 FIFA World Cup](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/the-1978-fifa-world-cup) - The 1978 FIFA World Cup was perhaps the most incredible World Cup that the Scotland National team has ever been a part of. It was a World Cup that many felt Scotland had a real chance of winning, perhaps none held this belief more strongly than the Scotland manager Ally Macleod. When he took his - [Jemma Reekie](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/jemma-reekie) - Jemma Reekie (b. 1998) Beith-born Olympic runner who won gold at the U20 championships in Italy. Born in Beith on 6th March 1998 to parents Morna and Jared, Jemma was born into a sport loving family that saw her enjoy hockey and horse riding. But it was running that Jemma enjoyed the most, and ever - [Charles Faultless](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/charles-faultless) - Charles Faultless was born in 1908 in Bridgeton, Glasgow, the son of an industrial worker in railway workshops. Just a year after his birth, his father died and Charles was raised by his mother at her parents home in Rhymer Street, Townhead. He attended Martyrs’ Public School and Provanside Public School. Following the completion of - [Otto Kiep](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/otto-kiep) - Otto Carl Kiep (1886 - 1944) Saltcoats-born German who joined the Abwehr during World War II and worked as part of the resistance against the Nazi's. He was murdered at Ravensbruck Concentration Camp in 1944. Otto Carl Kiep was born on the 7th of July, 1886 at Shields Cottage, Eglinton Place, Saltcoats during a family - [Stories](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories) - North Ayrshire is just full of wonderful stories: from inventors to authors, scientists to artists, historic buildings to remarkable ships. North Ayrshire has been home to people who have helped shape the world we live in today. Please feel free to browse our database below and delve into the rich history this region has to - [The History of Volvo in Irvine](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/the-history-of-volvo-in-irvine) - In June 2000 the Volvo plant in Irvine closed with the loss of hundreds of jobs after 25 years of operation in the town. 250 highly skilled truck production jobs were lost, along with at least another 200 who worked at the factory. Then-leader of North Ayrshire Council, James Clements, said the loss of the - [National Year of Reading 2026](https://naheritage.co.uk/national-year-of-reading-2026) - [Museum of the Cumbraes](https://naheritage.co.uk/our-museums/museum-of-the-cumbraes) - [Francis Love](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/francis-love) - Franics Love (1781 - 1860) Stevenston-born poet. Francis Love was born in Stevenston on 19 April 1781 to Robert Love, a coachman and Elizabeth Lockhart. During his lifetime Francis was well known in the West of Scotland, particularly in Masonic circles, as a poet and song writer. Francis was associated with the Stevenston Thistle and - [Scotland and the 1950 FIFA World Cup](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/scotland-and-the-1950-fifa-world-cup) - Scotland first appeared at a World Cup in 1954 however this was not the first tournament Scotland could have played in. Invited to play in the 1950 FIFA World Cup, the Scottish SFA declined the invitation. But why? It all started with the British Home Championship in the 1949/50 season. The Championship was an annual competition - [Irvine](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/irvine) - Automatic Tide Signalling Apparatus (Pilot House) Dreghorn War Memorial History of Irvine Grammar School, Irvine Academy and Irvine Royal Academy Irvine Bridge Perceton and Dreghorn Free Church Powder House Seagate Castle A Roy Aitken – Irvine-born footballer who made over 600 appearances for Celtic. Mary Andross – Irvine-born pioneer of dietetics B Martin Boyd – Inventor of the Automatic - [Ross Stewart](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/ross-stewart) - Ross Stewart was born in Irvine on the 11th of July, 1996. He started his footballer career in the Juniors in 2013, with Ardeer Thistle and Kilwinning Rangers before joining semi-pro team Albion Rovers in 2016. He would only last a season at Albion Rovers, being scouted by St. Mirren and signing a full-time contract - [Alex Parker](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/alex-parker) - Alex parker was born in Irvine on the 2nd of August, 1935. Alex Parker started his football career after leaving school with Kello Rovers in the Ayrshire Junior league. His excellent form attracted the attention of Falkirk. He had initially been a striker but was converted to fullback, a position he excelled at. He made his - [Steve Clarke](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/steve-clarke) - Steve Clarke (b. 1963) Saltcoats-born former professional footballer and currently is a football manager. He played for St Mirren and Chelsea and has gone on to manage Kilmarnock and the Scotland national team. Steve Clarke, and he was born on 29th August 1963 in Saltcoats. He got his football upbringing in 1970s Ayrshire, saying “I - [A History of the Miller Family From Fairlie](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/a-history-of-the-miller-family-from-fairlie) - Charles's father and grandfather were both born in Fairlie. His father, John, was born in Fairlie, near Largs, on the 13th of June 1844, the third of ten children born to parents Andrew Miller and Elisabeth Brown who had been married in Largs on 21st December 1839. By 1851 Andrew and his family, including 7 - [Charles William Miller](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/charles-william-miller) - Born on the 24th of November, 1874 in São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, Charles William Miller was the second of four children born to parents John Miller and his wife Carlota Alexandrina Fox. Charles would go on to be credited with introducing football to Brazil, founding Sao Paulo Athletic Club (SPAC) and with founding the - [Roy Aitken](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/roy-aitken) - Robert ‘Roy’ Aitken was born on the 24th of November, 1958 in Irvine, North Ayrshire. He grew up in Ardrossan and attended St. Andrews Academy in Saltcoats and signed for Celtic in 1975, having been part of Celtic Boys Club previously. Nicknamed ‘The Bear’ by Celtic fans, due to his size and commanding presence, he made his debut at just 16 years old - [Saltcoats Model Yachting Pond](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/saltcoats-model-yachting-pond) - On the 9th of June 1934, the new Model Yacht Pond at Winton Circus, Saltcoats was officially opened, in front of a crowd of 5,000 spectators. At the time, the new model yacht pond at Saltcoats was the largest in Scotland and was the third pond to be built by Saltcoats Town Council, the first - [James Brown](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/james-brown) - James Brown was born in Kilmarnock on the 31st of December 1908. Although born in Kilmarnock, Brown grew up in the coastal town of Troon. Like many young men of his generation, he entered the workforce early, beginning an apprenticeship as a riveter at the Troon shipyard at just 13 years old. He was the - [Billy Gilmour](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/billy-gilmour) - Billy Clifford Gilmour was born on 11th June 2001 at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine to Billy and Carrie Gilmour. He lived in Ardrossan. His father served in the Royal Navy and played junior football for Ardrossan Winton Rovers. Billy went to Stanley Primary School in Ardrossan and played developmental football at Tass Thistle in - [Ben Ganon-Doak](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/ben-ganon-doak) - Ben Ganon-Doak was born in Dalry on 11th November 2005 and began his football career with Dalry Rovers before moving to Ayr United and then to Celtic. He made his Celtic debut in January 2022 as a substitute in the Scottish Premiership win against Dundee United. Ben signed his first professional contract with Liverpool in - [Kilwinning](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/kilwinning) - Buildings, Castles & Monuments Kilwinning Abbey Tower Notable People From Kilwinning Thomas Allardyce - Kilwinning-born poet and railwayman. Quintin Crauford - Author who wrote 143 books Duncan Currie – Kilwinning-born footballer who made 45 appearances for Hearts who was killed in France during WWI. Janice Galloway – Author from Kilwinning who published various works and wrote radio - [Sports People of North Ayrshire](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/sports-people-of-north-ayrshire) - Roy Aitken – Irvine-born footballer who made over 600 appearances for Celtic. Andrew Auld – Stevenston-born footballer who played in the 1930 World Cup for the USA. Jim Brown – Kilmarnock-born footballer who played for the USA national team at the 1930 FIFA World Cup. George Burley – Cumnock-born footballer and manager, who played for and managed the Scottish - [George Burley](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/george-burley) - George Burley was born in Cumnock, East Ayrshire, and went on to enjoy a distinguished career in football as both a player and manager. He earned 11 caps for Scotland and was part of the squad at the 1982 FIFA World Cup. He would also manage the national team, being appointed Scotland manager in 2008 - [Alan McInally](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/alan-mcinally) - Alan McInally was born in Ayr on the 10th of February, 1963. He was the son of Jackie McInnally, who had played in Kilmarnock’s title winning team from 1965. He began his football career with Ayr Utd in 1980, playing over 90 games for the club before moving to Celtic in 1984 for a fee of £90,000. He made his - [Steve Nicol](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/steve-nicol) - Stephen Nicol was born on the 11th of December, 1961 in Troon. He joined his local club, Troon Thistle at just 9 years old before making the move to Ayr United as a 16 year old. By 1979, he was playing for the Ayr Utd first team. He played two seasons for the club, with 70 appearances in total before - [George Hamilton](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/george-hamilton) - Born on the 7th of December 1917 in Irvine, George Hamilton had a varied career in Scottish football, playing for multiple clubs and representing Scotland at the 1954 FIFA World Cup. Hamilton began his football journey with local junior side Irvine Meadow, where his talent quickly became apparent. His performances earned him a move to - [Jim Stewart](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/jim-stewart) - Jim Stewart was born in Kilwinning on the 9th of March, 1954. His football career, in the position of goalkeeper, started with Troon F.C. in 1970 before moving to his boyhood club of Kilmarnock F.C. in 1972. He played for them until 1977, making 136 appearances for the club before moving to Middlesborough. After 3 - [Montgomerie Pier](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/montgomerie-pier) - In 1888, a second railway, the ‘Lanarkshire & Ayrshire Railway’, also known as the ‘Caledonian Line’ came to Ardrossan, linked to Glasgow via Barrmill, Barrhead, and Lugton. It was operated by the Caledonian Railway and built specifically to undermine the high prices charged by the Glasgow & South-Western Railway for transporting iron and coal from - [Exhibitions](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions) - [Bound by the Sea](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/bound-by-the-sea) - The Scottish Maritime Museum’s first touring exhibition celebrates the rich maritime heritage of North Ayrshire’s ‘Three Towns’ and their historic connection to the Merchant Navy. Bound by the Sea – Three Towns and the Merchant Navy, which opens at North Ayrshire Heritage Centre on Monday 1st June, explores how the Three Towns of Ardrossan, Saltcoats - [2025 Exhibitions](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/2025-exhibitions) - [Andrew Auld](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/andrew-auld) - Andy Auld (1900 - 1977), Stevenston-born footballer who went on to play at the first ever World Cup for the USA. Andrew 'Andy' Auld was born on the 30th of April, 1900 in Stevenston, North Ayrshire. At the age of 11 years old, he started his football career with Stevenston F.C. in 1911, where he - [Dalry](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/dalry) - Notable People From Dalry John Aitken – Dalry-born watchmaker and jeweller. Elizabeth ‘Bessie’ Dunlop – Woman from Dalry who was convicted of witchcraft and was consequently burnt at the stake at Castle-hill in Edinburgh. James Dunlop - Astronomer from Dalry George Houston – Landscape artist from Dalry. David Ross Lauder – Dalry-born Victoria Cross recipient who war awarded the - [John McKillop](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/john-mckillop) - Born in the year 1795, at the farm-house of Warrenhill in the parish of Dalry. Schooled at the Parochial School of his native parish he received the rudiment of his education. From an early age he assisted his father in the running of the farm. In the winter months he made use of his education - [Thomas Allardyce](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/thomas-allardyce) - Thomas Allardyce was born on 1st May 1858, at Crossbrae, Kilwinning, son of Agnes Alderdice, a muslin sewer. While pregnant with her second child, Agnes and Thomas, then aged eight, were sent to the Cunninghame Combination Poorhouse in Irvine where her second son, Archibald, was in January 1869. Thomas, now working as a railway surfaceman, married Mary Wyllie on 1st November 1888 in the Evangelical - [May Wilson Paterson](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/may-wilson-paterson) - Mary Wilson Watson was born on 28th February 1906 at Newton of Barr, Lochwinnoch, to parents David Wilson, a railway surfaceman, and Mary Watson. She married William Paterson, a joiner, in Blythswood in 1963 and they lived at Law View, Meadowfoot Road, West Kilbride. May worked at ICI, Ardeer, Stevenston. She was also very active in her local church, the Barony Parish Church in West Kilbride, where she was vice - [Ardrossan](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/ardrossan) - Buildings, Castles & Monuments Ardrossan Castle Ardrossan Harbour Ardrossan Hospitals Ardrossan War Memorial Seafield Tower Notable People From Ardrossan Reverend Robert Morgan Adamson - Minister of St. John’s Church, Ardrossan for 44 years Nicol Grahame - Soldier who fought in the Crimean War. Colour-Sergeant Thomas Hughes – Colour-Sergeant in the Royal Scots Fusiliers who retired with - [Archibald Clark Manuel](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/archibald-clark-manuel) - On the 1st of March, 1901 Archibald Clark Manuel, M.P., founder of the Ardrossan Labour Party was born. Named for his maternal grandfather, Archibald Clark Manuel was born 1st March 1901, at 4pm in Ramoyle, Dunblane, Perthshire, the first of two children born to parents William Charleston Manuel and his first wife Jeanie Clark, who - [Alexander Young Malcomson](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/alexander-young-malcomson) - Alexander Young Malcomson was born on the 7th of June, 1865 in Dalry, North Ayrshire. He and his widowed father left Scotland when Alexander was 15 to emigrate to the USA, living with his uncle in Detroit. The young Alexander started working in a grocery store shortly after arriving before eventually purchasing one for himself. - [North Ayrshire Museums](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshire-museums) - [Kilbirnie](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/kilbirnie) - Buildings Kilbirnie War Memorial Notable People From Kilbirnie Thomas Clifford – Kilbirnie-born footballer who played for multiple teams (including Celtic and Motherwell) who was killed in France during WWI in 1917. William Halbert - Marine engineer. Major General Sir Charles Mathew – British Army officer who lived in Kilbirnie. Gordon McQueen – Footballer who played for St Mirren, - [Major General Sir Charles Mathew](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/major-general-sir-charles-mathew) - General Sir Charles Massy Mathew was a distinguished British Army officer whose military career spanned the late Victorian imperial campaigns and the First World War. Through marriage and residence, he also became closely connected with Kilbirnie and Kilbirnie Place, leaving a lasting mark on the town’s civic and social history. Born in Wexford, Ireland, in - [West Kilbride Museum](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshire-museums/west-kilbride-museum) - West Kilbride Museum Opening Times: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from 10.30am -12.30, and 2.00 - 4.00pm Entry FREE The museum has a stairlift Directions: 1st FloorWest Kilbride Village Hall1 Arthur StreetWest KilbrideNorth AyrshireKA23 9EN Contact: 01294823284 Website: HERE About Artefacts donated by village residents past and present reflect life in the village through the ages as - [Junior Football Blog Posts](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/junior-football-blog-posts) - The following blog posts have all been contributed by Gordon McCreath, who is a keen amateur Junior Football historian. His research into the history of the sport in North Ayrshire is primarily focused on Irvine Meadow XI but also includes all other clubs. Gordon has conducted extensive research, including interviewing many former players. We are - [Kilbirnie War Memorial](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/kilbirnie-war-memorial) - On the 7th of October, 1922, the Kilbirnie War Memorial gateway was unveiled. During World War One around a 1,000 Kilbirnie men enlisted. Of these, 800 returned to Kilbirnie, but 159 men died on active service. In their memory the Kilbirnie War Memorial archway was erected at the entrance to the new Public Park. Built - [William Landsborough](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/william-landsborough) - William Landsborough was born 21 February 1825 in Stevenston, the fourth child of Rev. Dr. David Landsborough and Margaret McLeish. He was baptised on 06 March 1825. He was educated in Irvine. In 1841, aged 16, he emigrated to New England, New South Wales, Australia where his older brothers John and James had sheep farming - [David Landsborough](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/david-landsborough) - David Landsborough (1779 - 1854) Balmaclellan-born minister who preached to the people of Saltcoats. David was born on the 11th of August 1779, in the parish of Balmaclellan, Kirkcudbrightshire. He was a talented musician, botanist, author and a devoted minister to the people of Stevenston and Saltcoats. His birth entry states that he was born - [Ross Tollerton](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/ross-tollerton) - Ross Tollerton (06/05/1890 - 07/04/1931) Hurlford-born Private in the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders who earned the Victoria Cross for his actions at the First Battle of the Aisne in France. Ross Tollerton's father was a police officer, and was stationed in Irvine and the family moved to East Road in 1901. Ross attended Bank Street - [William Riddet](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/william-riddet) - William Riddet (1896 - 1958), Dalry-born academic in the subjects of agriculture and dairying. On the 16th of March, 1896, William Riddet, known as “the founder of dairy science in New Zealand”, was born in Cubeside Farm, Dalry. His father Robert Lang Riddet was described as a quiet and kind man who took an active - [George Ranald MacFarlane Reid](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/george-ranald-macfarlane-reid) - George Ranald MacFarlane Reid (1893 - 1991) Fairlie-born soldier who fought in the First World War and went on to become a pilot. Retired in 1946 having servied in two World Wars. On the 25th of October 1893 the WWI flying ace George Ranald MacFarlane Reid was born in Gondola Cottage, Fairlie. His parents were - [Harry Ranken](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/harry-ranken) - Harry Ranken (1883 - 1914) Glasgow-born Victoria Cross recipient who lived in Irvine. Died in the First World War. Harry Ranken was born in Maryhill, Glasgow on the 3rd of September, 1883, and moved to Irvine when he was 8 (his father was the Minister of Irvine). He attended Irvine Royal Academy where he was - [Frederick Pilkington](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/frederick-pilkington) - Frederick Thomas Pilkington (1832 - 1898) Salford-born architect who designed Trinity Church in Irvine. Frederick Thomas Pilkington was born on the 9th of August, 1832, in Salford, England. One of seven children, his father was Thomas Pilkington and his mother was Jane Butterworth. Frederick's father Thomas was an architect and Frederick trained in the profession - [Agnes Miller Parker](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/agnes-miller-parker) - Agnes Miller Parker (1895 - 1980), Irvine-born artist, engraver and illustrator. On the 3rd of April 1895 the artist, engraver and illustrator Agnes Miller Parker was born in Clyde View, West Road, Irvine. Her parents were William McCall Parker – an Analytical Chemist and Agnes Harriet Parker – nee Mitchell. They were married on 21st - [Alexander MacFadzean](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/alexander-macfadzean) - Dr Alexander MacFadzean (1788 - 1849), physician and philanthropist who worked to improve the welfare of the poor in Ardrossan. Dr Alexander MacFadzean died at the age of 60 on the 8th of January, 1849. Alexander was a greatly respected philanthropist who worked tirelessly for the welfare of the inhabitants of Ardrossan and gave freely - [Lou Macari](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/lou-macari) - Lou Macari (Born 1949), legendary former Celtic & Manchester United player. Luigi Macari was born in Edinburgh on the 7th of June, 1949, the only child of Margaret and Albert Macari. The family moved to London before returning to Scotland and settling in Largs when Lou was nine years old. He attended St Michael's Academy - [David Ross Lauder](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/david-ross-lauder) - David Ross Lauder (31/01/1894 - 04/06/1972) Airdrie-born Victoria Cross recipient who lived in Dalry. David Ross Lauder lived in Dalry where he worked as a carter. He lived in New Street and was training with the territorials as part of 1/4th Royal Scots Fusiliers when he was called up in 1915, leaving his wife and - [George Henry](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/george-henry) - George Henry (1858 - 1943), Irvine-born artist who studied at the Glasgow School. The well-known artist, George Henry, was born in Irvine on the 14th of March, 1858, at the brewery on the Low Green. He studied at the Glasgow School and he and his friend, E A Hornel would become prominent members of what - [Alexander Hamilton](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/alexander-hamilton) - Alexander Hamilton (1755 - 1804), was one of the founding fathers of the USA with a father who came from Stevenston. On 10th December 1755 Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States of America, was born in Charlestown, Nevis in the British West Indies. His mother was Rachel Faucette of Nevis - [Jimmy Gordon](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/jimmy-gordon) - Jimmy