This section is devoted to the people of Irvine, some of them were born in the town, some lived here and some just visited for a short time. Some achieved great things, some are famous names and some accomplished tiny things which shaped the world we live in. For a small Scottish town on the Ayrshire coast the people associated with Irvine have made a massive impression and will never be forgotten.

John Knox House Edinburgh
Drawn by Irvine-born artist, Andrew Allan; this postcard was published by Millar and Lang Limited, Art Publishers of Glasgow.

MONTGOMERY POSTER
This poster promotes one of Irvine's most notable sons, James Montgomery. He became a poet (writing many lyrics for hymns), a journalist and newspaper proprietor and an active social reformer (twice jailed by the Government for promoting his views). He was so loved by the people of his adopted home of Sheffield that he was accorded the honour of a public funeral, a statue was erected of him , a fountain and a window in Sheffield Cathedral dedicated to his memory and several streets and public buildings in that city bear his name.
He is best known for writing the words to the hymn, 'Angels from the Realms of Glory' (and beautiful words they are too):
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDWUY3Me1kA
You can read more about his remarkable life here:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Montgomery_(editor)

JOHN GALT POSTER
Born in Irvine on 2nd May 1779, John Galt wrote many notable books, including the satirical novels 'The Annals of the Parish' and 'The Provost' - the first on a religious theme, the second on a political one (the latter being based on the Town Council of Irvine). He had many business ventures and founded the City of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. For more information : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Galt_(novelist)