The Irvine Archive
If you'd like to see more of the history of Irvine, why not check out the Irvine Archive.
Uninspired Trinity - by Crawford Fulton
This photograph was taken sometime between 1863 and 1896. For over 30 years the Trinity Church in Irvine, Scotland, was without its spectacular spire. I am delighted to report that this beautiful building is currently being restored externally; sadly, the interior, which was severely vandalised 40 years ago, will not be reinstated as part of this project. The completed building can be viewed here:
www.flickr.com/photos/crawfordfulton/8005385133/in/set-72...
Irvine The Timmer Land, north west corner of High Street and Bridgegate, painting (date unknown) - by Crawford Fulton
The Timmer Land is the arcaded building on the right of this image, it was replaced by the 'Saddler's Corner':
www.flickr.com/photos/crawfordfulton/8137686530/in/photos...
And then, in 1972, by Bridgegate House:
www.flickr.com/photos/crawfordfulton/5153884492/in/set-72...
Sadly, North Ayrshire Council have chosen to reclad, rather than demolish, this eyesore. As it is located in the heart of Irvine Central Conservation Area, and it is wrong in terms of plan (it breaks from the historic alignment of both Bridgegate and High Street) and massing (it is too high), this is a bizarre and irrational decision. They have been aided and abetted in this by Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, a body who are to good planning what the German U Boats were to safe transatlantic trade from 1940-45.
Irvine Glasgow Vennel, the Heckling Shop in which Robert Burns (The Bard of Scotland) worked in the flax trade 1781-2, date of photograph unknown - by Crawford Fulton
Montgomery Street (late 19th Century) - by Crawford Fulton
This photo is taken from George McMaster's Collection. We are looking westward to the harbour from a few yards beyond the Water Bridge. The elegant arched stone railway bridge, which crosses the street in the distance, has been replaced by the less attractive iron one which we have today. The road to the left is Loudoun Street, the one to the right is Waterside. Not one structure which is seen here has survived to redevelopment of the area. Had the laws, then available to the local authority (Irvine Town Council), been used properly, this would have been designated as Conservation Area in 1967; instead of which, the area was completely wiped from the map by 1975.