Irvine

Irvine, a seaport of Ayrshire, on the river Irvine, $\backslash frac\{1\}\{4\}$ mile from the Firth of Clyde, and 11 miles by rail N. of Ayr, 29 SW. of Glasgow. Made a sub-port of Troon in 1863, its harbour has been improved since 1873; and there are chemical works, foundries, grain-stores, &c. The bridge (1746-1837), the new town-hall (1859), a statue of Lord-justice-general Boyle (1867), and the academy (1814) are features of the town, which became a royal burgh about 1230, and which with Ayr, &c. returns one member to parliament. It was the birthplace of Galt and James Montgomery, and has memories also of Burns and the Buchanites. Pop. (1841) 4594; (1891) 9086.