What is Irvine, North Ayrshire?
'''Irvine''' ([[Scottish Gaelic|Gaelic]]: ''Irbhinn'') is a coastal [[new town]] in [[North Ayrshire]], [[Scotland]]. ==History== Irvine was the site of Scotland's [[12th century]] Military Capital and former headquarters of the [[Lord High Constable of Scotland]], [[Hugh de Morville]]. It also served as the Capital of Cunninghame. The town was once a haunt of [[Robert Burns]], after whom two streets in the town are named: Burns Street and Burns Crescent. He is known to have worked in a flax mill on the Glasgow Vennell. Despite being classed as a new town, Irvine has had a long history stretching back many centuries and was classed as a [[Royal Burgh]]. There are also conflicting rumours that [[Mary, Queen of Scots]], was briefly involved in the town's history. Some say she stayed briefly at Seagate Castle. To this day there is still an annual [[festival]], called Marymass, held in the town. ==People== Irvine is the birthplace of the present [[Deputy First Minister]] of Scotland, [[Nicola Sturgeon]] and the former [[First Minister]] of Scotland, [[Jack McConnell]]. Its twin town is [[Saint-Amand-les-Eaux]] in northern [[France]] just outside [[Lille]]. {{UK-stub}} {{authority control}} [[Category:Towns in North Ayrshire]]