IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Kirkgate, SALTCOATS, KA21 5HB

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!"

Formerly known as North Ayrshire Museum. This was the third parish church of Ardrossan, built in 1744 and later rebuilt in 1776 following storm damage.

BY THE SALTCOATS & ARDROSSAN St. JOHN'S ROYAL ARCH LODGE OF FREEMASONS № 320. IN MEMORY OF JOHN PATERSON. BUILDER ARDROSSAN. WHO WAS FOR MANY YEARS CHAPLAIN OF THE ABOVE LODGE. AND A MEMBER OF SESSION OF ARDROSSAN PARISH CHURCH. THIS STONE HAS BEEN ERECTED AS TESTIMONY Or RESPECT TO HIM AS A WORTHY BROTHER AND TRUE CHRISTIAN DIED 27th APRIL 1868. AGED 60 YEARS. If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. JOB XIV 14

The Burning Place of Sarah Vincent of Saltcoats. Sarah Vincent was the last witch to be executed in Saltcoats. The inscription has been worn away, but the word Saltcoats can still be seen.