Gordon (1888 - 1954), Saltcoats born footballer who made 388 appearances for Rangers. The following piece was kindly provided by David Herd and is an extract from his book "1872 - Stories of Rangers Players of Yesteryear" (JMD Media / DB Publishing). The war hero who could play anywhere and captained his country. The - [William Fife jr](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/william-fife-jr) - William Fife jr (1857 - 1944) Fairlie-born boat builder. His yacht designs were renowned for their quality and beauty throughout the world. William Fife Jr was born in Fairlie, North Ayrshire on the 15th of June 1857 to a family of boat builders and designers. His father was William Fife Sr (1821-1902) and his grandfather - [Henry Eckford](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/henry-eckford) - Henry Eckford (1775 - 1832), shipbuilder, naval architect, politician and businessman from Irvine. On the 12th of March 1775, the shipbuilder, naval architect, politician and businessman Henry Eckford was born. His parents were Henry Eckford and Janet Black and he was the youngest of 5 boys. Although born in Irvine, Henry’s birth was registered in - [Elizabeth (Bessie) Dunlop](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/elizabeth-bessie-dunlop) - Elizabeth Dunlop (d. 1856) farmers wife who lived in Dalry and was convicted of withcraft. Strangled and burnt at Castle-Hill in Edinburgh. On the 8th of November, 1576, Elizabeth (Bessie) Dunlop was convicted of Witchcraft and taken to the Castle-hill, Edinburgh, where she was tied to a stake, strangled and her body burnt. Bessie lived - [Kenneth Campbell](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/kenneth-campbell) - Kenneth Campbell (1917 - 1941) Saltcoats-born soldier who would become North Ayrshire's only Victoria Cross recipient of the Second World War. Took part in an attack on the German battlecruiser Gneisnau. Kenneth Campbell, North Ayrshire’s only WWII Victoria Cross recipient, was born in Dockhead Street, Saltcoats (Bank of Scotland Buildings) on the 21st of April, - [Genealogy](https://naheritage.co.uk/genealogy) - [Stevenston](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/stevenston) - Buildings, Castles & Monuments Kerelaw Castle Newcomen Engine House, Auchenharvie Notable People From Stevenston Andrew Auld - Stevenston-born footballer who played in the 1930 World Cup for the USA. Edward Boyd – Award-winning T.V and radio crime writer from Stevenston. Thomas Christie - Printer and Stationer. Robert Cunninghame – Inherited the Barony of Stevenston and established the - [James Montgomery](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/james-montgomery) - James Montgomery (1771 - 1854), Irvine-born poet who wrote anti-slavery epic 'The West Indies'. On the 4th of November, 1771 the Christian poet James Montgomery was born in Irvine. He was born in a one-storey house in Braid Close off of the Halfway. His Irish parents had moved to Scotland to take charge of the - [Newspapers](https://naheritage.co.uk/genealogy/newspapers) - 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 - [Isle of Cumbrae](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/isle-of-cumbrae) - Buildings, Castles & Monuments Cathedral of the Isles Cumbrae War Memorial Notable People From Millport Andrew Goldie – 19th Century Pacific explorer, born in Millport. His writings, discoveries and collections have made a significant impact on Australia, New Guinea and New Zealand. Duncan Macrae - Glasgow-born actor who frequently visited Millport. Sheina MacAlister Marshall - Marine - [Duncan Macrae](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/duncan-macrae) - Duncan Macrae (20 August 1905 – 23 March 1967) was one of Scotland’s best known actors. He worked on stage, on television, radio and in cinema. To relax he had a second home, away from Glasgow, in Millport at Dundonald Villa on Kames Bay. He was born in Glasgow at 118 Kirkland Street, in Maryhill. - [Prince Charles Visits Ardrossan and Saltcoats in 1986](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/prince-charles-visits-ardrossan-and-saltcoats-in-1986) - On the 18th of March, 1986, Prince Charles (now King Charles III) visited Saltcoats and Ardrossan. To ensure that the Royal Visit went well policemen were drafted in from all over Ayrshire to control the crowds waiting to see the 37-year-old prince. On Tuesday 18th March 1986 Prince Charles arrived by helicopter, landing at the - [Sheina MacAlister Marshall](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/sheina-macalister-marshall) - Sheina MacAlister Marshall (1896 - 1977) was a highly respected marine biologist and a world expert in plankton research. Her work was dominated by a new type of groundbreaking marine biology which focused on the ecology of the marine habitat, concentrating on marine food chains. Jean MacAllister Marshall, known as Sheina, was born at 7pm - [HMS Dasher](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/hms-dasher) - On the 27th of March 1943, off the coast of Ardrossan, the HMS Dasher, an aircraft carrier, suddenly exploded in the waters between the town of Ardrossan and the Isle of Arran with the loss of 379 men. The HMS Dasher was on escort duty protecting the North Atlantic corridor. On that fateful day, the - [Air Disasters of North Ayrshire](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/air-disasters-of-north-ayrshire) - North Ayrshire has seen many aircraft disasters, both civilian and military, on the mainland and on the Isle of Arran. Our friends at Dumfries Aviation Museum have kindly shared with us their databases on air disasters in North Ayrshire, including casualty lists, and we have replicated them here for you to peruse. There are 4 - [Arran Air Disaster Casualties](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/air-disasters-of-north-ayrshire/arran-air-disaster-casualties) - This is a database of casualties of air disasters that occurred on the Isle of Arran. It includes the names, rank, position and burial details of those lost in crashes on the Isle of Arran. This database was provided by our friends at Dumfries Aviation Museum. This information was provided by our friends at Dumfries Aviation Museum. - [Arran Air Disasters](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/air-disasters-of-north-ayrshire/arran-air-disasters) - This is a database of air disasters that have occurred on the Isle of Arran, including the type of aircraft, location of the crash and description of what happened. This database was provided by our friends at Dumfries Aviation Museum. This information was provided by our friends at Dumfries Aviation Museum. - [Casualties of Air Disasters in North Ayrshire](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/air-disasters-of-north-ayrshire/casualties-of-air-disasters-in-north-ayrshire) - This database holds the names and information of the known-casualties of air disasters on the North Ayrshire mainland. It features information on the aircraft that was flown, plus the rank, role and burial details of the casualties themselves. This database was provided by our friends at Dumfries Aviation Museum. For information on crashes and casualties on - [Reverend John Stewart](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/reverend-john-stewart) - On the 2nd of March, 1886, Rev. John Stewart, the first minister of the Free Church of Ardrossan died, having served the church faithfully for forty years. The Free Church of Ardrossan was founded on 11th January 1844. They held their early church services on top of Castle Hill. By January 1945 the congregation had - [S.S. Blairgowrie](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/s-s-blairgowrie) - On the 27th of February 1935, the S.S. Blairgowrie, owned by the Clydeside Navigation Company, Glasgow, was lost at sea with all hands during a violent hurricane in the North Atlantic Ocean. Seven of her 26-man crew were from North Ayrshire. The S.S. Blairgowrie departed from Swansea, South Wales, on 16th February 1935 bound for - [North Ayrshire Heritage Centre](https://naheritage.co.uk/our-museums/north-ayrshire-heritage-centre) - [Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin Visits North Ayrshire](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/soviet-premier-alexei-kosygin-visits-north-ayrshire) - On the 11th of February 1967, Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin visited the UK and his trip included a 14 hour visit to Scotland. In this trip he visited Glasgow, had a tour of Hunterston Power Plant in North Ayrshire, visited Troon to have lunch at the Marine Hotel and watched Kilmarnock v Rangers at Rugby Park. Prior to kick-off, - [Robert Bruce Mantell](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/robert-bruce-mantell) - Robert Bruce Mantell (1854 - 1928), Irvine-born actor noted for his skill in performing Shakespeare plays. Robert Bruce Mantell was born at the Wheatsheaf Inn, which was owned by his parents, in Irvine on the 7th of February 1854. The youngest of three children, he had a tumultuous childhood. When he was 5 years old - [Stane Castle](https://naheritage.co.uk/castles-of-north-ayrshire/stane-castle) - Stanecastle was a 14th century medieval barony and estate, which is now part of Irvine. Stane Castle was constructed in the early 16th century by William Montgomerie, the third son of the first Earl of Eglinton. The castle is about 1 1/2 miles from Eglinton Castle and underwent repair and refurbishment around 1750, which added - [Burns Art](https://naheritage.co.uk/robert-burns/burns-art) - [Robert Burns](https://naheritage.co.uk/robert-burns) - [Largs](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/largs) - Buildings, Castles & Monuments Fairlie Castle Haylie Chambered Cairn Largs War Memorial Notable People From Largs Sir John Smith Knox Boyd - Bacteriologist and senior officer in the Royal Army Medical Corps Sir Thomas Brisbane - British Army officer and astronomer Dr John Campbell – Doctor and surgeon who worked in Largs for 61 years. William - [Beith](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/beith) - Buildings, Castles & Monuments Beith Post Office Beith War Memorial Hamilfield Church Industry Hugh Melville and the Roebank Printworks - North Ayrshire Heritage John Pollock’s Victoria Cabinet and Chair Manufacturer in Beith Matthew Pollock’s Caledonia Cabinet & Chair Works in Beith Notable People From Beith Andrew Aitken – Beith-born poet William Barr – Owner of the Bathwell - [Saltcoats](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/saltcoats) - Buildings, Castles & Monuments Saltcoats Tidal Bathing Pond Saltcoats War Memorial Notable People From Saltcoats Buffalo Bill – American Pony Express rider, army scout and showman who performed in Saltcoats in 1904. Kenneth Campbell – WWII Victoria-Cross recipient from Saltcoats. Mungo Campbell – Saltcoats exciseman who was found guilty of the murder of the 10th Earl of Eglinton. - [West Kilbride](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/west-kilbride) - Buildings, Castles & Monuments Portencross Castle West Kilbride Village Hall Notable People From West Kilbride John Boyd Orr - [John Pollock's Victoria Cabinet and Chair Manufacturer in Beith](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/john-pollocks-victoria-cabinet-and-chair-manufacturer-in-beith) - Matthew and John Pollock were considered to be the pioneers of the cabinet and chair-making business in Beith. John’s mechanical inventions and design abilities saw him rise above the ordinary cabinet maker. John Pollock was born 04 October 1835 in Beith, the third of eight children born to parents, John Pollock, a Grocer in Gateside, - [Matthew Pollock's Caledonia Cabinet & Chair Works in Beith](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/matthew-pollocks-caledonia-cabinet-chair-works-in-beith) - Matthew Pollock is considered to be a pioneer of the modern factory system. He was born 05 June 1833 in Beith, the second of eight children born to parents John Pollock, a Grocer, and Agnes Wilson. Both Matthew and his younger brother John served their apprenticeship with James Dale, a Beith cabinet maker. Upon completion - [The Founding of Netherhill in Canada by John Craig](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/the-founding-of-netherhill-in-canada-by-john-craig) - The village of Netherhill in Saskatchewan, Canada was founded by John Craig, from Netherhill, Beith. The 1901 census reveals that prior to emigrating to Canada, John Craig was a builder and that he was also an employer. He lived in a four-room apartment at Netherhill with his wife Eliza, who was employed as a dressmaker, - [History of Irvine Grammar School, Irvine Academy and Irvine Royal Academy](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/history-of-irvine-grammar-school-irvine-academy-and-irvine-royal-academy) - In 1572 King James VI awarded the Burgh Council of Irvine money sourced from the church and the Carmelite friars towards creating the ‘King’s School of Irvine’. The school was opened in a house on Kirkgatehead next door to the entrance to the Churchyard. In addition to teaching, the school master also acted as Session - [Army Cadets at Kelburn Park, Fairlie](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/army-cadets-at-kelburn-park-fairlie) - For three weeks in July and August 1943, Kelburn Park, Fairlie, played host to units of the Army Cadet Force from Ayrshire, Dunbartonshire and Lanarkshire. Well over 1200 Army Cadets and Officers spent a week at Kelburn, where they were trained by permanent Army instructors attached to Glasgow University’s Officers’ Training Corps, who along with - [The Harbour at Seagate, Irvine](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/the-harbour-at-seagate-irvine) - Irvine’s harbour was once situated close to Seagate Castle. Much of Irvine Burgh’s importance and prosperity was because it had a functioning harbour from which coal and other goods from Glasgow, carried by pack horses, could be sent off to Ireland. As the ships arrived at Irvine, the seamen blew a horn alerting the waiting - [Irvine Burgh Mines](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/irvine-burgh-mines) - In 1686 Irvine Town Council took the decision to begin their own coal mining enterprise. Coal engineer John Wallace was engaged to make a survey of Irvine parish and sink a coal shaft. The first site was near Doura on the outskirts of Irvine parish on the upland area beyond Armsheugh. On 07 June 1686 - [Irvine's Fire Brigade](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/irvines-fire-brigade) - Soon after 1781, Irvine Town Council acquired a fire engine and towards the end of the 18th century the entire ground floor of the Tolbooth was altered to provide a chamber for its storage, along with three shops, an Ordinary Council Room and an office for the Town Clerk. By 1836 Irvine had three fire - [Irvine Harbour](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/irvine-harbour) - By 1665 Seagate harbour was no longer accessible, due to a change in the flow of the River Irvine. The new harbour was cut out of the lands of the Marres, bought by the Council in 1572. Under the terms of the common good, the men of Irvine were conscripted to dig out the harbour. - [Irvine Lifeboat](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/irvine-lifeboat) - Irvine’s first lifeboat was obtained in 1833. The first official R.N.L.I. Lifeboat, named the ‘Pringle Kidd’, was gifted to the town by Miss Kidd of Lasswade. It served Irvine from 1861-1874 under Coxswain David Sinclair. At the end of its service the lifeboat was cut in two and presented to Provost Paterson and Senior Baillie - [Opening of the British Workman Public House in Irvine](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/opening-of-the-british-workman-public-house-in-irvine) - On the 13th of July, 1881, the British Workman Public House was opened in Irvine by Provost Brown at 1pm. The British Workman Public House movement began in the North of England during the 1860s and spread across the country with the aim of providing alcohol free public houses. They offered free reading rooms with - [Irvine's Postal Service](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/irvines-postal-service) - Until 1635 the postal system was reserved for the use of the King and his Court. In 1635 Charles I introduced the public mail service with carriers, either on foot or horseback, carrying the post. In 1660 the General Post Office was officially established in England by Charles II. The General Post Office created a - [Oasis in Irvine](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/oasis-in-irvine) - On the 21st of July, 1995, rock band “Oasis” played a two-day event at the Irvine Beach Park, Ayrshire. Consisting of brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, Paul “Guigsy” McGuigan and Tony McCarroll, “Oasis” released their first album ‘Definitely Maybe’ on 29th August 1994 which sold over 86,000 copies in its first week - [Largs Thistle F.C. Win Scottish Junior Cup](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/largs-thistle-f-c-win-scottish-junior-cup) - On Sunday 15 May 1994, in front of almost 9,000 football spectators, Largs Thistle Football Club won the Scottish Junior Cup at Ibrox Park, Glasgow, against hot favourites Glenafton Athletic, 1-0, with the winning goal being scored by Pat McCurdy. The winning team consisted of Kenny Barnstaple, Frank Morrison, Andy Elliot, Barclay Feeney, Jimmy Murray, - [Agatha Shedden](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/agatha-shedden) - On the 11th of January,1858, Miss Agatha Shedden died at the Cross of Beith, aged 74 from influenza. In her will she bequeathed £2,250 (around £133,000 in today’s money) to support both the deserving poor of Beith and the Free Church of Beith. The money was to be divided as follows: £1,000 to the deserving - [The Boys Brigade in North Ayrshire](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/the-boys-brigade-in-north-ayrshire) - The Boys Brigade was founded by William Alexander Smith who was born on 27th October 1854 at Pennyland House, Thurso, the second of five children born to parents Major David Smith, a distiller, and his wife Henrietta Fraser. William came from a military family; his grandfather William Smith fought with the 78th Regiment of Foot - [Seafield Tower](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/seafield-tower) - Seafield Tower was built for Mrs Bartlemore in 1820 and remodelled in 1858 in the Victorian Scottish Baronial style. It was subsequently owned by Mr W.G. Barron. Seafield was put up for sale in February 1879, at which time it was described as having a Gothic porch, vestibule and hall off of which were cloakrooms, five - [Lieutenant-General Sir Robert Baden-Powell Visits North Ayrshire](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/lieutenant-general-sir-robert-baden-powell-visits-north-ayrshire) - On the 7th of April, 1913, Lieutenant-General Sir Robert Baden-Powell made his first visit to North Ayrshire to inspect the Scouts accompanied by his wife, Lady Baden-Powell. He began his visit with an inspection of the Skelmorlie troop at Weymss Bay Station at 11am, followed by two troops of scouts at Largs, then Fairlie and - [The Formation of the Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston Branch of the British Legion](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/the-formation-of-the-ardrossan-saltcoats-and-stevenston-branch-of-the-british-legion) - On the 3rd of April, 1924, the Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston branch of the British Legion was formed at Castlecraigs, Ardrossan, now known as the Civic Centre. The British Legion was founded as a voluntary organisation on 15th May 1921 and brought together four national organisations of ex-servicemen and women who served in the First - [Estate of Kilbirnie](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/estate-of-kilbirnie) - In 1886 the Estate of Kilbirnie within the parishes of Kilbirnie and Lochwinnoch was put up for sale. The title deeds were held by Messrs J. & F. Anderson, W.S., 48 Castle Street, Edinburgh. The Estate of Kilbirnie, surrounding the town of Kilbirnie, was bound on the north by the Property of Lord Conyngham and - [Resurrectionists in Irvine](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/resurrectionists-in-irvine) - Within the grounds of Irvine Old Parish graveyard lies the headstone of John Fletcher who was born September 1798 in Irvine, son of William Fletcher and Grizel Cowan. A highly respected and successful man, he was a surgeon, Councillor, Baillie and founding member of Irvine Burns Club. In 1826 he was suspected of being a - [Perceton and Dreghorn Free Church](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/perceton-and-dreghorn-free-church) - Did you know that one of North Ayrshire’s historic buildings found a new lease of life in Japan? Following the Disruption of 1843, the Free Church of Perceton was opened with the congregation meeting in a church, built of brick, near to the home of Mr Muir Macredie of Perceton, two miles outside of Dreghorn. - [Hamilfield Church, Beith](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/hamilfield-church-beith) - On the 10th of January, 1917, the Hamilfield United Free Church, Beith burned down. Following the formation of the Free Church of Scotland in 1843, a Free Church was built in New Street, Beith which opened on 31 March 1844, with Rev. Matthew Dickie as its first minister. By the time that Rev. Henry Fotheringham - [William Barr](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/william-barr) - William Barr was born on 17 October 1820 in Beith, the youngest of five children born to Robert Barr, a master joiner, and Margaret Fulton. His siblings were: Agnes, born 25 October 1807; Robert, born 29 April 1810; James, born 22 February 1815 and Mary, born 30 May 1817. All the children were born in - [Kilbirnie Ladeside Junior F.C. Win Scottish Junior Cup - 17th May, 1952](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/kilbirnie-ladeside-junior-f-c-win-scottish-junior-cup-17th-may-1952) - On Saturday 17th May 1952, Kilbirnie Ladeside Junior F.C., dressed in their team colours of amber and black, played against rivals Camelon Juniors Football Club at Hampden Park, Glasgow, in front of an audience of 69,959 spectators in scorching hot weather. Throughout the 90-minute game, ambulance men were kept busy looking after the crowds. This - [Largs Aquarium and Zoo](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/largs-aquarium-and-zoo) - On the 1st of May, 1954, a public aquarium opened in Largs, which over time grew into a miniature zoo. On Monday 8th March 1954, Largs boat-hirer Frank Roche, owner of the motorboat ‘Carefree’ was granted permission by Largs Town Council to turn the south-side of the Largs municipal bathing station, which was on two - [The Boydston Boulder](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/the-boydston-boulder) - Approximately two miles north-west of Ardrossan, just past the Rowan Tree Restaurant, lies the Boydston Boulder on Boydston shore, also known as the North Shore. The Boydston Boulder is the largest boulder on Ayrshire’s north coast. It is composed of porphyritic rock which means that it was formed from cooling magma following a volcanic explosion. - [The 1913 Strike at Nobel's Explosives Factory](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/the-1913-strike-at-nobels-explosives-factory) - The first strike in the history of Nobel’s Explosives factory at Ardeer, Stevenston, occurred in