DANCING LESSONS IN ARDROSSAN AND SALTCOATS
We remind our readers that Mr and Mrs J G Mitchell, the well-known teachers in dancing, open classes in Ardrossan and Saltcoats next week. Particulars will be found in our advertising columns.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 8 January 1892

FOOTBRIDGE AT PRINCES STREET CROSSING
The new footbridge over the Glasgow and South-Western Railway level crossing at Princes Street has now been opened for traffic. It is a substantial structure, covered in and with steps leading to the station platform and Princes Street on each side. The bridge will, no doubt, prove a great convenience to the public generally.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 8 January 1892
The photograph above, taken in 1974, showns a replacement bridge built about the 1960s.

SHERIFF AND JURY TRIAL
On Monday (11 January 1892), before Sheriff Hall and a jury, a man and his brother-in-law, both furnace keepers, residing in Ardeer Square, Stevenston were charged with having on 4 December last at or near Ardeer Blast Furnaces, Stevenston, belonging to Messrs Merry and Cuninghame, iron masters, assaulted a furnace filler of Ardeer Square by striking him with their fists on the face and breast, knocking him down to the ground an kicking him repeatedly on the head, face and body whereby he was cut to the effusion of blood and had two of his ribs fractured. The case against the first man was aggravated by previous conviction of assault. They pled not guilty and were defended by Mr W S N Patrick, solicitor, Dalry. It was brought out in the evidence that a grudge was held against the victim who have given evidence against the first accused in a case. After evidence and addresses by the Fiscal and Mr Patrick, the Sheriff summed up. The jury retired but were absent only a very few minutes when they unanimously returned a verdict of guilty as libelled. The first man was sentenced to four months imprisonment and his brother-in-law who was not so guilty was sentenced to two months imprisonment.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 15 January 1892

ARDROSSAN MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION - A NICHT WI' BURNS
An entertainment, eminently calculated to excite feelings of interest and pleasure in the hearts of all lovers of our national bard, will be given under the auspices of Ardrossan Mutual Improvement Association in the Free Church Hall (shown below as Saint John's Church in 1913) on Tuesday evening (26 January 1892) and cannot fail to prove acceptable. We would bespeak a bumper house.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 22 January 1892

ARDROSSAN MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION - A NICHT WI' BURNS
The members of this association gave a Burns entertainment in the Free Church Hall (shown above as Saint John's Church in 1913) on Tuesday evening (26 January 1892). The Hall was completely filled. Mr Arthur Guthrie occupied the chair and introduced the proceedings with a speech eulogistic of the poet's genius. Thereafter, an entertaining programme was entered upon. Miss Brown sang Afton Water and The Lass O' Ballochmyle with her accustomed grace and expression; Mr Arnot sang Scots Wha Hae and A Man's A Man; Mr McMurray, John Anderson My Jo and Mr Reyburn, Gae Bring Tae Me. Mr Rankin gave selections on the violin, Miss Greenhill accompanying on the piano. Reverend J L King, MA, gave a fine rendering of The Cottar's Saturday Night and Mr Bryce Boyd recited The Soldier's Return. Mr Boyd kept the audience 'in fits' with his humorous introduction. Mr Cockburn gave a reading. A choir, under the able leadership of Mr John Douglas, rendered several pieces during the evening with much acceptance. On the motion of Mr Mutter, a cordial vote a thanks was awarded to the various artistes, special reference being made to Miss Greenhill who had come forward at characteristic kindness to preside at the instruments in the unavoidable absence of Mr J L Lawson and to Mr Douglas for having got up such a well-trained choir upon such short notice. On the motion of Mr Crawford, a similar compliment was accorded to the chairman and a splendid meeting terminated with a verse of Auld Lang Syne.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 29 January 1892

ARDROSSAN CASTLEHILL TENT (2001) OF RECHABITES
The second annual festival of this Friendly Society was held in the Assembly Hall, Ardrossan (shown right as the The Rovers Club in 1974) on Friday evening (6 February 1892). Mr William Guthrie occupied the chair was supporting him on the platform were Mr McNeil, chief ruler; Mr Donnachie, Glasgow; Mr McGill, shipbuilder; Mr John Boyd, shoemaker; Mr William Craig, grocer; Mr John Currie, foreman porter and Mr R Barbour junior, joiner. After tea, which was served by a band of active stewards and stewardesses, the chairman made a few remarks and afterwards introduced Mr Donnachie whose arrangements required him to return that evening to Glasgow. Mr Donnachie gave an excellent address in which he pointed out the advantages to be gained to by joining a Temperance Friendly Society and showed, by official statistics, that the rate of mortality among Rechabites was much lower that it is amongst Forresters or Shepherds. In the course of the evening, Brother McNeil ably followed up Mr Donnachie's remarks, pressing home the special feature, promotion of temperance, which characterises their order. The Castlehill Tent was started in April 1890 and at the close of last year had a membership of sixty-four in good standing. During the year, £42 9s 7d had been paid to the members for sick benefit. The musical programme was a long one and was much enjoyed. The artistes were Misses Brown and Strachan and Messrs McMurray, Gibson and H Clifton. Numerous encores testified to the satisfaction they gave. Miss Cross very efficiently played all the accompaniments. Votes of thanks were accorded at the close of the meeting and the assembly which followed was well supported.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 12 February 1892

