Pigot 1837

Saltcoats is a sea-port, partly in the parish of Stevenston and partly in that of Ardrossan; 74 miles wsw from Edinburgh, 30 sw from Glasgow, 19 n from Ayr, 14 w by n from Kilmarnock, and one from Ardrossan: eligibly situate on the Firth of Clyde, near to its northern extremity. The general appearance of this town is far from prepossessing, but its situation and proximity to Ardrossan, the arrival and departure of the trading vessels, and the passing and repassing of the different steam-packets and railway carriages, all contribute to give life to this ancient place; a spirit of improvement is becoming manifest with the inhabitants; and the town, it is expected, will be lighted with gas before this work is published.

About 170 years ago, Salt-cots (then so called) consisted only of a small number of cots or cottages, the inhabitants of which obtained a livelihood by making salt in kettles. But at the beginning of the last century, a harbour being constructed for the convenience of shipments of coal, the produce of the mines in this neighbourhood, the little hamlet began to assume the semblance of a village; it is but in recent years, however, that it has risen to any note. During the late war [The French Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars ending in 1815] this place possessed an extensive trade, and ship-building was carried on with great spirit; but since the peace its commerce has been much reduced, and it is now nearly confined to the importation of timber, and the exportation of coals to Ireland, in which trade there are sometimes about forty vessels employed.

The manufacture of salt here is considerable, and a great number of looms are employed in the weaving of muslins, &. for the Glasgow and Paisley markets. A branch of the Irvine custom-house transacts the revenue business, and the proprietors of the Ayrshire bank have a branch here; the house in which the business of the latter is transacted, and which is also the residence of the manager Mr. W.B.Orr, is a very handsome building, and an ornament to Raise Street in which it stands. Both at the east and west of the town are extensive chymical works, belonging to Messrs Burns and Son, who manufacture magnesia and epsom salts.

The principal Inns are the 'Saracen's Head', in Harbour street, and the 'King's Arms', in Bradshaw street, the former a good posting- house. The Town-house, the foundation of which was laid in 1825, consists of a spacious hall, with two smaller apartments adjoining, and a lock-up for prisoners: the edifice, which is surmounted by a steeple, is a prominent and effective object when approaching the town. A justice court, for the recovery of small debts, sits in this town once a month.

The places of worship are a church of the establishment, two others for the seccessional body, one for the relief synod, a Gaelic church, and a Baptist meeting-house. The children of the town have the advantage of free, parochial and Sabbath schools, and a library of religious and moral works. There are several benefit societies, which alleviate the suffering and relieve the necessities of the poor; and one of those establishments that must ever aid the impulse of industry and prudence - a savings bank.

An annual fair is held on the last Thursday in May.

Stevenston

Stevenston is a village in the parish of its name and district of Cunningham - situate one mile north-east of Saltcoats, and two south-west from Kilwinning. It consists chiefly of one street, half a mile in length; and derives its name from Stephen, or 'Steven', the son of Richard, who obtained a grant of lands from Richard Morville, Constable of Scotland; the latter, then a very celebrated man, died in 1189. Under this grant Steven settled here, and gave his patronymic designation to the place. The parish abounds with coal and freestone, of which large quantities are annually shipped.

The dairy and agricultural produce, comprising cheese, butter, wheat, oats, and potatoes, is likewise of considerable value. A great portion of the inhabitants of the village are employed in weaving, and through the agents here the works of their looms are conveyed to the Glasgow houses. The present church is a neat and handsome building, of modern erection. The old church belonged formerly to the monks of Kilwinning.

Yearly fairs are held on the second Friday in August and the 31st of October.

POST OFFICES:

Quay street, Saltcoats, William Snodgrass, Post Master - The Kilmarnock, Irvine and Edinburgh mails arrive every morning at eight, and are despatched every afternoon at four.

Post Office, Stevenston, Robert Forrest Scott, Post Master - the Irvine and Kilmarnock mails arrive every morning at eight, and are despatched every afternoon at half-past four.

COACHES:

To Glasgow, the 'Fair Trader', from the Saracen's Head, Saltcoats, every morning (Sunday excepted) at seven; and the 'Herald' at six in the evening; both go thru' Kilwinning, Dalry, Beith,and Paisley.

To Irvine and Kilmarnock, the 'Time Keeper', from the Saracen's Head, every morning (Sun excepted) at eight; and the 'Ayrshire Lass' at six in the evening; and an Omnibus, from the King's Arms, every morning (Sunday excepted) at eight.

RAILWAY CONVEYANCE:

To Ardrossan and Eglingtoun, Carriages six times a day.

CARRIERS (From Saltcoats):

To Ardrossan, Thomas Graham and James Harra, daily.

To Glasgow, Thomas Willock, every Monday, and Alexander and John Cunningham, every Monday and Thursday.

To Irvine, John McBride and James Harra daily.

To Kilbride, Andrew Clark, daily.

To Kilmarnock, John Barr, every Tuesday and Friday.

CONVEYANCE BY WATER:

To Lamlash and Brodick, sailing vessels daily.

This transcript was kindly provided by Keith Muirhead from Queensland.