May 1913, forty years after the factory began production. At the start of 1913 Nobel’s were paying their unskilled labourers 18 shillings and 9 pence for a 50-hour week, far below the rate of other companies within a four-mile range - [Mary Thomson Kerr](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/mary-thomson-kerr) - In Ardrossan cemetery there is a headstone with the inscription “Mary Thomson Kerr died 17 January 1915 in her Country’s service at the 2nd Scottish General Hospital, Craigleith.” It made us wonder who Mary Thomson Kerr was? Mary Thomson Kerr was born 19 April 1884 in Highbury, London, to parents Alexander Kerr, a banker with - [Colour-Sergeant Thomas Hughes](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/colour-sergeant-thomas-hughes) - On the 21st of May, 1928, former retired Colour-Sergeant Thomas Hughes of the Royal Scots Fusiliers died in Ardrossan aged 89. He was born on 25th January 1839 in Dublin, the second of three known children born to parents Peter Hughes and Sarah Mulhall. His siblings were Mary, baptised 22 January 1832 and Bridget, baptised - [Hugh Melville and the Roebank Printworks](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/hugh-melville-and-the-roebank-printworks) - Hugh Melvin was born on 07 August 1818 in Abbey, Paisley, the sixth of ten children born to parents Robert Melvin and Mary Robertson. His siblings were registered under variations of the surname: Melvin, Melven, Melvel and Melville. His parents Robert Millwain and Mary Robertson gave in their names for proclamation of marriage on 25 - [First Burial in Ardrossan Cemetery](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/first-burial-in-ardrossan-cemetery) - On the 15th of December, 1854, the first burial took place in Ardrossan Cemetery. The name of the deceased was Peter Mack, a retired Excise Officer, who died in Carlisle on 12th December 1854, aged 75. Born in Kinghorn, Fife, Peter had settled with his family in Ardrossan. Three of his children, David Ireland Mack - [The Kilbirnie Riot](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/the-kilbirnie-riot) - In February 1932, nine people were found guilty and imprisoned in for what has become known as the Kilbirnie Riots…. On 12th November 1931, during the Great Depression, Parliament passed the “Transitional Payments Order”. Those who were newly unemployed were entitled to 26 weeks unemployment benefit, after which the ‘Transitional Payments Order’ would come into - [Kilbirnie's Golf Courses](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/kilbirnies-golf-courses) - On 02 October 1908 a meeting was held in the Orange Hall, Glengarnock, to discuss the possibility of forming a Golf Club for Kilbirnie and Glengarnock at which two potential sites were put forward for consideration. Mr Robert Hamilton of Kilbirnie Town Council presided and a committee of seven were appointed, four from Kilbirnie and - [Beith Post Office](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/beith-post-office) - In 1845 Beith Post Office received two deliveries of mail per day, with one daily departure. Letters were delivered twice a day and it cost one penny to send mail to the neighbouring towns of Dalry, Kilbirnie and Lochwinnoch. A notice in the Western Supplement and Advertiser, dated 27 January 1883, reveals that the amount - [King Edward VII Visits Arran in 1902](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/king-edward-vii-visits-arran-in-1902) - On 9th August 1902 the delayed coronation of King Edward VII and his wife Alexandra took place at Westminster Abbey. Originally set for 26th June, the coronation was delayed as the King needed emergency surgery for appendicitis. On 16th August 1902 the newly crowned King and Queen undertook a Naval Review at Spithead, Hampshire, aboard - [Thomas Thorburn](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/thomas-thorburn) - Thomas Thorburn was born about 1841 in Beith, the youngest of six known children born to parents Thomas Thorburn, a shoemaker, and Elizabeth Wright. Neither his parent’s marriage nor the births of their children were registered. Prior to 1855 there was no legal requirement to register births, marriages or deaths in Scotland. The 1841 census - [Hezekiah Merricks Arnott](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/hezekiah-merricks-arnott) - Hezekiah Merricks Arnott was born 29 January 1870 at Burndyke Street, Govan to parents John Arnott, a Shipwright journeyman, and Margaret Miller who were married 16 April 1869 in Ardrossan. Hezekiah went to Saltcoats Public School, after which he served an apprenticeship in a local grocer, before going to work at Coopers in Glasgow. Encouraged - [The Siege of Millport](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/the-siege-of-millport) - On the 2nd of July, 1906, an extraordinary event occurred when the Caledonian Steam Packet Company and the Glasgow and South-Western Railway stopped their steamer services to Millport following a dispute with Millport Town Council over an increase in their annual steamer dues. When it became apparent that the facilities at Millport Old Pier and - [The Storm of 1912](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/the-storm-of-1912) - On the 26th of November, 1912, a severe storm hit the West Coast of Scotland. Tuesday 26th November 1912 started off with high winds which quickly gathered in strength, and as the sea rose, sections of the coastal towns were flooded long before high tide was reached at 12.48pm. In Millport, the force of the - [West Kilbride Village Hall](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/west-kilbride-village-hall) - On Friday 16th February 1900, the new public hall on the corner of Arthur Street and Ritchie Street, West Kilbride, was officially opened by Mrs Jane Arthur of Carlung. In February 1897, the building housing the village’s library and recreation room was sold. The following year the committee met with Mrs Arthur with an idea - [John Aitken](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/john-aitken) - On the 10th of June, 1895, watchmaker and jeweller, John Aitken died in Dalry. John was born about 1820 in Johnstone, the third of six known children born to parents Hugh Aitken, a Master Cotton Spinner and Agnes Steele. His birth was not registered. His siblings were Margaret, born about 1816; Susan, born about 1818; - [Six Men Lose Their Lives on S.S Hjortnes](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/six-men-lose-their-lives-on-s-s-hjortnes) - On Friday the 8th of December, 1916, six men lost their lives at Ardrossan Harbour in the No. 2 hold of the Norwegian steamer S.S. Hjortnes. The s.s. Hjortnes, laden with wheat bound for Sweden, had run onto the rocks south of the entrance to Ardrossan Harbour on 9th August 1916. Part of her cargo - [Largs Train Crash](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/largs-train-crash) - On the 11th of July, 1995, a train crashed through Largs train station, emerging into Main Street. On Tuesday 11th July 1995, the 6.15am Glasgow train which was due to arrive in Largs at 7.15am, failed to brake on the wet tracks on its final approach into Largs station. The train driver, 25-year-old David Robertson - [Calder Glen Laundry, Lochwinnoch](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/calder-glen-laundry-lochwinnoch) - The building which later became known as the Calder Glen Laundry, was originally a wool mill built by John and William Crawfurd in 1814 who sold their yarn to Kilmarnock carpet manufacturers. Following John Crawfurd’s death in the early 1850s, his brother formed a partnership with Robert Williamson. When William Crawford died in 1881, his - [Kilbirnie Net Workers Strike of 1913](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/kilbirnie-net-workers-strike-of-1913) - Very few women were members of Trade Unions, so the National Federation of Women Workers (NFWW) was established in 1906 as a general trade union to help women workers. Kate McLean established a branch of the National Federation of Women Workers at a Kilbirnie thread mill in 1912 which helped the hundreds of women workers - [Ardrossan Hospitals](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/ardrossan-hospitals) - ARDROSSAN FEVER HOSPITAL The Ardrossan Fever Hospital opened in 1876 on the corner of Sorbie Road and Parkhouse Road (across from Ardrossan Academy.) Originally the hospital was administered by a committee of management representatives from the Old Parochial Board and Ardrossan Town Council. In 1885 when Saltcoats became a Police Burgh, representatives from Saltcoats Town - [Bonnie Lesley Monument](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/bonnie-lesley-monument) - 2019 saw the restoration of a rather special monument in Stevenston, 90 years after it was first erected between Sinclair Street and Glencairn Street. For many years this monument stood in ruins in a field at Kerelaw Farm. It was taken to Kerelaw House by Mr Fullarton of Kerelaw for safety, where it lay until - [Cumbrae War Memorial](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/cumbrae-war-memorial) - On the 15th of October, 1922, the Cumbrae War Memorial was unveiled in Millport by Colonel Colin McLeod Robertson, D.S.O. In February 1922 the War Memorial Committee held a public consultation to consider five suitable sites for the erection of the war memorial. These were Glasgow Street, Kames Bay, Guildford Street, the corner of the - [The 1880 Lifeboat Rescue of the Matilda Hillyards](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/the-1880-lifeboat-rescue-of-the-matilda-hillyards) - On Sunday 29th February 1880, the barque “Matilda Hillyards” of Yarmouth was heading for Ardrossan Harbour to take onboard a cargo of iron bound for the United States, when a violent storm sprung up. Between 11am and midnight the barque was four miles outside of Ardrossan Harbour when she sent out a signal requesting assistance. - [Whitley Bomber Crash at Saltcoats, 1943](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/whitley-bomber-crash-at-saltcoats-1943) - During the Second World War the seas around the North Ayrshire coast saw its share of tragedy: from the sinking of the HMS Dasher to the scuttling of U-33. One of the lesser-known stories is the crash of a Whitley bomber, which crashed into the sea 2 miles off Saltcoats harbour in 1943, with the - [Arran Geopark](https://naheritage.co.uk/explore/arran-geopark) - In April 2025, Arran was designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, which is an international standard that recognises landscapes with outstanding geological heritage. In the UK, 10 sites have been designated as Geoparks, with 3 of the sites being situated in Scotland. The Geopark includes both terrestrial and marine zones, creating an area that records - [Dan Quinn](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/dan-quinn) - Regiment: Australian Army, Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F.), 2/20 Battalion Captured: Singapore Prisoner of War: Naoetsu Camp, Northwest of Tokyo, Japan Died: 15 November 1943. Cause of death: Dysentery Cremated: Tokada, Japan Fifth son of the late Mr and Mrs John Quinn, 55 Fullarton Street, Irvine. Brother of J. Quinn, 102 McKinlay Crescent, Irvine.Additional information: A - [The Mother Lodge of Scotland](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshire-museums/the-mother-lodge-of-scotland) - The Mother Lodge of Scotland Masonic Museum Opening Times: Visit by appointment only Entry Fee Free Directions: 99 Main St, Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Scotland, KA13 6AG Contact: Tel.: 01294 554307Email: secretary@mk0.com Website: HERE About The Mother Lodge of Scotland Masonic Museum holds collections relating to Ancient Freemasonry in Kilwinning. The collection, which dates from the 16th Century - [Explore](https://naheritage.co.uk/explore) - [William Gibson Sloan](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/william-gibson-sloan) - William Gibson Sloan (1865 - 1914), Evengelical Missionary from Dalry The Brethren Church in the Faroe Islands is the largest Christian group outside of the Established Church. It was begun by missionary William Gibson Sloan of Dalry in 1865. In September 2013, on the 175th anniversary of his birth, a large group of Faroese people - [William Halbert](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/william-halbert) - William Halbert (1919 - 1950), Kilbirnie-born Marine Engineer On 03 July 1919, William Halbert, a 24-year-old marine engineer, son of Hugh and Agnes Halbert, née Morrison of 7 Newton Street, Kilbirnie married Mary Blue, a 25-year-old net worker, daughter of James and Mary Blue, née Clements of 33 Hill Street, Glengarnock. They were married at - [Castles of North Ayrshire](https://naheritage.co.uk/castles-of-north-ayrshire) - [Quintin Craufurd](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/quintin-craufurd) - Quentin Craufurd (1743 - 1819), Kilwinning-born Author Quintin Crawfurd was born Thursday morning, 22 September 1743 in Kilwinning, son of Quintin Crawfurd of Newark and Ann Robison, his Lady and baptised on 01 October. His eldest brother Alexander, born about 1730 was created 1st Baronet of Kilbirnie on 08 June 1781. Quintin worked for the - [Bobby Lennox](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/bobby-lennox) - Bobby Lennox was born in Quay Street, Saltcoats, on 30 August 1943 and enjoyed a colourful and happy childhood by the sea and, during his free time, there was always a ball at his feet. His father was a bookmaker with a love of football and regularly took Bobby to Junior matches and to see - [Fabric of North Ayrshire](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/2025-exhibitions/fabric-of-north-ayrshire) - [North Ayrshire Far East Prisoners of War](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war) - Japan surrendered to the Allies on the 15th of August, 1945. This day became known as 'VJ Day' (Victory Over Japan Day) effectively ending the Second World War. Japan signed surrender documents on the 2nd of September, officially ending the Second World War and bringing to an end a conflict that had raged for years - [Harry Kemp](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/harry-kemp) - Harry Kemp (1886 - 1972) Preston-born businessman and travelling showman. Opened the La Scala cinema in Saltcoats. Harry Kemp was born in Preston, Lancashire in 1886. Harry was part of the Kemp family who provided entertainment for the people of North Ayrshire for over 60 years. He was baptised as Henry Kemp on October 21st - [William Young](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/william-young) - Rank: SapperRegiment: Royal EngineersCaptured: Fall of Singapore, February 1942Prisoner of War: Hakodate, JapanForced Labour: MinesHome address: 45 Glenriddet Avenue, Kilbirnie. - [James Wood](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/james-wood) - Rank:Regiment: Royal Air ForceCaptured: Fall of Singapore, 1942Prisoner of War: Various campsForced Labour: MinesSon of Mr and Mrs James Wood, ‘Garnockview’, 65 Kings Road, Beith - [Willock](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/willock) - Rank: ConstablePrisoner of War: - [George Williamson](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/george-williamson) - Rank: CorporalRegiment: Royal Air ForceCaptured:Prisoner of War:Son of James Williamson, Kersland House, Glengarnock - [James Jardine Whyte](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/james-jardine-whyte) - Rank: CivilianEmployed: Chief Timekeeper, Taikoo Dockyard & Engineering Company, Hong KongCaptured: Fall of Hong KongInterned: January 1942, Stanley Camp, Hong KongUncle of Mrs P. McLean, 32 John Clark Street, Largs - [Robert G. Whitelaw](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/robert-g-whitelaw) - Rank: GunnerRegiment: Australian Imperial ForceCaptured: MalayaPrisoner of War:Eldest son of Mrs E. Whitelaw, 12 Springvale Street, Saltcoats - [Charles Walker](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/charles-walker) - Rank: CivilianCaptured:Interned:Son of Mrs Annie Walker and the late Charles Walker, 41 Claremont Crescent, KilwinningBorn 25th August 1908. Played for Kilwinning Rangers Football Club. - [Peter B. Turnbull](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/peter-b-turnbull) - Rank: Lance BombardierRegiment: Royal ArtilleryCaptured: UnknownPrisoner of War Camp: UnknownHusband of Mrs Turnbull, Cochrane Place (East), Largs - [Jean Tyre Train](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/jean-tyre-train) - Rank: CivilianInterned: Yangchow C. Camp, China from March 1943Wife of William Henry Train and mother of Marjory Wilson Train, who were also interned. Sister of Miss Crawford and Mrs Carmichael, Sunnyside, Largs Her husband William Henry Train, was employed with the British American Tobacco engineering department. He was also interned at Yangchow C. Camp.Her daughter - [Thomas Taylor](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/thomas-taylor) - Rank:Regiment: Royal Navy, H.M.S. “Exeter”Captured:Prisoner of War:Son of Mrs E. M. Taylor, 22 Ardrossan Road, Saltcoats - [Isobel de Stoppelaar](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/isobel-de-stoppelaar) - Rank: CivilianInterned: Camp 6, Ambaraw, JavaWife of Lieutenant Commander L. P. de Stoppelaar, Dutch Royal Navy and daughter of Mrs Allan, Planetrees, Largs. - [Andrew Steed](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/andrew-steed) - Rank: Company Sergeant Major (CSM)Regiment: The Royal Army Service Corps (R.A.S.C.)Captured: Fall of Singapore, February 1942Prisoner of War: No. 2 Camp, Thailand.Husband of Mrs Andrew Stead, 16 Donaldson Avenue, StevenstonFormerly employed: I.C.I., Transport Department - [Ralph James Shrigley](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/ralph-james-shrigley) - Rank: LieutenantRegiment: Hong Kong Voluntary Defence Corps (H.K.V.D.C.)Prisoner of War: Stanley Prison Camp, Hong KongDied: 28 June 1944. Age: 46. Cause of death: SuicideBuried: Stanley Military Cemetery, 4.E. 12., China, (including Hong Kong)Husband of Janette Agnes Howard Shrigley, nee Brown, of Irvine, Ayrshire. - [Janette Agnes Whyte Howard Shrigley](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/janette-agnes-whyte-howard-shrigley) - Rank: CivilianCaptured: at the fall of Hong Kong.Interned: Stanley Camp, Hong KongWife of Lieutenant Ralph James Shrigley. Daughter of Mr and Mrs Brown, Dunaverty, Bank Street, Irvine. - [James Shaw](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/james-shaw) - Rank: CorporalRegiment:Prisoner of War:Husband of Mrs J. Shaw, 114 Nelson Street, Largs - [D. Carruthers Robinson](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/d-carruthers-robinson) - Rank: CivilianEmigrated: 1938Occupation: 1938. Assistant Rubber Planter, Tebrau Estate, Johore, Malaysia. In 1940 he became the Junior Assistant Immigration Officer for the Immigration Department, Singapore.Captured: SingaporeInterned: 1st - Padang camp, Sumatra; 2nd Bankinang Men’s Camp, Sumatra.Son of Frederick and Mary Robinson, “Tembrau”, High Road, Stevenston, and Grandson of John Carruthers, 10 Winton Circus, Saltcoats. Husband - [Peter Reilly](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/peter-reilly) - Rank:Regiment:Captured:Prisoner of War:Son of Mrs Reilly, 28 Hamilton Street, Saltcoats - [Robert Reid](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/robert-reid) - Rank:Regiment:Captured:Prisoner of War: Camp No 4, Thailand.Son of Ex-Bailie and Mrs James Reid, 10 Melbourne Road, Saltcoats - [For Our Freedom and Yours](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/2025-exhibitions/for-our-freedom-and-yours) - "For Our Freedom and Yours is a fascinating yet powerfully evocative exhibition retelling the Polish plight during and after World War Two, and the famous armoured division whose contribution to the allied forces in the West proved pivotal to the successful victory over Nazi Germany." - Titanic Honour & Glory Limited "For Our Freedom and - [Samuel Pyper](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/samuel-pyper) - Rank: PrivateCaptured: February 1942 during fall of SingaporeSon of Mr and Mrs Pyper, 99 Fullarton Street, Irvine. - [L.D Purves](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/l-d-purves) - Rank: LieutenantRegiment: Royal Army Service Corps (R.A.S.C.)Captured: Capitulation of Hong KongPrisoner of War:Son of David Purves, 9 Burnside Road, Largs - [James Park](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/james-park) - Rank: CorporalRegiment: Royal Air ForcePrisoner of War: Singapore ?Son of Mr and Mrs G. Park, Burnside Street, Glengarnock - [Hugh Ovens](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/hugh-ovens) - Rank: SapperRegiment: Royal EngineersCaptured: Fall of SingaporePrisoner of War:Son of Mrs Ovens, Mains Road, Beith - [William Murphy](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/william-murphy) - Rank: PrivateRegiment: Gordon HighlandersPrisoner of War: Captured in MalayaSon of Mr and Mrs A. Murphy, 57 Winton Road, Irvine. - [Frank Muir](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/frank-muir) - Rank: Battery Sergeant MajorRegiment: Royal ArtilleryCaptured: Malaya, 1942Prisoner of War, ThailandSon of Mr and Mrs Frank Muir, 16 Allan Square, Irvine - [William Miller](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/william-miller) - Rank: Staff SergeantRegiment: Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (R.E.M.E.)Prisoner of war: Malai Camp, SingaporeSon of Mr and Mrs Miller, 97 Townfoot, Dreghorn - [Charles Meechan](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/charles-meechan) - Rank: GunnerRegiment: Royal ArtilleryCaptured: 15th February 1942Prisoner of War:Forced Labour: Railway and MinesHusband of Lily Meechan, née Ellena. Son-in-law of Mr and Mrs T. Ellena, Annaville, Shore Road, Stevenston - [Anthony McWhirter](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/anthony-mcwhirter) - Rank: PrivateRegiment: Army Catering CorpsPrisoner of War:Husband of Mrs Margaret McWhirter, 2 Campbell Place, Dreghorn, and son of Mrs McWhirter, 14 Campbell Place, Dreghorn - [J.H McMullen](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/j-h-mcmullen) - Rank: Lance SergeantRegiment: Royal Army Service Corps Captured: February 1942 during fall of Singapore.Prisoner of War: Siam and JapanWife of Mrs J. McMullen, 84 Fullarton Street, Irvine. Son of Mrs McMullen, 2 Seymour Avenue, Kilwinning. - [William Gamble McMeekin](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/william-gamble-mcmeekin) - Rank: PrivateService Number: 241080Regiment: Army Catering CorpsSecondary Regiment: attached to Royal Army Ordnance CorpsCaptured:Prisoner of War: Kuching POW Camp, Borneo; Labuan POW Camp, MalaysiaDied: 30 November 1944, Labuan, Malaysia, aged 25Buried or commemorated at: Singapore Memorial, Column 112. SingaporeHusband of Jane S. McMeekin, 3 Garden Square Lane, Kilwinning. Son of David and Agnes McMeekin, 28 - [James Sawers McLachlan](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/james-sawers-mclachlan) - Rank: PrivateService No: NX23783Regiment: Australian Infantry A.I.F. 2/18 BattalionDied in Prisoner of War Camp: 11 July 1942, Malaya, aged 38Buried: Kranji War Cemetery 2. B. 16, SingaporeSon of John and Elizabeth McLachlan, “Auchengree”, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae - [Thomas McKernon](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/thomas-mckernon) - Rank: PrivateService Number: 3130864Regiment: Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 2nd BattalionCaptured: Surrender of