ARDROSSAN COUPLE CELEBRATE SILVER WEDDING
On Saint Valentine's Day, Sunday (14 February 1892), Mr and Mrs R M Wilson, Winton Street, Ardrossan completed their twenty-fifth year of married life and they were entertained to supper on Monday evening (15 February 1892) by members of their family and a few friends.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 19 February 1892

LAUNCH OF NEW LIFEBOAT
On Saturday afternoon (27 February 1892), the new lifeboat presented to the National Lifeboat Institution by Mrs Skirrow of London and placed by the Institution at Ardrossan Station, was launched in the inner basin of the new dock. Previous to the event, a public meeting was held in the Assembly Hall at which the boat was formally handed over to Lieutenant Foote as representing the Institution by Major Gordon, son of the lady donor and by him to Mr J L Bailey as chairman and representative of the local committee.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 4 March 1892

DOCK DEMONSTRATION
The general committee appointed to carry out the Rejoicings' arrangements in connection with the new dock, to be known as the Eglinton Dock, meet in the Town Hall, Ardrossan tonight (11 March 1892). Now that the opening ceremony is definitely fixed for 12 April, the several committees will be able to carry through their several remits.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 11 March 1892

ARDROSSAN PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO CHANGES OWNERSHIP
We understand Mr Robinson, Ardrossan has disposed of his photographic studio to Mr Walter J Scott who has entered upon its occupancy. Mr Scott has had experience in some of the best studios in the country and may be expected to turn out work equal to his advantages and up to the acknowledged excellence now attained by professors of the art who have given it careful study and brought to the production the needed artistic taste.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 11 March 1892

BATHING FACILITIES AT ARDROSSAN
At the beginning of the bathing season last year, we directed attention to the lack of bathing facilities at Ardrossan as compared with other coast towns. Anything that has been done in this direction has been the work of a few gentlemen, interested in providing a safe and comfortable bathing resort. The storms of last winter played havoc with the improvements which had been made but, undeterred by this circumstance, steps are being taken to provide facilities for bathers during the coming season. It is proposed to lay down at The Inches a footway across the broken boulders to the sands and make such improvements as may be deemed necessary. The matter, having been brought under the notice of Mr Vernon, member of parliament, he, with his customary liberality, granted a donation of £5 from the Earl of Eglinton to assist in carrying out the proposed work. As this is a matter in which the town is interested, the facilities being free to all, we trust steps will be taken to bring the subject under the notice of the Commissioners. It is quite within their power to improve the amenities on the beach. The Saltcoats Commissioners spent nearly £200 lately for the benefit of sea bathers and we see no reason why the Commissioners of Ardrossan should be behind in a matter of this kind. We require all the attractions we can offer to hold our own against other coast towns.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 11 March 1892

SEWAGE FROM STANLEY FARM, ARDROSSAN
The following letter was read from Lord Eglinton's factor as to a ditch at Stanley Farm, Ardrossan (shown below as Stanley School in 2002).

Irvine
16 March 1892
Dear Sir
I am in receipt of your letter of yesterday about the ditch on the east side of the road leading from Stanley Farmhouse toward Ardrossan. In your letter to me of 16 October last, you made a condition that Lord Eglinton should pay a certain sum for the privilege of getting the sewage of Stanley put into the sewer pipe which passes that farm. If you still insist upon this, I must take other means of disposing of the sewage and I propose to put in a tank to intercept the sewage. I am, however, advised that I am entitled to have access to the sewage pipe without having to pay for its use seeing that the ditch is within the burgh boundary and that the tenant has to pay burgh rate. I hope, therefore, that I will have sanction to lay a pipe across the road without any further charge other than the mere cost of connection which of course could be done under the supervision of your surveyor.
Yours truly
James Stewart
The Clerk, James Cook, was directed to reply that if the nuisance is effectually stopped by other means, the local authority will be satisfied but if advantage is take of the sewer, the privilege must be paid for as already instructed.
            Minute Book of the Local Authority of the Burgh of Ardrossan, 16 March 1892

FIRST STEAMER ENTERS THE EGLINTON DOCK - TESTING THE NEW CRANES
On Tuesday afternoon (22 March 1892), the steamer Mersario, owned by Messrs McLean and McIntyre, Glasgow and commanded by Captain Napier, entered the new dock carried 19000 tons of iron-ore from Bilbao. Rumour was current in the early part of the day that the large steamer lying at anchor in the bay from early morning was likely to be the first to pass through the gates, the object which the harbour authorities had in view in admitting this steamer before the formal opening being to test the new cranes on the east quay. At five o'clock, the Mersario, gaily decorated with bunting, steamed into the hitherto preserved dock amid lusty cheers from the spectators who had gathered in considerable numbers to witness the sight. During the time the proceedings lasted, the scene was a lively one. It is gratifying to know that the discharging of the steamer was accomplished in a highly satisfactory manner. The vessel came in without a single rope being thrown out thus proving that the design of the entrance is upon a most approved plan and reflecting at the same time, the highest credit on Captain Napier as a seaman. In view of 12 April, the work on the harbour has been actively engaged in during the week. The iron and wooden structure at the point of the steamboat pier has been dismantled and the wall, which was taken down, partly rebuilt. A new iron roof is to be built and to extend the whole length of the island platform which is in course of erection. The old platform is to be done away with and a new one erected for the convenience of foot passengers.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 25 March 1892

