North Ayrshire Heritage Centre - Saltcoats

Image: © Raibeart MacAoidh Taken: 12 Apr 2019

The Heritage Centre is housed in the former Ardrossan Parish Church which was built in 1773 on the site of an earlier church of 1744. The church has a connection with Robert Burns. In 1788, the Rev. James Steven was assistant minister at Ardrossan Parish Church. He also preached at Mauchline Parish Church where Robert Burns worshipped. Burns was walking to church one day when he met his friend 'Dainty Davie'. Davie challenged Burns that he could not write a poem about Rev. Steven’s sermon. Burns accepted the challenge and went off to church. The subject of the sermon was " Malachi iv. 2: 'And ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall'". He returned to Davie with his poem ‘The Calf’. The Calf. Right, sir! your text I'll prove it true, Tho' heretics may laugh; For instance, there's yourself just now, God knows, an unco calf. And should some patron be so kind, As bless you wi' a kirk, I doubt na , sir but then we'll find, Ye're still as great a stirk. But , if the lover's raptur'd hour, Shall ever be your lot, Forbid it, ev'ry heavenly Power, You e'er should be a stot! Tho' when some kind connubial dear Your but-and-ben adorns, The like has been that you may wear A noble head of horns. And, in your lug, most reverend James, To hear you roar and rowt, Few men o' sense will doubt your claims To rank amang the nowt. And when ye're number'd wi' the dead, Below a grassy hillock, With justice they may mark your head - "Here lies a famous bullock!"

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