SingaporePrisoner of War: Pudu Jail, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaDied: 22 February 1942, aged 27Buried or commemorated at: Kuala Lumpur (Cheras Road) Civil Cemetery, Grave 747. MalaysiaSon of Michael and Mary M. McKernon, 1 Adams Avenue, Saltcoats - [Hugh Douglas McIntyre](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/hugh-douglas-mcintyre) - Rank: GunnerService No: 1750843Regiment: Royal Artillery, 144 Battery, 35 Light Anti-Aircraft RegimentCaptured: SingaporePrisoner of War: ThailandDied: 07 March 1943, Thailand, aged 36Cause of Death: Malaria.Buried: Kanchanaburi War Cemetery 2. J. 5. ThailandSon of James and Jeannie Collins McIntyre, Lamlash, Arran. Husband of Mrs Janet McIntyre, 2 Murray Place, Lamlash, Arran. - [Robert McGhee](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/robert-mcghee) - Rank: PrivateService Number: 2990876Regiment: Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry BrigadeCaptured: Surrender of SingaporePrisoner of War: Pudu Jail, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaDied: 13 October 1942, aged 24.Buried or commemorated at: Kuala Lumpur (Cheras Road) Civil Cemetery, Grave 762. Malaysia.Son of James and Charlotte McGhee, 1 Sinclair Street, Stevenston. - [John McDowall](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/john-mcdowall) - Rank:Regiment:Prisoner of War:Address: 1 Garnock Street, Kilbirnie - [William Malcolm](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/william-malcolm) - Rank: SergeantRegiment: Argyll and Sutherland HighlandersCaptured: Singapore, 1942Prisoner of War Camp:Son of Mrs and Mrs John Malcolm, 1 Greta Terrace, Largs - [Samuel Kennedy](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/samuel-kennedy) - Rank: unknownPrisoner Of War: ThailandSon Of Mr & Mrs Robert Kennedy, Shipmill, Annick Lodge, Irvine. - [Mary Johnstone](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/mary-johnstone) - Rank: CivilianOccupation: Missionary in Manchuria, ChinaInterned: JapanSister of Doctor Johnstone, Largs - [Robert Hogarth](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/robert-hogarth) - Rank: CivilianEmployed: PoliceCaptured: Hong KongInterned: Hong KongOriginally from Ardrossan - [Hilton](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/hilton) - Rank: CivilianInterned: No information availableHusband of Mrs Hilton, 109 Nelson Street, Largs - [James K. Hill C.A](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/james-k-hill-c-a) - Rank: CivilianEmployed: Chartered Accountant, Singapore Cold Storage CompanyCaptured: After fall of Singapore, February 1942Interned: Changi Camp, SingaporeSon of Robert Hill, Main Street, Kilwinning. Husband of Mrs Hill, Australia and father of two. - [Andrew McCallum Heywood](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/andrew-mccallum-heywood) - Rank: PrivateService Number: VX62018Regiment: Australian Army Ordnance Corps. A.I.F. 2/10 Ordnance Field WorkshopsCaptured:Prisoner of War Camp: BorneoDied: 19th May 1945, aged 24.Buried or Commemorated at: Labuan Memorial, Panel 27, MalaysiaSon of George and Janet Heywood, South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Grandson of Andrew McCallum, Parkend Road, Saltcoats. - [W.K. Harris](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/w-k-harris) - Rank: GunnerRegiment:Captured:Prisoner of War: No. 2. Prisoner of War Camp, ThailandHusband of Mrs Harris, 64 Western Crescent, Kilbirnie, and son of Mrs F. Harris, 31 Sharon Street, Dalry - [William Jenkins Graham](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/william-jenkins-graham) - Rank: SapperService Number: NX25969Regiment: Royal Australian Engineers A.I.F. 2/6 Field CompanyCaptured:Prisoner of War: Labaun Camp, MalaysiaBorn: 1915 Sorn, AyrshireDied: 21 January 1945, aged 29Buried or commemorated at: Labuan War Cemetery, H.B.7. MalaysiaSon of James Dick and Elizabeth McKinnon Graham, Bega, New South Wales, Australia, who were married 1911 in Kilbirnie. Grandson of James Graham, Lochend, - [Ernest Gordon](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/ernest-gordon) - Rank: CaptainRegiment: Argyll and Sutherland HighlandersCaptured: while attempting to ferry Europeans from Singapore to Sumatra Prisoner of War:Son of Mrs James Gordon, Cumbrae Lighthouse “Captain Ernest Gordon, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, who was wounded, and later taken prisoner by the Japanese, when attempting to ferry Europeans from Singapore to Sumatra, has cabled that he is - [Kenneth Galbraith](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/kenneth-galbraith) - Rank: CivilianEmployed: Rubber PlantationCaptured: Fall of SingaporeInterned: ThailandSon of Mrs Mathieson Galbraith, Almond Bank, West Bay, Millport “Mrs Mathieson Galbraith, Almond Bank, West Bay, Millport, has received a telegram from her son, Kenneth, who has been a prisoner of war in Thailand since the fall of Singapore, saying he is in India on his way - [Nicholas Frankgate](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/nicholas-frankgate) - Rank: CorporalRegiment: Royal Corps of SignalsCaptured: San Antonia, Luzon IslandPrisoner of War: Billbed Prison, Manila; JapanForced Labour: MinesLiberated Weight: 5 stone 13lbsSon of Joseph Frankgate, 10 Robinson Avenue, Greenock - [Francis Peter Fitzpatrick](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/francis-peter-fitzpatrick) - Rank:Regiment:Prisoner of War: JavaSon of Mr and Mrs Fitzpatrick, 29 Argyle Road, Saltcoats - [Peter Egan](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/peter-egan) - Rank: CorporalRegiment: Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 2nd BattalionCaptured:Prisoner of War: Saigon Camp, French Indo-ChinaSon of Mrs Marks, 63 Lamont Drive, Irvine - [John Dalziel](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/john-dalziel) - Rank: AircraftsmanRegiment: Royal Air ForceCaptured:Prisoner of War: Hakodate, Northern JapanSon of Mrs William Dalziel, 105 Montgomery Street, Irvine. - [Gavin Curlett](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/gavin-curlett) - Rank: DriverRegiment: Royal Army Service Corps (R.A.S.C.)Captured: February 1942Prisoner of War: Kuching Camp, Sarawak, BorneoSon of Mr and Mrs G. Curlett, 15 Station Square, Stevenston - [Calder Craig](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/calder-craig) - Rank: CivilianCaptured: Fall of Hong KongInterned: Hong KongBrother of Dr Margaret Craig, Fairlie - [William Cowan](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/william-cowan) - Service No. 3132458 Rank: Private Regiment: Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Captured: At the fall of Singapore, February 1942 Prisoner of War: No. 2 Camp, Thailand Son of Mr and Mrs John Cowan, 74 Rubie Crescent, Irvine - [William Clark](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/william-clark) - Rank: BombardierRegiment: Royal Artillery (Lanarkshire Yeomanry)Captured: Fall of SingaporePrisoner of War Camp: No. 1. Thailand CampForced Labour: Construction of Thai-Burma RailwaySon of Mr and Mrs Hugh Clark, Armada Place, Largs - [Dr Angus Cameron](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/dr-angus-cameron) - Rank: Doctor (Unknown whether civilian or miltary)Captured: Fall of SingaporePrisoner of War Camp: UnknownAddress: Hillcrest, Millport - [David Butcher](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/david-butcher) - Rank: Able SeamanService Number: D/SSX19914 Regiment: Royal Navy, H.M.S. ExeterCaptured:Prisoner of War: Peomaber, East CelebesDied: 14 May 1943Buried or Commemorated at: Ambon War Cemetery, Coll. Grave 32. A. 1-13, IndonesiaSon of Mr and Mrs Butcher, ‘Estrella’, Seamill. - [John Brown](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/john-brown) - Rank: PrivateService Number: 7636612Regiment: The Royal Army Ordnance Corps, 20 Base Ordnance DepotCaptured: 1943 ?Prisoner of War: Kuching, Borneo, Netherlands East IndiesDied: 04 December 1944, aged 28Cause of Death: Died from Malaria and Beri BeriBuried or commemorated at: Singapore Memorial, Column 108, SingaporeSon of Mr and Mrs William and Mary Brown, 17 Limekiln Road, Stevenston - [Johnstone William Blyth](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/johnstone-william-blyth) - Rank: Leading Aircraftman 1st ClassService Number: 1366139Regiment: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 211 SquadronCaptured: February 1942, Batavia (now known as Jakarta, Indonesia)Prisoner of War: Sandakan Camp, North Borneo, BorneoDied: 16 June 1945, aged 25Buried: Singapore Memorial. Column 454, SingaporeSon of Mrs Margaret Blyth, 29 Kelvin Street, Largs - [James Anderson](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/james-anderson) - Rank: DriverRegiment: Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery (H.A.A.)Captured: 5th February 1942Prisoner of War:Son of Mr and Mrs James Anderson, 18 Kirkhall Drive, Ardrossan. - [Tom Adrain](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/north-ayrshire-far-east-prisoners-of-war/tom-adrain) - Rank: PrivateRegiment:Prisoner of War: No. 1. Camp, ThailandSon of Mr and Mrs John Adrain, 2 Gaw Terrace, Dreghorn - [Sinking of Saint Dunstan by U-57](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/sinking-of-saint-dunstan-by-u-57) - The steam merchant ship Saint Durnan was ordered by the shipping controller of the UK Government for use in the First World War but the ship was not completed until 1919. Built by the Northumberland Shipping Company Ltd, at Howden-on-Tyne, the ship was 5,681 gross tons and was initially named S.S War Keep before being - [Archaeology](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/archaeology) - [Heritage Trails](https://naheritage.co.uk/heritage-trails) - [Saltcoats Town Trail](https://naheritage.co.uk/explore/saltcoats-town-trail) - Welcome to our Saltcoats Heritage Trail! This trail will help you find out more about the town’s history. For any young people in your group, there is a quiz and, once you have found all the answers, take your form back to the Heritage Centre for a wee prize! Here is a copy for you - [Marjory Neilson Newbold](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/marjory-neilson-newbold) - MARJORY NEILSON NEWBOLD (1883 - 1926), SOCIALIST PIONEER Marjory Neilson was born 29 May 1883, 11.55am at Winton Terrace, Beith, the first of four children born to parents Alexander Neilson, a journeyman cabinet maker, and Mary Steven Fettes. Her siblings were: Ann Duncan Steven, born 1885; Eliza Fettes M., born 1888 and Alexander, born 28 - [Our Museums](https://naheritage.co.uk/our-museums) - [North Ayrshire Treasures](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/2025-exhibitions/north-ayrshire-treasures) - [Haylie Chambered Cairn](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/haylie-chambered-cairn) - This 5,660-year-old Neolithic tomb was built more than one thousand years before the first Egyptian pyramid and Stonehenge. It is the resting place of the earliest known community of people to settle here in Largs and is one of the most historically valuable sites in North Ayrshire. The tomb was constructed from large sandstone and - [James Sellars](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/james-sellars) - James Sellars (1843 - 1888) Glasgow-born architect who helped design Spiers School in Beith and other buildings throughout North Ayrshire. Born on the 2nd of December 1843, James Sellars was a Glasgow-born architect. The son of a house-factor, James had an apprenticeship at the age of 13, with the architect Hugh Barclay in 1857. This - [Census Returns](https://naheritage.co.uk/genealogy/census-returns) - Census records were first recorded in 1801 and have been recorded every ten years since with the exception of 1941 due to World War Two. Very few of the early census records from 1801 to 1831 have survived. The 1841 census was the first to list the names of every individual living at the same - [Getting Started](https://naheritage.co.uk/genealogy/getting-started) - How do you begin to research your family history? The golden rule is to start with what you know. The majority of us grow up listening to family stories about our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and their extended families, which we often don’t fully appreciate until we are adults ourselves. When you begin your research, talk - [Monumental Inscriptions](https://naheritage.co.uk/genealogy/monumental-inscriptions) - A monumental inscription is the information recorded on a headstone, or crypt, within a graveyard or cemetery, which provides useful information for those who are researching their family tree. The information recorded on a headstone may include the deceased’s date of death, their age, date of birth occupation and the town or place they lived. - [Old Parish Registers](https://naheritage.co.uk/genealogy/old-parish-registers) - How were our births, marriages and deaths registered prior to certificates being introduced in 1855? Prior to 1855, in Scotland, there was no legal requirement to register a birth, marriage, or death, and a fee had to be paid to register the event. They were usually recorded by session clerks in what is known as - [Poor Relief](https://naheritage.co.uk/genealogy/poor-relief) - Until 1845 relief of the poor was the responsibility of the Heritor’s and the Kirk Sessions. Following the Poor Law Amendment (Scotland) Act of 1845 Parochial Boards were set up in each parish to administer poor relief with the ability to raise taxes. Each Parochial Board had to keep a roll of the poor and - [Records of Divorce](https://naheritage.co.uk/genealogy/records-of-divorce) - Divorce for adultery has been permitted in Scotland since 1560 and for desertion since 1573 but could only be afforded by the rich. From 1830 Scottish Divorces were decided by the Court of Session. Both men and women could seek divorce for adultery or desertion. The Divorce (Scotland) Act 1938 included divorce on grounds of - [Burial Records](https://naheritage.co.uk/genealogy/burial-records) - Finding out when your ancestor died is as important to family history as finding out their date of birth and marriage. If you cannot find your ancestor’s death in the monumental inscriptions, then check to see if there are burial records. The burial records provide the name of the deceased and his death and/or burial - [Sir John Smith Knox Boyd](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/sir-john-smith-knox-boyd) - Sir John Smith Knox Boyd (1891 - 1981), Largs-born Bacteriologist On the 18th of September, 1891, bacteriologist Brigadier Sir John Smith Knox Boyd was born at Mossbank, Largs to parents John Knox Boyd, bank agent, and Margaret Wilson Smith. The 1901 census reveals that John and Margaret Boyd were living at Mossbank, Douglas Place, off - [HMS Shearwater](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/hms-shearwater) - In the summer of 1844 Shearwater under the command of Commander Charles Gepp Robinson was surveying the west coast of Scotland. By mid May they had reached Largs Bay and on the afternoon of Friday 17th was at anchor. Two young midshipman friends from the Shearwater, Charles Cayley and William Jewell, borrowed a small sailing - [2024 Exhibitions](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/2024-exhibitions) - [History of Ardeer Golf Club](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/history-of-ardeer-golf-club) - Ardeer Golf Club was officially opened on Saturday 18th April 1905. This new 18-hole golf course replaced the previous one opened in 1880. Stevenston’s first golf course was the brainchild of Archibald Robertson and Rev. John Fraser Grahame, minister of Stevenston High Kirk. The original 50 members were clergymen, lawyers, and businessmen, both current and - [Thomas Christie](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/thomas-christie) - Thomas Christie (1861-1943), Printer and Stationer from Stevenston On the 29th of March, 1943, Stevenston Printer and Stationer, Thomas Christie died. Thomas’s obituary in the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald, dated 23 April 1943, contained information gathered from a small booklet in which he had kept a record of his employment since leaving school in 1875. Thomas - [Loan Kits](https://naheritage.co.uk/loan-kits) - [James Dunlop](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/james-dunlop) - James Dunlop ( 1793 - 1848), Astronomer from Dalry On the 22nd of September, James Dunlop, Astronomer Royal of New South Wales, died in 1848. Standing about 5 feet 6 inches tall, James had an outgoing, friendly personality, with interests in astronomy, poetry, geology and botany. He was born 31 October 1793 in Dalry, the - [HMS Defence](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/hms-defence) - HMS Defence was a Minotaur-class armoured cruiser that was commissioned into the Royal Navy on the 9th of February 1909, having been built at Pembroke Dockyard, Wales. Defence was the last armoured cruiser built for the Royal Navy and was stationed in the Mediterranean at the outbreak of World War I. Once the war began, - [Eglinton Castle](https://naheritage.co.uk/castles-of-north-ayrshire/eglinton-castle) - Eglinton Castle has had a long and interesting history. The earliest known castle was destroyed in 1528, when the Cunninghame’s of Glencairn, Stevenston, raided the Montgomerie lands and set fire to the castle, which was rebuilt afterwards. In 1608 Timothy Pont described Eglinton Castle as a fair and strong ancient house with well planted and - [Irvine Races](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/irvine-races) - On the third Saturday in August, (following the first Monday), Irvine Moor becomes the stage for what is possibly the oldest horse racing event in the world which can claim a continuous history stretching back through the centuries. It forms part of Irvine’s Marymass Festival and since 1928 has taken place in the afternoon following - [Irvine Bridge](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/irvine-bridge) - Prior to the existence of a bridge, the River Irvine had to be crossed at fords such as the Chapel-ford at the foot of the Chapel Brae; the Puddleford at the head of Kirkgate; the Friars Ford at Friars Croft and the Marress-ford. If the river was swollen due to heavy rain, travellers either had - [Eglinton Tournament](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/eglinton-tournament) - Following the announcement in 1838 that Queen Victoria’s marriage would not include any of the traditional medieval events and rituals associated with a royal marriage, Archibald William Montgomerie, 13th Earl of Eglinton decided to hold a three-day medieval tournament at Eglinton Castle. Of the 150 men who expressed initial interest in the tournament, only 13 - [Glengarnock Steelworks](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/glengarnock-steelworks) - The small village of Glengarnock in North Ayrshire was the site of iron and steel works for 145 years from 1840 until March 1985 and was a major employer in the local area. In the early 1800’s, railway construction opened up a new market for pig iron. The area around Glengarnock was rich with extensive - [U-33](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/u-33) - On the 11th of June 1936, German U-boat U-33 was commissioned in Kiel. A type VII-A, U-33 weighed 745 tonnes and was armed with 5 torpedo tubes (1 fore and 1 aft), one deck gun and one AA gun with the ability to lay mines from the torpedo tubes. Prior to the outbreak of World - [Saltcoats Tidal Bathing Pond](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/saltcoats-tidal-bathing-pond) - There have been two outdoor tidal bathing pools at Saltcoats. In April 1907 Saltcoats Town Council agreed to build a tidal bathing pool at the North Pans, in Winton Circus, using money from the McAlister Fund. The bathing station opened in 1908 with changing facilities and seating for spectators. The Council employed a bathing pool - [John Lavery](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/john-lavery) - John Lavery (1856 - 1941) Belfast-born artist, part of the 'Glasgow Boys' who was knighted after the First World War. On the 20th of March 1856 Sir John Lavery – famed Glasgow Boys artist - was born in Belfast. He was the middle child of Henry Lavery and May Donnelly but was orphaned when he - [Robert Burns Biography](https://naheritage.co.uk/robert-burns/robert-burns-biography) - [Millport Pier](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/millport-pier) - [Buffalo Bill](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/buffalo-bill) - ‘Buffalo Bill’, aka William Frederick Cody was an American Pony Express rider, Army Scout and showman. His touring show ‘Buffalo Bill’s Wild West’ toured Europe eight times. It toured Great Britain in 1902, 1903 and 1904. On 09 September 1904 “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West” show came to the Public Park in Saltcoats. The cast of - [Largs Under Snow](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/largs-under-snow) - We’ve had a look through our photograph collection and newspaper archives and found that a snow blizzard began on Friday 26th January 1940 which would cut the town of Largs off completely. The snow continued to fall intermittently throughout Saturday and Sunday accompanied by a strong easterly wind. In the early hours of Sunday morning - [Fine Art](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art) - [Art Objects](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art/art-objects) - [Glasgow High School Art Medal](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art/art-objects/glasgow-high-school-art-medal) - [Social History](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history) - [Archaeological Objects](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/archaeology/archaeological-objects) - [Domestic](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/domestic) - [Duchess of Hamilton Life Belt](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/domestic/duchess-of-hamilton-life-belt) - [Bronze Age Food Vessel](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/archaeology/archaeological-objects/bronze-age-food-vessel) - [Clubs and Societies](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/clubs-and-societies) - [Silver Pendant of the Ancient Free Gardeners Friendly Society](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/clubs-and-societies/silver-pendant-of-the-ancient-free-gardeners-friendly-society) - [Foresters Apron](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/clubs-and-societies/foresters-apron) - [Collections](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections) - [Industry](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/industry) - [Navigation Light Tripod](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/industry/navigation-light-tripod) - [Saltcoats Queen of the Sea Crown](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/civic-pride/saltcoats-queen-of-the-sea-crown) - [Millport Centenary Medal](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/civic-pride/millport-centenary-medal) - [Civic Pride](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/civic-pride) - [Irvine Town Drum](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/civic-pride/irvine-town-drum) - [Sisters of Sinai](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/sisters-of-sinai) - Margaret (1843 - 1920) and Agnes (1843 - 1926) Smith were Irvine-born twins who were language scholars and travellers. They discovered the earliest Syriac version of the Gospels and translated it. On the 11th of January 1843, twin