the medieval parish of irvine was one of the most important regions in scotland. originally the site of the military headquarters of the lord high constable of scotland and one of the earliest scottish capitals, it served as an hq to no fewer than three kings. king john i of scotland inherited the lordship of irvine sometime in the mid-13th century. robert the bruce, in an attempt to seize john's lands, made sure that he secured the town. from bruce it passed to his grandson robert the steward, future king robert ii of scotland.