Robert Burns the life and work of
 

 

Robert Burns's Scotland

Irvine

Irvine was one of the most ancient royal burghs in Scotland, its charter dating from early in the 13th century. When the 18th century opened it was still the country's third most important port, its harbour guarded by the Seagate castle. Today this stands some distance up the Irvine river, for shifting sands have altered the coastline. But its many secret creeks still provided bases for profitable smuggling when Burns went to Irvine in 1781, particularly the illicit import of Irish grain
Seagate Castle, Irving
The Seagate Castle today in ruins

AS for the legitimate commerce of this port, it was being undermined gradually by the growth of other centres farther up the Clyde coast, especially Greenock.

 

 
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