sisters Margaret and Agnes Smith – otherwise known as The Sisters of Sinai, famous for discovering and - [Wall Clock (Thomas Sandford, Stevenston)](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/domestic/wall-clock-thomas-sandford-stevenston) - [Rocking Horse (Isle of Bute)](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/domestic/rocking-horse-isle-of-bute) - [Jean Armour's Teapot](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/domestic/jean-armours-teapot) - [Christening Robe - Ayrshire Needlework](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/domestic/christening-robe-ayrshire-needlework) - [Machrie Standing Stones](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/machrie-standing-stones) - Machrie Moor can be found on the west coast of the Isle of Arran, about 3 miles north of the village of Blackwaterfoot and is regarded as the best known archaeological site on the Isle of Arran. This area includes standing stones, stone circles, burial cists and cairns, all of which date back to between - [Portencross Castle](https://naheritage.co.uk/castles-of-north-ayrshire/portencross-castle) - Portencross consists of a tiny collection of cottages, a harbour, a pier and a castle. It was from here, legend tells us, that the bodies of the ancient kings of Scotland were brought to be taken by boat to the island of Iona for burial. In 1315, a year after the Battle of Bannockburn, Robert - [John Boyd Dunlop](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/john-boyd-dunlop) - John Boyd Dunlop (1840 - 1921) Dreghorn-born inventor of the pneumatic tyre. On the 5th of February John Boyd Dunlop – inventor of the pneumatic tyre – was born in Dreghorn. He was the fourth child of six born to John Dunlop and Agnes Boyd. His father is listed as a farmer and then as - [Bogside Racecourse](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/bogside-racecourse) - Situated on the banks of the River Irvine, Bogside Racecourse was opened by the 12th Earl of Eglinton in 1807 with Bogside Races being initiated in 1808. Racing lapsed between 1824 and 1838. The course was then extended, and steeplechasing was introduced in Scotland, with the first steeplechase being recorded at Bogside in 1839. After - [Stevenston Co-Op Society Jubilee Celebrations](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/clubs-and-societies/stevenston-co-op-society-jubilee-celebrations) - [Ardrossan Lawn Tennis Club Dance](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/clubs-and-societies/ardrossan-lawn-tennis-club-dance) - [Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston Choral and Orchestral Society](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/clubs-and-societies/ardrossan-saltcoats-and-stevenston-choral-and-orchestral-society) - [Saltcoats Literary and Debating Society](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/clubs-and-societies/saltcoats-literary-and-debating-society) - [Ardeer Explosion 1938](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/ardeer-explosion-1938) - On the 27th of January, 1938 two explosions occurred at Messrs Nobel’s Explosives factory, Ardeer, Stevenston. The force of the concussion waves were so strong, that the vibrations were felt as far away as Kilmarnock and Ayr. The first explosion took place at 3pm on Thursday 27th January 1938 in gelatine mixing house, No. Z129, - [Commandos on Arran](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/commandos-on-arran) - The Commandos were formed in July 1940 under Combined Operations Command, following the fall of France. Unlike regular troops the Commandos were not to be quartered in military barracks with military rations, but to live and train in seaside towns, arranging their own accommodation and mess facilities. Initially twelve Commando units were formed, with No’s - [Matthew Gilmour](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/matthew-gilmour) - Matthew Gilmour (1850 - 1936), Secretary of Beith Farmer’s Society On 27 May 1922 Matthew Gilmour retired as Chairman of the Beith Farmers’ Society Management Committee, having served as secretary and treasurer, and lately as chairman, for 31 years. Matthew Gilmour was born 04 November 1850 at Nether Gree Farm, Beith, the youngest of five - [Saltcoats Queen of the Sea](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/saltcoats-queen-of-the-sea) - Saltcoats was divided between the Earls of Eglinton who owned Ardrossan parish and the Earls of Glencairn who owned Stevenston parish. A bitter feud between them culminated in the murder of Edward Cunninghame of Auchenharvie, Lord Glencairn in 1526 followed by the destruction of Eglinton Castle in retaliation, forcing the Montgomeries to seek shelter in - [Railway Accident at Montgomerie Pier Station](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/railway-accident-at-montgomerie-pier-station) - On Monday 10th June 1895 a railway accident occurred at Montgomerie Pier Station, Ardrossan. The 9.07am Belfast Express from Glasgow, consisting of 7 carriages and carrying 200 people, failed to break on its final approach and violently collided with the buffer stops. This caused the train to mount the end of the No. 2 platform - [Nicol Grahame](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/nicol-grahame) - Nicol Grahame (1835 - 1857), Ardrossan-Born Soldier Who Fought in the Crimean War Nicol Grahame was born 3rd July 1835 at Ardrossan, the sixth of seven children born to parents Captain Duncan Graham of the 6th Regiment of Foot and Mary Jane Love. His siblings were Duncan Daniel, born 1826 Largs; Robert Starrat, born 1827 Largs; - [History of the Earls of Eglinton and Eglinton Estate](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/history-of-the-earls-of-eglinton-and-eglinton-estate) - The Montgomeries of Eglinton Eglinton Estate and Castle was once the home to the Montgomeries of Eglinton, who were the Earls of Eglinton, and for nearly 800 years they were one of the most powerful families in Scotland. An ancient family of Norman descent, the Montgomeries came to Britain during the 11th century, where they - [A History of Main Street, Stevenston](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/a-history-of-main-street-stevenston) - Main Street is one of the few streets in Stevenston where we can follow the architectural changes of the Street through time in photographs. Have a look at the photographs, in order, and you will see how much the area around the Stevenston burn changed between 1888 and the 1970s. The building in the centre - [Back Doon the Watter](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/back-doon-the-watter) - A photography exhibition by Mandy Edwards of Coast Collective, this exhibition also features a wide variety of objects with a 'Doon the Watter' theme. From bathing suits and model steamers, to trip posters and even a portable gramophone! The exhibition also features a variety of video content for you to enjoy, with documentaries and interviews - [British Legion Bowling: England's Touring Team at Ardeer](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/british-legion-bowling-englands-touring-team-at-ardeer) - On Friday 4th August 1950, the British Legion (England) Touring Team visited Ardeer Recreation Bowling Club, Stevenston, where they played a three-rink game on Ardeer Rec’s bowling green against the British Legion (Scottish Areas) Team with the Scottish side winning by 26 shots. The event was organised by the National Sports Committee of the British - [Stevenston Corn Mill](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/stevenston-corn-mill) - A request for information about the old mill stones which form a permanent feature on Main Street in Stevenston prompted us to do a bit of research into the old corn mill. The Stevenston corn mill appears on the 1856 ordnance survey map behind Main Street, Stevenston, but appears to have been built at a - [Newcomen Engine House, Auchenharvie](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/newcomen-engine-house-auchenharvie) - The ruins of a beam-engine house can be seen on the grounds of Auchenharvie golf course. Most of one wall and the remains of three others have survived. It was built in 1719 to hold a Newcomen atmospheric steam engine, whose purpose was to pump water out of Auchenharvie No. 2 coal pit. Measuring 18 - [A Dangerous Place to Work: 1913 Explosion at Nobel's Factory](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/a-dangerous-place-to-work-1913-explosion-at-nobels-factory) - Although the element of risk was greatly reduced by implementing strict safety rules along with constant monitoring of the huts, working with explosives could be extremely dangerous. To reduce the potential for disaster, the huts were strategically placed a distance away from each other, surrounded by earthen hills to reduce the force of the blast. - [Edgar Allan Poe](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/edgar-allan-poe) - Edgar Allan Poe (1809 - 1849), was a Boston-born poet and author who briefly lived in Irvine. On the 19th of January, 1809 Edgar Allan Poe - Poet and Author- was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He was born as Edgar Poe to David Poe, an actor and Elizabeth Arnold Hopkins, an English-born actress. Unfortunately Edgar - [2023 Exhibitions](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/2023-exhibitions) - [John Caldwell](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/john-caldwell) - John Caldwell (1873 - 1954), postman from Beith who served for 46 years and was the first postman in Scotland to use a bicycle to deliver letters. On Tuesday 23 May 1933 Postman John Caldwell, of 19 Middleton Drive, Largs was awarded the Imperial Service Medal in King George V’s birthday honours, in recognition of - [Robert Logan Jack](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/robert-logan-jack) - Robert Logan Jack (1845 - 1921), Irvine-born Geologist who worked extensively in Australia On the 16th of September, 1845 the geologist and explorer Robert Logan Jack was born in Glasgow Vennel, Irvine. He was the youngest child of Robert Jack and Margaret Logan and had 3 older siblings – William, Margaret and Thomas. His father - [Hugh Hogarth](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/hugh-hogarth) - Hugh Hogarth (1840 - 1904), Founder of the Baron Line On the 24th of April, 1904, Hugh Hogarth, founder of the Baron Line died at his home, 8 South Crescent, Ardrossan. Hugh was born on 11 August 1840 in Stevenston, the youngest of six children born to parents Robert Hogarth and his wife Ann Barclay. - [James Morrison](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/james-morrison) - James Morrison (1859 - 1963), first Provost of Stevenston James Morrison was born 9th July 1859, 11pm, at 444 Argyle Street, Glasgow, the first of six sons born to parents James Morrison, a Master Baker, and his second wife Elizabeth Hill Sharp. His siblings were Robert Buchanan, born 3rd July 1861; William, born 10th April - [PS Waverley](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/ps-waverley) - The text, paintings, photos, programmes and diagrams you'll see here are part of our now-finished exhibition at the Heritage Centre, which was Song of the River Steamers and it celebrated the collection of research and artwork by the late Charles Glen, a lifelong Paddle Steamer enthusiast who dedicated a large part of his retirement to - [Axe, Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/axe-papua-new-guinea) - [Shield, Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/shield-papua-new-guinea) - [Body Ornament (016), Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/body-ornament-016-papua-new-guinea) - [Head Ornament, Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/head-ornament-papua-new-guinea) - [Dagger, Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/dagger-papua-new-guinea) - [Body Ornament (006), Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/body-ornament-006-papua-new-guinea) - [Gourd, Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/gourd-papua-new-guinea) - [Body Ornament (015), Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/body-ornament-015-papua-new-guinea) - [Gorget, Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/gorget-papua-new-guinea) - [Arm Ornament (003), Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/arm-ornament-003-papua-new-guinea) - [Arm Ornament (019), Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/arm-ornament-019-papua-new-guinea) - [Body Ornament (017), Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/body-ornament-017-papua-new-guinea) - [Marymass](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/marymass) - In the 9th century the Chapel of the Virgin Mary was founded in Irvine. Each year on 15th August Mary’s Mass was held to celebrate the feast of the “Assumption of the Blessed Virgin”. The Earl of Eglinton had control over Marymass until 1747 when the Heritable Jurisdictions (Scotland) Act 1746 came into force, following - [SS Baychimo](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/ss-baychimo) - The SS Baychimo was a 1,300 ton cargo ship that sailed the Arctic with neither fuel nor crew for nearly four decades before she disappeared over 50 years ago. SS Baychimo was launched in 1914, named Angermanelfven, after a river in Sweden. The ship had a 230 foot long steel hull and was powered by - [They Wore It So Well](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/they-wore-it-so-well) - 'They Wore It So Well' features a variety of clothes from the 60's and 70's and is on loan from the collection at Dalgarven Mill. With hemlines rising and falling and structured dresses making way to long, floaty empire line florals, from Mary Quant to Laura Ashley, the exhibition has a bit of everything! - [Christopher Meadows](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art/christopher-meadows) - [Saltcoats Town Hall From the Braes, Watercolour](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art/christopher-meadows/saltcoats-town-hall-from-the-braes-watercolour) - [Path at Portencross, Watercolour](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art/christopher-meadows/path-at-portencross-watercolour) - [Early Morning, Lamlash, Arran, Watercolour](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art/christopher-meadows/early-morning-lamlash-arran-watercolour) - [Saltcoats Harbour, (0034(002)) Watercolour](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art/christopher-meadows/saltcoats-harbour-0034002-watercolour) - [Saltcoats Harbour, (0034(001)) Watercolour](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art/christopher-meadows/saltcoats-harbour-0034001-watercolour) - [Loch Katrine, Watercolour](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art/christopher-meadows/loch-katrine-watercolour) - [Loch Lomond](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art/christopher-meadows/loch-lomond) - [Ardrossan Harbour and Tug, Watercolour](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art/christopher-meadows/ardrossan-harbour-and-tug-watercolour) - [Saltcoats Harbour (0082), Watercolour](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art/christopher-meadows/saltcoats-harbour-0082-watercolour) - [Sheep on a Country Lane, Watercolour](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art/christopher-meadows/sheep-on-a-country-lane-watercolour) - [Ardrossan South Bay, Watercolour](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art/christopher-meadows/ardrossan-south-bay-watercolour) - [Arran, Watercolour](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art/christopher-meadows/arran-watercolour) - [Saltcoats Bay, Watercolour](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art/christopher-meadows/saltcoats-bay-watercolour) - [Harvesting Wheat, Ardrossan, Watercolour](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art/christopher-meadows/harvesting-wheat-ardrossan-watercolour) - [Donkeys on Ardrossan South Beach, Watercolour](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art/christopher-meadows/donkeys-on-ardrossan-south-beach-watercolour) - [Potato Picking at Ardrossan, Watercolour](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art/christopher-meadows/potato-picking-at-ardrossan-watercolour) - [Saltcoats Harbour (0008), Watercolour](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/fine-art/christopher-meadows/saltcoats-harbour-0008-watercolour) - [Chains of Office](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/chains-of-office) - [Saltcoats District Council Chains of Office (1896)](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/chains-of-office/saltcoats-district-council-chains-of-office-1896) - [North Ayrshire Council Depute Provost Chains of Office](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/chains-of-office/north-ayrshire-council-depute-provost-chains-of-office) - [North Ayrshire Council Provost Chains](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/chains-of-office/north-ayrshire-council-provost-chains) - [North Ayrshire Council Convenor's Wife Brooch](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/chains-of-office/north-ayrshire-council-convenors-wife-brooch) - [Cunninghame District Council Convenor's Chains](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/chains-of-office/cunninghame-district-council-convenors-chains) - [Cunninghame District Council Convenor's Pendant](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/chains-of-office/cunninghame-district-council-convenors-pendant) - [Past Convenor's Medal](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/chains-of-office/past-convenors-medal) - [Past Provost's Badge](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/chains-of-office/past-provosts-badge) - [Burgh of Stevenston District Council Chains](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/chains-of-office/burgh-of-stevenston-district-council-chains) - [Kilwinning District Council Provost Chains](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/chains-of-office/kilwinning-district-council-provost-chains) - [Irvine District Council Chains of Office](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/chains-of-office/irvine-district-council-chains-of-office) - [Largs District Council Provost Chains](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/chains-of-office/largs-district-council-provost-chains) - [Millport District Council Provost Chains](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/chains-of-office/millport-district-council-provost-chains) - [Stevenston District Council Chains of Office](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/chains-of-office/stevenston-district-council-chains-of-office) - [Largs District Council Chains of Office](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/chains-of-office/largs-district-council-chains-of-office) - [Saltcoats District Council Chains of Office (1936)](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/chains-of-office/saltcoats-district-council-chains-of-office-1936) - [Ardrossan District Council Chains of Office](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/chains-of-office/ardrossan-district-council-chains-of-office) - [Millport Baillie's Chains](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/chains-of-office/millport-baillies-chains) - [Largs Golf Club Dance](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/clubs-and-societies/largs-golf-club-dance) - [Saltcoats Swimming Gala](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/clubs-and-societies/saltcoats-swimming-gala) - [Ardrossan Academy Former Pupils Club Burns Night](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/clubs-and-societies/ardrossan-academy-former-pupils-club-burns-night) - [Thistle Burns Club](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/clubs-and-societies/thistle-burns-club) - [Ardrossan Academy Hockey Club Dance](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/clubs-and-societies/ardrossan-academy-hockey-club-dance) - [Saltcoats Literary and Debating Society Invitation](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/clubs-and-societies/saltcoats-literary-and-debating-society-invitation) - [Saltcoats Bathing Club](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/clubs-and-societies/saltcoats-bathing-club) - [Cyclists Touring Club](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/clubs-and-societies/cyclists-touring-club) - [Dalry Burns Club Supper](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/clubs-and-societies/dalry-burns-club-supper) - [Ancient Society of Kilwinning Archers Badge](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/social-history/clubs-and-societies/ancient-society-of-kilwinning-archers-badge) - [Eglinton Objects](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/eglinton/eglinton-objects) - [Painting of Eglinton Castle, Kilwinning](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/eglinton/eglinton-objects/painting-of-eglinton-castle-kilwinning) - [View of Eglinton Castle and Old Tournament Bridge](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/eglinton/eglinton-objects/view-of-eglinton-castle-and-old-tournament-bridge) - [Eglinton Castle (0007) Painting](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/eglinton/eglinton-objects/eglinton-castle-0007-painting) - [Eglinton Castle (0006) Painting](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/eglinton/eglinton-objects/eglinton-castle-0006-painting) - [Painting of Archibald William Montgomery, 13th Earl of Eglinton](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/eglinton/eglinton-objects/painting-of-archibald-william-montgomery-13th-earl-of-eglinton) - [Wedding Chair](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/eglinton/eglinton-objects/wedding-chair) - [Eglinton Armour](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/eglinton/eglinton-armour) - [Shoulder Panel](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/eglinton/eglinton-armour/shoulder-panel) - [Breastplate](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/eglinton/eglinton-armour/breastplate) - [Knee Guard (Right)](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/eglinton/eglinton-armour/knee-guard-right) - [Knee Guard (Left)](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/eglinton/eglinton-armour/knee-guard-left) - [Gauntlet (Left Hand)](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/eglinton/eglinton-armour/gauntlet-left-hand) - [Gauntlet (Right Hand)](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/eglinton/eglinton-armour/gauntlet-right-hand) - [Eglinton](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/eglinton) - [Sport](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/sport) - [ICI](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/ici) - [HMS Hood](https://naheritage.co.uk/hms-hood) - On the 24th of May 1941, during the Battle of the Denmark Strait, the legendary British battlecruiser HMS Hood was sunk with the loss of 1,415 crew and only 3 survivors. Hood was constructed in Clydebank at the John Brown & Company shipyard, with work beginning on the 1st of September 1916 and with the - [Ardrossan Winton Rovers Ticket](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/sport/ardrossan-winton-rovers-ticket) - [Winton Park Tennis Club](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/sport/winton-park-tennis-club) - [Millport Ladies Football Team](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/sport/millport-ladies-football-team) - [Eglinton Harriers Photograph](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/sport/eglinton-harriers-photograph) - [Saltcoats