Irvine was officially designated as a "New Town" in 1966, the fifth and last to be developed in Scotland and the only 'new town' to be located on the coast. This section will detail some of the developments that took place during this time, and those that did not take place at all.
Lower Bridgegate (late 1960s) - by Crawford Fulton
Looking east, from a few metres onto the Water Bridge; no properties had been demolished at this point - within a few years, only the Trinity Church (seen top right) would remain. Some people would call this 'bold planning' - I would describe it as an unpardonable act physical and cultural vandalism.
The Low Green circa 1970 - by Crawford Fulton
This photo shows the Barr's Irn Bru Factory on Irvine's Low Green. This was built on the site of (or converted from) a brewery, the significance of which being that it was the birthplace of an internationally famous artist, George Henry (1858-1943). Henry was one of the 'Glasgow Boys'.
The Water Bridge and the Rivergate Bridge Together (1972-73?) - by Crawford Fulton
This photo was taken by George McMaster. Here we see the concrete piers of the new shopping centre being constructed in the foreground and the historic bridge being demolished behind it. For me the phrase 'it would bring a tear to glass eye' has never had more relevance. We have lost more than we have gained.