Victoria Commemorative Spittoon](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/sport/saltcoats-victoria-commemorative-spittoon) - [Football Signed by Saltcoats Victoria Team](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/sport/football-signed-by-saltcoats-victoria-team) - [Saltcoats Victoria Ticket](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/sport/saltcoats-victoria-ticket) - [Saltcoats St Marys Football Team Ticket](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/sport/saltcoats-st-marys-football-team-ticket) - [North Ayrshire Darts League](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/sport/north-ayrshire-darts-league) - [Ayrshire Junior Football Cup](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/sport/ayrshire-junior-football-cup) - [Explosives Formulae Books](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/ici/explosives-formulae-books) - [Fuse Samples](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/ici/fuse-samples) - [Liquid Sample Carrier](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/ici/liquid-sample-carrier) - [Nitro Drip Bucket](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/ici/nitro-drip-bucket) - [Acid Suit](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/ici/acid-suit) - [Electronic Detonating Device](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/ici/electronic-detonating-device) - [Aerial Photo Silicon Plant](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/ici/aerial-photo-silicon-plant) - [Nylon Works Ardeer (004)](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/ici/nylon-works-ardeer-004) - [Nylon Works Ardeer (003)](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/ici/nylon-works-ardeer-003) - [Detonator Carrier](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/ici/detonator-carrier) - [Powder Flask](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/ici/powder-flask) - [Powder Keg](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/ici/powder-keg) - [Rubber Overshoes](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/ici/rubber-overshoes) - [Carved Stones](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/archaeology/carved-stones) - [Early Christian Grave Marker](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/archaeology/carved-stones/early-christian-grave-marker) - [Ornate Medieval Stone Coffin](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/archaeology/carved-stones/ornate-medieval-stone-coffin) - [Strap and Buckle](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/archaeology/archaeological-objects/strap-and-buckle) - [Toy Watch](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/archaeology/archaeological-objects/toy-watch) - [Five Flint Tools](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/archaeology/archaeological-objects/five-flint-tools) - [Chalcolithic Axe Head](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/archaeology/archaeological-objects/chalcolithic-axe-head) - [Medieval Annular Brooch](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/archaeology/archaeological-objects/medieval-annular-brooch) - [Decorated Bronze Age Axe](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/archaeology/archaeological-objects/decorated-bronze-age-axe) - [Sir Aylmer Hunter-Weston](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/sir-aylmer-hunter-weston) - Sir Aylmer Hunter-Weston (1864 - 1940), a Kilmarnock-born Lieutenant-General in the British Army during WWI. On the 23rd of September, 1864 the decorated war general and politician Sir Aylmer Gould Hunter-Weston was born in Annanhill House, Kilmarnock. Aylmer was the first-born son of Lieutenant-Colonel Gould Read Weston and his second wife Jane Caldwell Hunter – - [Andrew Goldie Collection](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection) - [Invasion Bell](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/ici/invasion-bell) - [Goldie Objects](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects) - [Tobacco Pipe (025), Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/tobacco-pipe-025-papua-new-guinea) - [Tobacco Pipe (022), Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/tobacco-pipe-022-papua-new-guinea) - [Club (010), Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/club-010-papua-new-guinea) - [Club (005), Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/club-005-papua-new-guinea) - [Club (011), Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/club-011-papua-new-guinea) - [Club (026), Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/club-026-papua-new-guinea) - [Club (027), Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/club-027-papua-new-guinea) - [Lime Spatula (014), Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/lime-spatula-014-papua-new-guinea) - [Lime Spatula (002), Papua New Guinea](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-objects/lime-spatula-002-papua-new-guinea) - [Goldie Photography](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/andrew-goldie-collection/goldie-photography) - [Artillery Silverware](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/artillery-silverware) - [Leggat Salver](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/artillery-silverware/leggat-salver) - [Royal Artillery Small Arms Cup 1902](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/artillery-silverware/royal-artillery-small-arms-cup-1902) - [Tray From Officers Mess](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/artillery-silverware/tray-from-officers-mess) - [Rankin Cup 1863](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/artillery-silverware/rankin-cup-1863) - [Wilhelmshaven Garrison Cross-Country Cup](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/artillery-silverware/wilhelmshaven-garrison-cross-country-cup) - [Kilmarnock Cup 1936](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/artillery-silverware/kilmarnock-cup-1936) - [Convoy Trophy Cigarette Box](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/artillery-silverware/convoy-trophy-cigarette-box) - [Cigar Box](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/artillery-silverware/cigar-box) - [79th (Lowland) Field Brigade RA (TA) Trophy](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/artillery-silverware/79th-lowland-field-brigade-ra-ta-trophy) - [Portland Challenge Cup](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/artillery-silverware/portland-challenge-cup) - [Kings Trophy Cup 1913](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/artillery-silverware/kings-trophy-cup-1913) - [Tea Urn From Regimental Mess](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/artillery-silverware/tea-urn-from-regimental-mess) - [James Pipe Challenge Cup](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/artillery-silverware/james-pipe-challenge-cup) - [Captain David Rankin Trophy](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/artillery-silverware/captain-david-rankin-trophy) - [1927 Walker Trophy](https://naheritage.co.uk/collections/artillery-silverware/1927-walker-trophy) - [Betsy Miller](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/betsy-miller) - Elisabeth Miller (1792 - 1864) Saltcoats-born ship captain of the brig 'Clytus'. Elisabeth (Betsy) Miller was born 11 June 1792 in Saltcoats, the eldest of ten children born to parents William Miller a Merchant Taylor, and Mary Garret. At the time of their marriage on 12 December 1791, Mary was the widow of John Mackey - [Lord David Boyle](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/lord-david-boyle) - Lord David Boyle (1772 - 1853), Irvine-born student who became Solicitor General for Scotland. An Irvine born man who became Scotland's top law officer, David was part of the Boyle family of Shewalton and grandson of John Boyle 2nd Earl of Glasgow. He was born on 28 July 1772 at the Parterre (the Shewalton town - [Joan Kelly](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/joan-kelly) - Joan Kelly (c.1820 - 1898), Irvine-born poet. Very little is known about Joan Kelly. She was born in Irvine about 1820 to John Kelly, from the Isle of Man and Mary Allan from Kilwinning. Joan’s father died not long after her birth and Joan lived with her mother for over 50 years at Bridgegate and - [The 1954 Prestwick Air Disaster](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/the-1954-prestwick-air-disaster) - In the early morning of 25 December 1954 the RMS Cathay, a British Overseas Airways Corporation Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, crashed upon landing at Prestwick Airport killing 28 people. The aircraft had been on a flight from Heathrow Airport to New York with scheduled stop-overs at Manchester and Prestwick airports. Due to bad weather the Manchester - [St. Margaret's Free Church, Fairlie](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/st-margarets-free-church-fairlie) - St. Margaret’s Free Church in Fairlie was first known as the Free Church of Fairlie. It’s first minister was the Port Glasgow born Reverend - John Gemmel. He was born 03 March 1807, the second of eight children born to parents Robert Gemmell, a bookseller and Jane Cousins. John graduated M.A. from Glasgow University in - [Railway Disaster at Canal Street, Saltcoats](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/railway-disaster-at-canal-street-saltcoats) - On Saturday 05 August 1939 a disastrous railway crash took place at Canal Street, Saltcoats, which killed 4 people and injured 27. The Arran boat train, consisting of 7 coaches, was on the Lanarkshire & Ayrshire railway line coming from Glasgow Central Station to Montgomerie Pier, Ardrossan. Passing through Stevenston, it had slowed down to - [The Role of Ayrshire in Operation Husky](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/the-role-of-ayrshire-in-operation-husky) - On the 9th of July, 1943, Allied forces launched ‘Operation Husky’ which was the Allied invasion of Sicily and the precursor of the D-Day invasion that would launch a year later. The Allies saw Italy as the ‘soft underbelly’ of Europe and commenced an invasion that saw a combined effort of army, naval & air - [James Steedman](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/james-steedman) - James Steedman (1790-1865), Irvine inventor who designed a working design for the screw propeller. On the 7th of May, 1839, the first steamship to be successfully driven by screw propeller, the SS Archimedes was launched from London and sailed to Sheerness at the mouth of the Thames. The first patent for a screw propeller was - [HMS Black Prince](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/hms-black-prince) - While searching through the Glasgow Herald we found a short article of interest. At midnight on the night of 08 October 1873 the crew of the HMS Black Prince practised firing its heavy guns between Ardrossan and Pladda, disturbing the sleep of people along the coastlines of Ayrshire and Arran. Built by Robert Napier and - [Ardrossan War Memorial](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/ardrossan-war-memorial) - Ardrossan War Memorial was unveiled on Saturday 5th May 1923. The war memorial takes the form of a Celtic Cross, built from cream coloured Cullaloe freestone. The cross rises from a raised circular platform on either side of which are stone benches. A bronze plaque on the base of the cross contains the names of - [Andrew Muir Black](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/andrew-muir-black) - ANDREW MUIR BLACK SERVICE NO. 14633500 Army: Private Hampshire Regiment 1st Battalion DIED: 11 July 1944 AGE: 19 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 159 - [John Parkinson](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/john-parkinson) - John Parkinson, Scottish Muslim poet, essayist and critic, was born in Kilwinning of Irish descent. Having lost both parents whilst still a baby, he lived his entire life in the home of his grandparents. When they died, he supported himself from the age of sixteen as a wool spinner in the nearby Busby Spinning Company, - [North Ayrshire's D-Day Roll of Honour](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour) - The 6th of June, 1944 saw the largest combined naval, air and land invasion in human history taking place in the north of France, which ultimately led to the defeat of Nazi Germany and the liberation of Europe from occupation. The D-Day landings, part of Operation Overlord, were led by the UK, USA and Canada - [Alexander Allan](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/alexander-allan) - ALEXANDER ALLAN SERVICE NO. 3137556 Army: Private Gordon Highlanders 1st Battalion DIED: 19 June 1944 AGE: 22 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 76 - [William Wilson](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/william-wilson) - WILLIAM WILSON SERVICE NO. 3135370 Army: Corporal Royal Scots Fusiliers 11th Battalion DIED: 25 June 1944 AGE: 30 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 94 - [James Wilson](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/james-wilson) - JAMES WILSON Army - Lance Corporal Royal Scots Fusiliers 11th Battalion DIED 25 June 1944 AGE 24 SERVICE NO. 3130825 MEMORIAL LOCATION Column 94 - [Windsor Verdun Wakefield](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/windsor-verdun-wakefield) - WINDSOR VERDUN WAKEFIELD SERVICE NO. 4080346 Army: Corporal Monmouthshire Regiment 3rd Battalion DIED: 17 August 1944 AGE: 27 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 305 - [Arthur Urquhart](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/arthur-urquhart) - ARTHUR URQUHART SERVICE NO. 10602818 Army: Serjeant Royal Armoured Corps 43rd Reconnaissance Regiment DIED: 24 June 1944 AGE: 23 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 90 - [Allan Turnbull](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/allan-turnbull) - ALLAN TURNBULL SERVICE NO. 2829373 Army: Private Seaforth Highlanders 5th Battalion DIED: 18 July 1944 AGE: 21 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 193 - [Henry Strike](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/henry-strike) - HENRY STRIKE Army - Corporal Seaforth Highlanders 7th Battalion DIED 30 June 1944 AGE 27 SERVICE NO. 3133501 MEMORIAL LOCATION Column 121 - [James Stevenson](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/james-stevenson) - JAMES STEVENSON SERVICE NO. CH/X112889 Royal Navy: Marine Royal Marines 813 LCVP Flotilla And HMS Copra DIED: 14 June 1944 AGE: 19 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 58 - [Eric Spiers](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/eric-spiers) - ERIC SPIERS Army - Serjeant Army Commandos 3 Commando Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment DIED 11 June 1944 AGE 25 SERVICE NO. 6344028 MEMORIAL LOCATION Column 43 - [John Spence](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/john-spence) - JOHN SPENCE SERVICE NO. 3135346 Army: Private Seaforth Highlanders 5th Battalion DIED: 23 July 1944 AGE: 24 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 214 - [Donald Smith](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/donald-smith) - DONALD SMITH Army - Private Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) 7th Battalion DIED 07 July 1944 AGE 23 SERVICE NO. 14383087 MEMORIAL LOCATION Column 140 - [Thomas Shaw](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/thomas-shaw) - THOMAS SHAW Army - Fusilier Royal Scots Fusiliers 11th Battalion DIED 27 June 1944 AGE 20 SERVICE NO. 2766066 MEMORIAL LOCATION Column 105 - [John Rutherford](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/john-rutherford) - JOHN RUTHERFORD SERVICE NO. 3769951 Army: Private East Lancashire Regiment 1st Battalion DIED: 16 August 1944 AGE: 28 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 301 - [John Robertson](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/john-robertson) - JOHN ROBERTSON SERVICE NO. 3130018 Army: Fusilier Royal Scots Fusiliers 11th Battalion DIED: 22 August 1944 AGE: 26 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 318 - [Dugald Keith Robertson](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/dugald-keith-robertson) - DUGALD KEITH ROBERTSON Army - Lance Corporal Royal Armoured Corps Nottinghamshire (Sherwood Rangers) Yeomanry B Squadron DIED 27 June 1944 AGE 21 SERVICE NO. 7951080 MEMORIAL LOCATION Column 104 - [Hugh Richmond](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/hugh-richmond) - HUGH ALLAN RICHMOND SERVICE NO. 3137466 Army: Gunner Royal Artillery 112th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment DIED: 28 July 1944 AGE: 25 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 223 - [Dennis William Piper](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/dennis-william-piper) - DENNIS WILLIAM PIPER Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve LCH 185 DIED: 25 June 1944 AGE: 26 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 91 - [James Oliver](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/james-oliver) - JAMES OLIVER Army - Private Seaforth Highlanders 5th Battalion DIED 16 June 1944 AGE 21 SERVICE NO. 2829141 MEMORIAL LOCATION Column 68 - [James Niblock](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/james-niblock) - JAMES NIBLOCK SERVICE NO. 7952265 Army: Trooper Royal Armoured Corps 2nd Northamptonshire Yeomanry DIED: 18 July 1944 AGE: 20 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 192 - [Hugh Murray](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/hugh-murray) - HUGH MURRAY Merchant Navy SS Samlong (London) DIED: 03 August 1944 AGE: 23 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 247 - [Paul Mitchell](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/paul-mitchell) - PAUL MITCHELL Army - Fusilier Royal Scots Fusiliers 6th Battalion DIED 02 July 1944 AGE 34 SERVICE NO. 3130868 MEMORIAL LOCATION Column 129 - [David Milligen](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/david-milligen) - DAVID MILLIGEN SERVICE NO. 14226799 Army: Signalman Royal Corps of Signals VIII Corps Signals DIED: 15 July 1944 AGE: 21 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 173 - [Thomas Arnott Millar](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/thomas-arnott-millar) - THOMAS A. MILLAR SERVICE NO. 3135296 Army: Fusilier Royal Scots Fusiliers 11th Battalion DIED: 17 August 1944 AGE: 24 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 304 - [James Walker McMahon](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/james-walker-mcmahon) - JAMES WALKER MCMAHON Army - Fusilier Royal Scots Fusiliers 6th Battalion DIED 29 June 1944 SERVICE NO. 3131631 MEMORIAL LOCATION Column 115 - [John McGregor](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/john-mcgregor) - JOHN MCGREGOR SERVICE NO. D/JX 346893 Royal Navy: Able Seaman Royal Navy HMS Blackwood DIED: 15 June 1944 AGE: 20 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 63 - [James McCartney](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/james-mccartney) - JAMES MCCARTNEY SERVICE NO. 186865 Royal Air Force: Pilot Officer Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 193 (Fellowship of the Bellows) Squadron, Royal Air Force DIED: 10 August 1944 AGE: 21 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 278 - [Robert McCallum](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/robert-mccallum) - ROBERT MCCALLUM Army - Private Gordon Highlanders 2nd Battalion DIED 26 June 1944 AGE 23 SERVICE NO. 2890133 MEMORIAL LOCATION Column 98 - [James Maxwell](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/james-maxwell) - JAMES MAXWELL SERVICE NO. 2003906 Army: Corporal Royal Engineers 276 Field Company DIED: 14 August 1944 AGE: 27 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 294 - [Allan Marshall](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/allan-marshall) - ALLAN MARSHALL Army - Private Army Catering Corps Royal Scots Fusiliers 6th Battalion DIED 16 July 1944 AGE 31 SERVICE NO. 3131097 MEMORIAL LOCATION Column 178 - [Edward Manson](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/edward-manson) - EDWARD MANSON Merchant Navy SS Empire Rosebery (Glasgow) DIED: 24 August 1944 AGE: 23 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 321 - [Robert Mackenzie](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/robert-mackenzie) - ROBERT MACKENZIE SERVICE NO. 7012764 Army: Lance Serjeant Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) 5th Battalion DIED: 11 July 1944 AGE: 24 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 163 - [Ian MacDonald](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/ian-macdonald) - IAN MACDONALD Army - Lieutenant Parachute Regiment 7th Battalion DIED 29 June 1944 AGE 23 SERVICE NO. 278379 MEMORIAL LOCATION Column 115 - [Frederick Lang](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/frederick-lang) - FREDERICK LANG SERVICE NO. C/KX 171751 Royal Navy: Stoker 1st Class Royal Navy LBW 4 And HMS Copra DIED: 14 June 1944 AGE: 21 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 58 - [George Jordan](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/george-jordan) - GEORGE JORDAN SERVICE NO. 2759374 Army: Private Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) 7th Battalion DIED: 08 July 1944 AGE: 27 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 145 - [Thomas McEwan Johnstone](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/thomas-mcewan-johnstone) - THOMAS MCEWAN JOHNSTONE Army - Private Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders 5th Battalion DIED 23 June 1944 AGE 20 SERVICE NO. 14281980 MEMORIAL LOCATION Column 84 - [Robert Jeffrey](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/robert-jeffrey) - ROBERT JEFFREY SERVICE NO. 3131592 Army: Private Army Catering Corps Attached to Royal Scots Fusiliers 6th Battalion DIED: 11 July 1944 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 162 - [Roy George Herbert](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/roy-george-herbert) - ROY GEORGE HERBERT Army - Lieutenant Army Commandos 3 Commando Northamptonshire Regiment DIED 08 June 1944 AGE 31 SERVICE NO. 287391 Son of David and Alice Herbert; husband of Janet Craig Herbert, of Plymouth. MEMORIAL LOCATION Column 26 - [Daniel Hearshaw](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/daniel-hearshaw) - DANIEL HEARSHAW SERVICE NO. 3135208 Army: Fusilier Royal Scots Fusiliers 6th Battalion DIED: 29 June 1944 AGE: 30 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 114 - [Thomas Hunter Hamilton](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/thomas-hunter-hamilton) - THOMAS HUNTER HAMILTON SERVICE NO. 972135 Army: Lance Bombardier Royal Artillery 65th (The Norfolk Yeomanry) Anti-Tank Regiment DIED: 20 August 1944 AGE: 28 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 313 - [William Greer](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/william-greer) - WILLIAM GREER SERVICE NO. 14686357 Army: Private Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders 5th Battalion DIED: 08 August 1944 AGE: 18 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 267 - [Thomas Graham](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/thomas-graham) - THOMAS GRAHAM SERVICE NO. P/JX 236799 Royal Navy: Able Seaman Royal Navy HMS Quorn DIED: 03 August 1944 AGE: 28 HISTORICAL CONTEXT He was a crew member on board the escort destroyer HMS Quorn. She was part of the beach head defence force and on the night of 3 August 1944 she sailed to her - [Edward McEwan Gaston](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/edward-mcewan-gaston) - EDWARD MCEWAN GASTON SERVICE NO. 14686353 Army: Private Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 7th Battalion DIED: 11 August 1944 AGE: 29 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 281 - [Robert Hendry Craig](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/robert-hendry-craig) - ROBERT HENDRY CRAIG Army - Serjeant Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) 7th Battalion DIED 26 June 1944 AGE 27 SERVICE NO. 2759260 MEMORIAL LOCATION Column 96 - [David Cowan](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/david-cowan) - DAVID COWAN SERVICE NO. 3320414 Army: Corporal Parachute Regiment 8th Battalion DIED: 16 June 1944 AGE: 27 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 66 - [Robert Cook](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/robert-cook) - ROBERT COOK Army - Fusilier Royal Scots Fusiliers 6th Battalion DIED 17 July 1944 AGE 30 SERVICE NO. 3135162 MEMORIAL LOCATION Column 183 - [David Cardwell](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/david-cardwell) - DAVID CARDWELL Army - Private Seaforth Highlanders 5th Battalion DIED 16 June 1944 AGE 25 SERVICE NO. 2823692 MEMORIAL LOCATION Column 66 - [William Campbell](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/william-campbell) - WILLIAM CAMPBELL SERVICE NO. 14205316 Army: Lance Corporal Royal Scots Regiment 8th Battalion DIED: 16 July 1944 AGE: 22 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 176 - [Richard Gordon Calder](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/richard-gordon-calder) - RICHARD GORDON CALDER SERVICE NO. 2698326 Army: Guardsman Scots Guards DIED: 09 August 1944 AGE: 27 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 272 - [John Inglis Cairns](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/john-inglis-cairns) - JOHN INGLIS CAIRNS Army - Lance Corporal Royal Army Service Corps 458 Division Troops Company DIED 13 June 1944 AGE 30 SERVICE NO. T/2822749 MEMORIAL LOCATION Column 53 From CWGC Son of John Inglis Cairns and Jeannie Barbara Cairns; husband of Alice Margaret Cairns, of Brora, Sutherlandshire. From A&SH 30 June 1944 Grandson of the - [William Mercer Brown](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/william-mercer-brown) - WILLIAM MERCER BROWN SERVICE NO. 3137444 Army: Corporal Royal Scots Fusiliers 11th Battalion DIED: 07 August 1944 AGE: 22 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 259 - [Robert Armit](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/robert-armit) - ROBERT ARMIT Army - Lance Corporal East Yorkshire Regiment 2nd Battalion DIED 06 June 1944 AGE 20 SERVICE NO. 14283370 Son of William and Catherine Armit, of Brodick, Isle of Arran HISTORICAL CONTEXT 2nd Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment sailed from the UK at 21:00 on 5 June 1944 on the troopships Empire Battleaxe and HMS - [Robert Brodie](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/robert-brodie) - ROBERT BRODIE SERVICE NO. T/171512 Army: Driver Royal Army Service Corps 212 Field Ambulance DIED: 01 July 1944 AGE: 27 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 122 - [Thomas Boyd](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/thomas-boyd) - THOMAS BOYD SERVICE NO. 2825194 Army: Private Seaforth Highlanders 2nd Battalion DIED: 08 August 1944 AGE: 28 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 265 - [George L. Blair](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/george-l-blair) - GEORGE L. BLAIR SERVICE NO. 14704305 Army: Private Gordon Highlanders 2nd Battalion DIED: 27 August 1944 AGE: 32 - [David Warnock Baxter](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/david-warnock-baxter) - DAVID WARNOCK BAXTER SERVICE NO. P/JX 520187 Royal Navy: Ordinary Seaman Royal Navy HMS Halsted DIED: 11 June 1944 AGE: 19 HISTORICAL CONTEXT He was a crew member on board the frigate HMS Halsted which had been involved in the Normandy landings since D-Day, screening the ships carrying the troops to the British landing beaches. - [Douglas Barnett](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshires-d-day-roll-of-honour/douglas-barnett) - DOUGLAS BARNETT SERVICE NO. 3131968 Army: Fusilier Royal Scots Fusiliers 6th Battalion DIED: 26 June 1944 AGE: 25 MEMORIAL LOCATION: Column 95 - ['Song of the River Steamers'](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/song-of-the-river-steamers) - 'Song of the River Steamers' is an exhibition which encapsulates one mans passion for Clyde Steamers. The late Charles Glen, well known in Millport, dedicated a large part of his retirement to recording for posterity the great era of the Clyde Steamers. Mr Glen created paintings, models and research about every steamer to ever grace - [Sir John Boyd Orr](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/john-boyd-orr) - Sir John Boyd Orr (1880 - 1971), Nobel Prize recipient for his work on nutrition who lived in West Kilbride. On the 23rd of September 1880 John Boyd Orr – Nobel Peace Prize recipient – was born in Kilmaurs. During his lifetime he was a teacher, doctor, biologist and politician. He is regarded as the - [Dr John Campbell](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/dr-john-campbell) - Dr John Campbell (1791-1873), physician and surgeon who served the people of Largs for 61 years. On the 14th of May, 1873, Dr John Campbell, physician and surgeon to the people of Largs for 61 years, died at his home in Gallowgate Street, Largs. In his memory the people of Largs erected the Campbell Memorial - [Largs War Memorial](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/largs-war-memorial) - The Largs War Memorial was dedicated on the 19th of September, 1921 and stands at the south side of the town, facing out to sea. Atop the statue stands a sculpture of 3 soldiers (one kilted, one colonial and one a sailor) that were carved from white freestone by sculptor William Kellock Brown (1856 - - [RMS Lancastria](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/rms-lancastria) - On the 17th of June 1940, the RMS Lancastria was attacked by a German Ju-88 bomber at 15:00 off the coast of Saint-Nazaire, West France. The ship was evacuating British nationals from France and was loaded well over the 1,300 passenger capacity and was carrying between 4,000 – 7,000 people. The ship was hit by - [The Witchcraft Trials in North Ayrshire](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/the-witchcraft-trials-in-north-ayrshire) - Overview During the late 16th to early 18th centuries, Europe was gripped by paranoia about witchcraft and demonology, fearing the presence of Satan around every corner. No other country in Europe responded to this threat with greater gusto than Scotland, where it is estimated that around 4,000 individuals1 (80% of them women), were accused of - [Skelmorlie Reservoir Disaster](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/skelmorlie-reservoir-disaster) - On18th April 1925, the quiet Ayrshire village of Skelmorlie became the scene of a tragic disaster when the embankment of the lower reservoir situated above the village, gave way, releasing millions of gallons of water resulting in the deaths of five people. Built in 1861, the Skelmorlie Waterworks and its two reservoirs, which belonged to - [New and Unusual](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/new-and-unusual) - 'New and Unusual (And a few of our favourite things)' was on display at our North Ayrshire Heritage Centre in Saltcoats. The exhibition featured a wide variety of of objects from our collection, including artworks, archaeology, sporting memorabilia, vintage technology (including old radios, cameras and even a Gameboy Advance!) and so much more. There were - [Privacy Policy](https://naheritage.co.uk/privacy-policy) - Who we are Our website address is: https://naheritage.co.uk. Cookies Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer by websites that you visit. They are widely used in order to make websites work, or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information such as such as visitor numbers and most popular pages. - [Henry Faulds](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/henry-faulds) - Henry Faulds (1843 - 1930), doctor, missionary and fingerprint pioneer from Beith. On the 8th of June 1843, Henry Faulds – doctor, missionary and fingerprint pioneer– was born in New Street, Beith. His parents William Pollock Faulds and Anne Cameron owned a warehouse and were quite well-off before losing most of their money in the - [Mary Andross](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/mary-andross) - Mary Andross (1893 - 1968), Irvine-born dietetics pioneer. Mary Andross was born in Irvine on 15 March, 1893 and lived most of her life there at 'Kilmeny', Bank Street, the family home built by her father in 1901. She studied Anatomy, Organic Chemistry, Zoology, Natural Philosophy and Physiology at Glasgow University, graduating BSc in 1916 - [Hunterston Castle](https://naheritage.co.uk/castles-of-north-ayrshire/hunterston-castle) - King David I invited Norman knights to take up lands in Scotland in the 12th century. Among those knights were the Hunters, who settled in North Ayrshire. For hunting services to David I, Aylmer was made Hunter Royal in 1160 (a hereditary title which has been passed down for over 900 years) and in 1271 - [Law Castle](https://naheritage.co.uk/castles-of-north-ayrshire/law-castle) - Law Castle was built in 1468, on the slopes of Law Hill at West Kilbride. It was constructed as a wedding gift for Princess Mary (sister of James III) upon her marriage to Thomas Boyd, Earl of Arran. Due to the nature of the building (being a gift to a princess) it was constructed less - [Alexander Fleming](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/alexander-fleming) - Alexander Fleming (1881 - 1955) Darvel-born physician and microbiologist, known for discovering penicillin. Alexander Fleming, physician and microbiologist, is best known for discovering the antibiotic substance benzylpenicillin (penicillin) in 1928 for which he shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 1945 “for the discovery of penicillin and its curative effects in various infectious - [Auchenharvie Pit Disaster](https://naheritage.co.uk/auchenharvie-pit-disaster) - The Auchenharvie Pit Disaster occurred on the 2nd of August, 1895 when the Auchenharvie Pit flooded, entombing 14 workers for 3 days. Of these 14 men and boys only 5 made it out alive, the remaining 9 lost forever. The Disaster The colliery was owned by Glengarnock Iron & Steel Co. Limited and was managed - [Heritage Services - Customer Charter](https://naheritage.co.uk/heritage-services-customer-charter) - North Ayrshire Heritage Service Customer Charter North Ayrshire Heritage Service aims to work with local people and other partners to collect, record, and care for North Ayrshire’s unique cultural heritage and to promote understanding and enjoyment through access and education for all. Looking after you We will: Communicate clearly with you and not use jargon - [Andrew Goldie](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/andrew-goldie) - Andrew Goldie (1840 - 1891) Pacific explorer and collector. On the 5th of May 1840, Andrew Goldie, Millport's Pacific explorer, was born at the Kelburn Estate, Largs, the first-born child of David Goldie and Agnes Clark. At the time of Andrew's birth, his father was the Head Gardener at the Kelburne Estate, which belonged to - [Sinking of the Norwegian Brig Lovren](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/sinking-of-the-norwegian-brig-lovren) - A severe hurricane battered Britain on the nights of 21st and 22nd December 1894. In Ardrossan the wind was so strong that slates were torn off the roofs of houses; both North Crescent Road and South Crescent Road were flooded with sea water resulting in transport being disrupted; and the steeple of the Ardrossan Parish - [Beith War Memorial](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/beith-war-memorial) - On Saturday 18 October 1919 the sub-committee of the Beith war memorial committee met on the peak of Bigholm Hill, where the Peace Celebrations bonfire had been held in November 1918, to assess it as a suitable place to situate the war memorial. Having agreed on the site, they bought the hilltop from Mr Robert - [Reverend Robert Morgan Adamson](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/reverend-robert-morgan-adamson) - On the 29th of November Rev. Robert Morgan Adamson died in 1940. He was Minister of St. John’s Church, Ardrossan for 44 years. We came across a photograph of Rev. Adamson with two of his sons, Henry and Graham, in the Guthrie collection. Robert Morgan Adamson was born on 08 July 1866, 11.30pm at Crossgate, - [RAF Liberator (AM 261) Crash Into Mullach Buidhe on the Isle of Arran](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/raf-liberator-am-261-crash-into-mullach-buidhe-on-the-isle-of-arran) - On the 10th of August 1941, RAF Liberator (AM 261) crashed into the ridge at Mullach Buidhe, just north of Goatfell on the Isle of Arran with the loss of 22 airmen. The role of the Liberator was to transport flight crews across the North Atlantic so that the crews could fly newly built aircraft - [Dreghorn War Memorial](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/dreghorn-war-memorial) - On the 6th of November the Dreghorn War Memorial was unveiled in 1921. The site upon which the war memorial stands was gifted to the people of Dreghorn by Archibald Seton Montgomerie, 16th Earl of Eglinton. It is situated on the west side of “The Mount” at the east end of Main Street and is - [Andrew Aitken](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/andrew-aitken) - Andrew Aitken (1780 - 1851), Beith-Born poet who worked as a farmer. In September 1851, tenant-farmer Andrew Aitken of Overton, Beith, died. Known as the Beith Poet, a collection of his poems was printed in 1873 by James M’Kie of Kilmarnock. Aitken’s book of poems proved to be so successful that a second edition was - [Kilwinning Abbey Tower](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/kilwinning-abbey-tower) - The Abbey site is unusual in that the three buildings have separate owners: the Parish Church is owned by the Church of Scotland, the Abbey ruins are in the care of Historic Environment Scotland and the tower is owned by North Ayrshire Council, who refurbished it as a visitor centre in 1995. The tower is - [Ardrossan Castle](https://naheritage.co.uk/castles-of-north-ayrshire/ardrossan-castle) - [Captain Douglas Kinnier](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/captain-douglas-kinnier) - Captain Douglas Kinnier (1859 - 1916), Saltcoats-born seaman who fought in the First World War. On the 20th of October 1859, Captain Douglas Reid Kinnier – famous for a daring escape from the German cruiser Dresden in WW1 - was born in Saltcoats. His father was Doctor Robert Snodgrass Kinnier, a surgeon and his mother - [2022 Exhibitions](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/2022-exhibitions) - [2019 Exhibitions](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/2019-exhibitions) - [2018 Exhibitions](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/2018-exhibitions) - [Little Black Dress](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/little-black-dress) - The North Ayrshire Heritage Team and volunteers at Dalgarven Mill Museum of Country Life and Costume worked in partnership to bring this exhibition to North Ayrshire Heritage Centre in Saltcoats. The Little Black Dress exhibition was a celebration of that staple garment from the time the phrase was coined in the 1920s until the mini - [Dalgarven Mill](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshire-museums/dalgarven-mill) - Dalgarven Mill Opening Times: Tues-Sat: 10am-4pmSun: 11am–4pmlast entry: 3pm Entry Fee Adults - £7.50Children under 16 - £5.00Children under 5 - Go FreeFamily - £25.00 (2 adults and max 4 children under 16)Annual pass: £20.00 - please use gift aid! Directions: Dalgarven Mill Museum Of Country Life & Costume,Dalgarven, Kilwinning KA13 6PL Contact: Tel.: +44 - [Brodick Castle](https://naheritage.co.uk/castles-of-north-ayrshire/brodick-castle) - There has been a fortress here since the fifth century. By the tenth century Arran was under Norse control and Brodick was probably used as a defensive site by the Vikings due to its high position overlooking the Firth of Clyde, until they were driven from Arran following the Battle of Largs in 1263. The - [Seagate Castle](https://naheritage.co.uk/castles-of-north-ayrshire/seagate-castle) - Seagate is one of the oldest thoroughfares in Irvine and until the late 16th century it was the main route between the harbour and the town. Here you will find the ruins of Seagate Castle, Irvine’s most ancient remaining structure. There has been a castle in Irvine since the 1180s, which would have been a - [Kerelaw Castle](https://naheritage.co.uk/castles-of-north-ayrshire/kerelaw-castle) - The castle and estate in Stevenston have been around since 1191. It was the seat of Stephen Lockhart or Loccard (who the town is named after) and at various points in history belonged to the Campbells, the Cunninghames, the Boyds and the Hamiltons. It has been known as “Kerila”, “Kyryaw”, “Kirylaw” and, when the Hamiltons - [Lochranza Castle](https://naheritage.co.uk/castles-of-north-ayrshire/lochranza-castle) - Lochranza Castle is located in the north of the Isle of Arran, on a peninsula which extends into Loch Ranza. It was thought to have been a tower house from the 1500s but studies carried out on the ruins have revealed that it is a hall-house from the late 1200s or early 1300s and was - [HMS Fortitude](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/hms-fortitude) - Did you know that during World War Two Ardrossan Harbour was requisitioned as a naval base and renamed HMS Fortitude? In 1938, with the threat of war looming, the Admiralty began its preparations for mobilisation. It sent officers to review ports which could be turned into naval bases should war break out. Ardrossan was one - [Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society](https://naheritage.co.uk/castles-of-north-ayrshire/ardrossan-castle-heritage-society) - The Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society is a registered charity that was set up in 2012 with the aim of promoting Ardrossan Castle and educating the public on the history of this piece of North Ayrshire's past. “We were invited to set up as an organisation as the castle was in a state of disrepair and - [Visit](https://naheritage.co.uk/visit) - [Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society Exhibition](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/ardrossan-castle-heritage-society-exhibition) - ACHS are a charity set up in 2012 in collaboration with North Ayrshire Council. "We were invited to set up as an organisation as the castle was in a state of disrepair and NAC were looking to work in collaboration with a community organisation to undertake activities that would help change people's perceptions of the - [Peter Nicholson](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/peter-nicholson) - Peter Nicholson (1765 - 1844) born at Prestonkirk and became an architect, creating the layout of the town of Ardrossan. Peter Nicholson was born on the 20th of July, 1765 at Prestonkirk, East Lothian. The third of nine children, his father was George Nicholson, a stonemason, and his mother was Margaret Hastie. He showed a - [Resources](https://naheritage.co.uk/resources) - [John Witherspoon](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/john-witherspoon) - John Witherspoon (1723 - 1794), East Lothian-born minister who signed the American Declaration of Independence. On 5th of February, 1723 John Witherspoon – Minister in Beith, Founding Father and a signatory of the Declaration of Independence – was born in Gifford, East Lothian. His father was the Reverend James Witherspoon a minister in the Parish - [Janice Galloway](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/janice-galloway) - Janice Galloway (b.1955) Saltcoats-born author. Janice Galloway was born on the 2nd of December 1955 in Buckreddan Maternity Hospital, Kilwinning, the second of two daughters born to parents James Galloway and Janet Clark McBride. Her parents were legally married on 15 November 1937 by ‘Warrant of Sheriff Substitute’, at which time they were employed as - [Largs Museum](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshire-museums/largs-museum) - Largs Museum Opening Times Thursday - Sunday 13:30pm - 16:30pm Entry FREE Directions Kirkgate House, Manse Ct, Largs KA30 8AW Contact 01475 687081 Website: HERE About This small voluntary run local history museum, situated just off the Main Street, has a wide range of artefacts and archival material relating to the area. Explore our resources, - [RMS Lusitania](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/rms-lusitania) - On the 7th of June 1906, RMS Lusitania was launched by the Cunard Line in Glasgow at the John Brown shipbuilding firm. With a tonnage of 44,000 tonnes and able to maintain 25 knots due to the 25 boilers powering 4 turbines producing 76,000 horsepower, Lusitania was the largest ocean liner in service at launch - [HMS Edinburgh](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/hms-edinburgh) - On the 31st of March, 1938 the Royal Navy light cruiser HMS Edinburgh was launched in Newcastle-upon-tyne. Construction had begun on the 30th of December 1936 by shipbuilders Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson. With a displacement of 10, 635 tonnes, Edinburgh was a fast cruiser capable of travelling at a speed of 32.25 knots (60 - [Contact Us](https://naheritage.co.uk/contact-us) - [HMS Vandal](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/hms-vandal) - On the 3rd of May in 1997 a memorial was unveiled to the crew of HMS Vandal, a Royal Navy submarine, which sunk off the coast of Lochranza, Arran on 24th February 1943 with the loss of 37 lives. Built by Vickers-Armstrong of Barrow, HMS Vandal was commissioned on Saturday 20th February 1943 and was - [Skelmorlie Secret Bunker](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshire-museums/skelmorlie-secret-bunker) - Skelmorlie Secret Bunker Opening Times: Open 1pm - 5pm at weekends, April-September Entry FREE (Pre-booking essential) Directions: Skelmorlie Secret Bunker, Meigle, Skelmorlie, North Ayrshire, Scotland, PA17 5HF Contact: Call Frank Alexander on 07513 504 115 or email info@skelmorliesecretbunker.co.uk Website: HERE About The museum outside Skemorlie in North Ayrshire has a fully restored Royal Observer Corps underground monitoring post built - [Wellwood Burns Centre & Museum](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshire-museums/wellwood-burns-centre-museum) - Wellwood Burns Centre & Museum Opening Times: The Museum is run by volunteers, so book at least two days in advance. Apr.-Sept.: Wed, Fri, & Sat - 2-5pm; Oct.-Mar.: Sat 2-5pm Entry Fee FREE Directions: Wellwood Burns Centre & Museum 28 Eglinton Street, Irvine, Ayrshire, KA12 8AS Contact: Tel.: 01294 274511Email: visits@irvineburnsclub.org Website: HERE About Irvine Burns Club, - [Scottish Maritime Museum](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshire-museums/scottish-maritime-museum) - Opening Times: 10am - 5pm Entry Fee Adults (age 17+) - £8.50Children under 16 - Free entry (up to 3 children with every fee-paying adult or concession ticket, thereafter £4 per child)Adults aged 60+, registered disabled, or full time students: £6.50Registered Carers: One free when accompanying a paid disabled personFree entry for Art Fund members and - [Kilwinning Abbey Tower Heritage Centre](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshire-museums/kilwinning-abbey-tower-heritage-centre) - Kilwinning Abbey Tower Heritage Centre Opening Times: Easter Weekend & mid-May to mid-September on Saturdays 1pm-3pm Entry Fee Free Directions: Kilwinning Abbey TowerMain Street, KilwinningKA13 6EG Contact: Email: hello@kilwinningheritage.org.uk Website: HERE About Kilwinning Abbey Tower Heritage Centre is located inside the clock tower, built in 1816 and lying within the ground of the 12th century Tironensian - [Isle of Arran Heritage Museum](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshire-museums/isle-of-arran-heritage-museum) - Isle of Arran Heritage Museum Opening Times: Every day 10.30am - 4.30pm (last entry 4.00pm) Entry Adults - £5.00Child - £3.00Senior - £4.00Family (parents and children up to 16yrs) - £10.00 Directions: Isle of Arran Heritage Museum,Rosaburn, Brodick, Isle of Arran,KA27 8DP Scotland, UK Contact: 01770 302636 Email: info@arranmuseum.co.uk Website: HERE About First opened in 1979, - [Beith Townhouse](https://naheritage.co.uk/north-ayrshire-museums/beith-townhouse) - Beith Townhouse Opening Times: Tuesday & Thursday: 10am - 4pm Friday & Saturday: 10am - 1pm Entry Fee Free Directions: 2 Strand, Beith KA15 1DT Website: HERE About We aim to tell the story of Beith and surrounding area through our collection of local items and artefacts which reflect local life. Permanently on display is our - [Flora Drummond](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/flora-drummond) - Flora Drummond (1878 - 1949), Manchester-born suffragette who grew up on the Isle of Arran Born in Manchester in 1878, Flora grew up in Pirnmill on the Isle of Arran where her mother had her roots. She later moved to Glasgow and took a business training course where she gained qualifications to become a post-mistress. Upon - [Robert Service](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/robert-service) - Robert Service (1874 - 1958) Preston-born poet and actor. On January 16th, 1874 Robert William Service – Poet, Actor and Bard of the Yukon – was born in Preston, Lancashire. His father Robert was a banker from Kilwinning and his mother, Emily Parker was the daughter of a factory owner from Lancashire. His parents married - [Alfred Nobel](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/alfred-nobel) - Alfred Nobel (1833 - 1896) Swedish chemist, engineer, inventor, businessman and philanthropist who invented dynamite. ICI Ardeer employed many throughout North Ayrshire. Alfred Nobel was born in Stockholm, Sweden on 21st October 1833. He founded the British Dynamite Company in 1870, starting production in Ardeer in 1873. By 1926, the company had coalesced into Imperial - [Alexander Macmillan](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/alexander-macmillan) - Alexander Macmillan (1818 - 1896), Irvine-born book publisher. The great world-wide publishing company, now known as Macmillan Publishers Ltd. was founded by two brothers, Daniel and Alexander in 1843. Daniel and Alexander's father, Duncan, moved to Irvine, where he kept cattle and worked as a carter. On 3 October 1818 Alexander was born in Irvine. - [John Kerr](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/john-kerr) - John Kerr (1824 - 1907) Ardrossan-born physicist and pioneer in the field of electro-optics. The 'Kerr-effect' is named after him. John Kerr was born on the 17th of December, 1824 in Ardrossan. The 4th child of Mary Miller and Thomas Kerr, the family reportedly lived on Princes Street before moving to Skye. It was here - [Anne Ross Cousin](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/anne-ross-cousin) - Anne Ross Cousin (1824 - 1906), Hull-born hymn composer who lived in Irvine. Anne Ross Cousin, was born on 27 April 1824 in Hull, the only child of Dr David Ross Cundell, a surgeon with the 33rd Regiment at the Battle of Waterloo. Shortly after her birth the family moved to Leith where Anne received - [Titanic: Honour & Glory](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/titanic-honour-glory) - Titanic Honour & Glory is the brainchild of Sean Szmalc, and is an exciting, evocative and awe-inspiring national touring exhibition has already been seen by over half a million people around the UK and features many rare and previously unseen artefacts from the liner, its passengers and crew, including some of the beautiful china dinner - [St Bride's Church](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/st-brides-church) - St. Bride’s Church (also known as Kilbride Church or St. Bridget’s Church) served the eastern half of Arran until the late 18th century. This fascinating site has been designated as a scheduled monument by Historic Environment Scotland which acknowledges the building as not only important to the history of Arran, but one of national significance. - [Follow the Lights](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/follow-the-lights) - Follow the Lights was our exhibition on lighthouses throughout Scotland which celebrated the people who run them and explores the engineers who pioneered the designs of these iconic structures. The exhibition belongs to Peter Gellatly, a Lecturer from Lanarkshire who has amassed a collection of rare and fascinating lighthouse artefacts that celebrate work of the - [Fairlie Castle](https://naheritage.co.uk/castles-of-north-ayrshire/fairlie-castle) - Fairlie Castle is believed to have been built by the Fairlie family around 1520. The castle is a simple rectangular medieval tower measuring about 13 metres in height and with walls that were about a metre and a half thick. It would have had four storeys with the main hall and kitchen on the first - [Horse Isle Beacon](https://naheritage.co.uk/horse-isle-beacon) - Sir John Ross (1777 - 1856), born near Stranraer, was a Scottish rear admiral and Arctic explorer. In 1786, aged only nine, he joined the Royal Navy as an apprentice. He served in the Mediterranean and the English Channel before, in 1808, he acted as a captain of the Swedish Navy and in 1812 became - [Cathedral of the Isles](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/cathedral-of-the-isles) - The building of the Cathedral of the Isles and the College of the Holy Spirit, which is attached to the Cathedral, began in 1849 and was completed in 1851 when the Church opened for worship. Both were designed by William Butterfield, the famous London ecclesiastical architect, and commissioned by the Hon. G.F. Boyle, later 6th - [William Wilton](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/william-wilton) - William Wilton (1865 - 1920) Largs-born amateur footballer who went on to become the first manager of Rangers F.C. William was born in Nelson Street, Largs on the 9th June 1865. His parents were James Wilton, a stonemason from Arran and Janet Smith, a weaver from Paisley. William grew up in the town and in - [Patrick Warner](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/patrick-warner) - Patrick Warner (1641 - 1724) Musselburgh-born minister, ordained at Irvine Old Parish Church. Rev. Patrick Warner was born 26 February 1641 in Musselburgh, the last of 6 known children born to parents Johne Vernor, and Marione Gray. He was the minister of Irvine Old Parish Church from 1688 – 1708 and latterly lived in Dovecote - [John Smith](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/john-smith) - John Smith (1906 - 1938), Irvine born miner who fought and died in the Spanish Civil War. Born in 1906, John McDougall Smith was one of a family of five brothers and five sisters who resided at 43 Clark Drive, Irvine, with their parents Mr and Mrs Peter Smith. Married in January 1933 to Elizabeth - [James Smith](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/james-smith) - James Smith (1806 – 1881) philanthropist and missionary who worked to alleviate the suffering of the poor in Saltcoats and Stevenston. Founded the Mission Coast Home. An active campaigner for the religious and moral welfare of the poor of Saltcoats and Stevenston, James Smith moved his family to Glasgow in 1853 to work as a - [William Ritchie](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/william-ritchie) - William Ritchie (1756 - 1834) Stevenston-born shipbuilder who became known as the 'Father of Belfast shipbuilding'. On the 12th of February, 1755 William Ritchie – known as the “father of Belfast shipbuilding”- was born in Stevenston. His parents James and Susanna were married on 30th March 1750 in Stevenston and went on to have 12 - [Donald McKelvie](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/donald-mckelvie) - Donald McKelvie (1867 - 1947) Lamlash-born potato breeder who created the 'Maris Piper'. On the 24th of February 1867, the “Tattie Man”, Donald McKelvie, was born in Lamlash on the Isle of Arran. Donald was a renowned potato breeder and the “Maris Piper” was bred from his “Arran Cairn” potato. His father was Neil McKelvie, - [John McGavin](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/john-mcgavin) - John McGavin (1814 - 1881) Kilwinning-born businessman who was chairman of the Scottish Temperance League and a keen patron of the arts. John McGavin was born in Kilwinning on 8th July 1814 and trained for service in the church but due to poor health he had to abandon his studies. In 1832 he started work - [James Johnstone](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/james-johnstone) - James Johnstone (1870 - 1932) Beith-born biologist and oceanographer who made significant contributions to fishery research. On the 17th of January 1870 James Johnstone, biologist and oceanographer, was born in Beith. He initially became an apprentice woodcarver in Lochwinnoch but had a passion for science and study. At the age of 25, he left his - [George Houston](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/george-houston) - George Houston (1869 - 1947), renowned landscape artist from Dalry. George Houston was born on 20th January 1869 in New Street, Dalry. His parents were George, a Flesher (in today’s terms a Butcher) and Mary Douglas a dealer in spirits. About 3 years after George’s birth the family moved to Green Street in Saltcoats and a year later - [Bryce Gilliland](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/bryce-gilliland) - Bryce Gilliland (1769 - 1805), Irvine-born sailor who fought and died at the Battle of Trafalgar. On the 21st of October, 1805 the Battle of Trafalgar was fought at Cape Trafalgar off the South-Western coast of Spain. The British Royal Navy fought against the fleets of France and Spain with Admiral Horatio Nelson at the - [Ron Geesin](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/ron-geesin) - Ron Geesin (b. 1943) Kilwinning-born musician and composer who has worked with Pink Floyd and Roger Waters. On the 17th of December, 1943 Ron Geesin – musician and composer who famously worked with Pink Floyd and Roger Waters – was born in Kilwinning’s Buckredden Maternity Home. He was then brought up in the family home - [Jimmy Galt](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/jimmy-galt) - Jimmy Galt (1885 - 1935) Saltcoats-born footballer who played for Rangers. Wounded in combat in the First World War, survived and became a businessman post-war. Jimmy Galt was born on the 11th of August 1885, in Saltcoats. It was here that he would embark upon a successful football career, starting at Stevenston in 1903, then - [Duncan Forbes](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/duncan-forbes) - Duncan Forbes (1781 - 1815), Irvine-born casualty at the Battle of Waterloo. Very little is known about Duncan Forbes today. We know he was born in Irvine in 1781 and his parents are listed as John Forbes and Agnes Dale. He enlisted with the 2nd Dragoons (nicknamed Royal Scots Greys) on 7 August 1800 aged - [Charles Duguid](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/charles-duguid) - Charles Duguid (1884 - 1986), doctor and aboriginal rights campaigner who was born in Saltcoats. On the 6th of April 1884, Charles Duguid – doctor and Aboriginal rights campaigner who lived to be 102 years old – was born in Eglinton Street, Saltcoats. He was the first born of 7 children to Charles Duguid, a - [Duncan Currie](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/duncan-currie) - Duncan Currie (1892 - 1916) Kilwinning-born footballer who played for Hearts before dying in France in the First World War. On the 13th of August 1892, Duncan Currie was born in Kilwinning. His family had a strong footballing background: his father had played as a goalkeeper and two of his brothers (Bob and Sam) became - [Robert Cunninghame](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/robert-cunninghame) - Robert Cunninghame (d. 1715), coal-merchant who constructed a new harbour at Saltcoats for the purpose of selling coal to Ireland. In 1678, Robert Cunninghame inherited the Barony of Stevenston, including the southern shore of Saltcoats, from his uncle Sir Robert Cunninghame, who had been physician in Scotland to King Charles II. He held the mineral - [Henry Cockburn](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/henry-cockburn) - Henry Cockburn (1779 - 1854) Bonaly-born Solicitor General for Scotland who had a passion for writing. Toured Scotland and wrote about his travels in his work 'Circuit Journey's' which includes references to Ardrossan and Arran. Henry Cockburn was born on the 26th of October 1779 in Midlothian. The son of Janet Rannie and Archibald Cockburn, - [Thomas Clifford](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/thomas-clifford) - Thomas Clifford (1874 - 1917) Kilbirnie born footballer who played for Manchester Utd. Joined the Royal Scots Fusilliers and was sent to France in 1917 where he was killed during operation at the Ancre river. Thomas Clifford was born on the 14th of August, 1874 in Kilbirnie North Ayrshire. A talented young footballer, he was - [Mungo Campbell](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/mungo-campbell) - Mungo Campbell (d. 1770) Saltcoats Exciseman who was controversially found guilty of the murder of the 10th Earl of Eglinton. On 27th February 1770 Mungo Campbell, the Saltcoats Exciseman, was found guilty of the murder of Alexander Montgomerie, 10th Earl of Eglinton on the sands of North Bay, Ardrossan. On the morning of 24th October - [Joe Caldwell](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/joe-caldwell) - Joe Caldwell (1930 - 2012), Hotelier and Impresario Joe Caldwell was "mine host" at the Eglinton Arms Hotel for almost 50 years. But he was more than a publican or hotelier for his interest in people and music meant that the hotel became a magnet for musicians, singers and entertainers, as varied as Billy Connolly, - [Robert Boyd](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/robert-boyd) - Robert Boyd (1922 - 2004) Saltcoats-born pioneer of British space science and was knighted in 1983. On 19th of October 1922 the physicist, engineer and one of the pioneers of British space science, Sir Robert Boyd was born in Saltcoats. He was born Robert Lewis Fullarton Boyd at 5 Melbourne Terrace, the elder of twin - [Automatic Tide Signalling Apparatus (Pilot House)](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/automatic-tide-signalling-apparatus) - The Automatic Tide Signalling Apparatus, more commonly known as the Pilot House, is a category B listed building situated in Irvine Harbour. The harbour is tidal and the bar has only seven feet of water, rising to nine and a half feet at spring tides. This constrained development of the harbour, with ships sometimes being - [Edward Boyd](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/edward-boyd) - Edward Boyd (1916 - 1989) Stevenston-born T.V and radio crime writer. On the 11th of May, 1916 the award-winning T.V. and radio crime writer Edward Boyd was born in Stevenston. His parents were married at the Thistle and Rose Hotel on 31st December 1914 and at the time of their marriage, his father Samuel was - [Lesley Baillie](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/lesley-baillie) - Lesley Baillie (1768 - 1843) born at Mayville and described by Robert Burns as "the most beautiful, elegant woman in the world". Lesley Baillie was a woman that Robert Burns described as “the most beautiful, elegant woman in the world,” and immortalised in his poem “Saw Ye Bonie Lesley”, “one of the finest songs I - [Marion Adams-Acton](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/marion-adams-acton) - Marion Adams-Acton (1846 - 1928), Arran-born writer who specialised in children's books and who also walked 500 miles from England to the Isle of Arran. On the 21st of June 1846, Marion Adams-Acton was born at Brodick on the Isle of Arran. She was the illegitimate daughter of William, the 11th Duke of Hamilton and - [Ardrossan Harbour](https://naheritage.co.uk/ardrossan-harbour) - Ardrossan Harbour was linked to the proposal to build a canal linking Glasgow to the Ayrshire coast. It has originally been proposed by the 12th Earl of Eglinton and he supported development of Ardrossan Harbour, with visions of it becoming the principal port for Glasgow. At the time, Saltcoats already had a harbour and Thomas - [Edith MacArthur](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/edith-macarthur) - Edith MacArthur (1926 - 2018) Ardrossan-born actress, most famous for her role in Scottish soap opera 'Take the High Road'. Edith was the eldest child of Donald MacArthur, a civil engineer and Minnie Ross. Born in Ardrossan on the 8th of March 1926, she attended Ardrossan Academy where she planned to become a music teacher - [Useful Links](https://naheritage.co.uk/useful-links) - [Saltcoats War Memorial](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/saltcoats-war-memorial) - The people of Saltcoats wanted to honour the young men and boys who were killed in the Great War.​ A fund was set up and paid for by public subscription for a war memorial.​ The Saltcoats War Memorial was unveiled on the 27th May 1922 by the Marchioness of Ailsa.​ At the unveiling, Rev. W. McNeil Biggam read all their names aloud.​ Members of the - [Learn](https://naheritage.co.uk/learn) - [Powder House](https://naheritage.co.uk/powder-house) - The Pouther House in Irvine is a small, octagonal building which stands on the Golffields. It was built around 1642 for the storage of gunpowder, as a result of an edict issued by King James VI instructing all Royal Burgh’s to provide ‘pouther magazines’. This order proved fruitful as records show that orders for large - [The Role of Largs in D-Day (Operation Overlord)](https://naheritage.co.uk/the-role-of-largs-in-d-day-operation-overlord) - As people stroll along the beautiful shore front at Largs, many will be unaware of the town’s pivotal role in what was the biggest military naval invasion in history – the Normandy Invasion – known as D-Day. For it was here that Lord Louis Mountbatten arrived in 1943 and knocked on the door of the - [Message Received: Ardrossan's Place in Broadcasting History](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/message-received-ardrossans-place-in-broadcasting-history) - 100 years ago, on 12 December 1921 a young man named Paul Godley set up a radio receiver in Ardrossan and received a message across the Atlantic Ocean. This event changed the course of communications history. This exhibition celebrated this event with a look at Paul Godley, radio communications and how the use of short - [Nobel Times](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/nobel-times) - The ICI factory at Ardeer has been a huge part of the history of North Ayrshire and we shared the stories of the people who worked there. Alfred Nobel had been manufacturing explosives since 1862 when he had a factory producing nitroglycerine in Sweden. This product, which Nobel manufactured as Nobel’s Blasting Oil, was very - [*William Donald Patrick](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/william-donald-patrick) - [*William Kennedy-Cochran Patrick](https://naheritage.co.uk/stories/william-kennedy-cochran-patrick) - [Museum Forum](https://naheritage.co.uk/exhibitions/museum-forum) - [Places That We Know](https://naheritage.co.uk/places-that-we-know) ## Categories - [Guest Post](https://naheritage.co.uk/category/guest-post) - Category for Guest Posts - [Archaeology](https://naheritage.co.uk/category/archaeology) - [History of North Ayrshire](https://naheritage.co.uk/category/history-of-north-ayrshire) - [Announcements](https://naheritage.co.uk/category/announcements) - [Collections](https://naheritage.co.uk/category/collections) - [North Ayrshire Museums](https://naheritage.co.uk/category/north-ayrshire-museums) - [Exhibitions](https://naheritage.co.uk/category/exhibitions) ## Tags - [Quiz](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/quiz) - [Video](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/video) - [Exhibition](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/exhibition) - [West Kilbride Museum](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/west-kilbride-museum) - [Event](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/event) - [Update](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/update) - [History](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/history) - [North Ayrshire](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/north-ayrshire) - [WWII](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/wwii) - [Kilwinning Heritage](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/kilwinning-heritage) - [World War I](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/world-war-i) - [Kilwinning](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/kilwinning) - [Beith](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/beith) - [Poetry](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/poetry) - [Arran](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/arran) - [Volunteer](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/volunteer) - [Castle](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/castle) - [West Kilbride](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/west-kilbride) - [Guest Post](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/guest-post) - [Steamer](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/steamer) - [WWI](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/wwi) - [Memorial](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/memorial) - [Poet](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/poet) - [D-Day](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/d-day) - [Football](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/football) - [Fashion](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/fashion) - [Saltcoats](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/saltcoats) - [Disaster](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/disaster) - [Church](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/church) - [Fairlie](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/fairlie) - [Sport](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/sport) - [Irvine](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/irvine) - [Acquisitions](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/acquisitions) - [Archaeology](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/archaeology) - [Largs](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/largs) - [Ardrossan](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/ardrossan) - [Collection](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/collection) - [Talk](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/talk) - [Aircraft](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/aircraft) - [Collections](https://naheritage.co.uk/tag/collections)