THE TWELFTH OF APRIL, AN AUSPICIOUS DAY FOR ARDROSSAN - PREPARATIONS FOR CELEBRATIONS FOR CELEBRATION THE OPENING OF THE NEW DOCKS
If the sun be pleased to shine and the rain clouds to bottle up, Tuesday (12 April 1892) will be held as a right royal gala day in Ardrossan. The occasion has been long looked for and the stored-up energy and enthusiasm will find vent a few days hence. The several committees who were deputed to make the necessary arrangements have been actively engaged for some time past and we trust the fruits of their labours will be seen to every advantage on Tuesday. The decorating of the town has entrusted to Messrs Lambeton and Company, Glasgow who have had large experience in such matters. It is proposed to erect thirteen Venetian masts about thirty feet high on each side of Princes Street. These will be covered with coloured cloth and ornamented with shields and flags and connecting streams of pennants will run along both sides of the street. Across Glasgow Street, it is proposed to hang five rows of flags and at the junction of Barr Street and Montgomerie Street, decorated Venetian masts will be erected, also joined by pennants. These decorations, coupled with the individual efforts of the townspeople, will transform the appearance of the town and make it a thing of beauty and a joy, for a day at least. The procession will be an important feature in the day's proceedings. From the details which we give below, it will be seen that the three towns are heartily cooperating in making the procession thoroughly representative. If those who propose taking part but bestir themselves in the morning and assist the marshals in carrying out the programme, the display will be worthy of the occasion. The Ardrossan processionists should meet in their respective meeting places at 9 00 am and proceed at 9 45 am to South Crescent in the following order: Grand Marshall Major Hogarth; Band of Sixth and Seventh Battalions of the Ayrshire and Galloway Artillery Volunteers; Fifth Company Artillery Volunteers; Police Commissioners; Boys' Brigade; Saltcoats and Ardrossan Saint John's Royal Arch number 320; Lodge Neptune Kilwinning Ardrossan number 442; Tree of Life Lodge of Free Gardeners; Castlehill Tent of Rechabites; Ancient Order of Forresters number 6237; Dalry Instrumental Band; Employees of Ardrossan Shipbuilding Company; Employees of Ardrossan Harbour Company; Employees of Mr Young, Engineer; Employees of Messrs Goodwin, Jardine and Company; Butchers; Rocket Apparatus and others who wish to take part in the procession. Saltcoats processionists should assemble at Kyleshill School ground at 10 30 am and be in readiness to join the Ardrossan division of the procession at the Kyleshill Bridge at 11 00 am. The order of procession is Grand Marshall Major Kelso; Band of the VB Royal Scots Fusiliers; E Cox, VBRSF, Saltcoats; Solomon Lodge of Free Gardeners; Beith Instrumental Band; Fishermen and others. Stevenston processionists should assemble between the railway stations at 10 00 am and be in readiness to join the Saltcoats and Ardrossan divisions of the procession at Kyleshill Bridge at 11 00 am. The order is Grand Marshall Colour Sergeant Reid; Nobel's Fire Brigade; Royal Order of Ancient Shepherds; Band of Pipers; Blacksmiths on Lorries; Oddfellows; Thistle and Rose Lodge of Freemasons and others.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 8 April 1892

OPENING OF THE DOCKS
    A great undertaking is now quite complete
    And all in Ardrossan the tidings will greet
    The Eglinton Dock will be opened right soon
    Which seafaring men will consider a boon
        For five year and more many thousands have wrought
        And now to a climax their labours are brought
        Their work is substantial in every detail
        Notwithstanding the force of the tide and the gale
    The cost of the contract I could not just say
    But let us all hope 'twill eventually pay
    And bring to the shareholders all in good time
    What will more than pay for the wood, stone and lime
        The great Caledonian runs right to the dock
        They study the people to them let us flock
        Let their managers see that whatever they do
        To study the masses as well as the few
    By us is regarded and we'll not forget
    To render to them the example they set
    By using the railway now summer is here
    For there we get comfort and have naught to fear
        On the twelfth in their thousands let Scotchmen come out
        And vie with each other who loudest can shout
        Hurrah three times o'er for the dock that is named
        After him who in Ayrshire is justly well-famed
    Let all Ayrshire natives rejoice with us here
    In the fact that the twelfth of this month is so near
    We cordially ask you to join in the throng
    And walk in procession the new dock along
        We hope to see houses and shops all look bright
        With lamp, gas or candle and let all unite
        The town to illumine at setting of sun
        The bonfire to crown all, we may say well done
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 8 April 1892

THE EGLINTON FAMILY
    See Sodger Hugh, my watchman stented,
    If poets e'er are represented;
    I ken if that your sword were wanted,
    Ye'd lend a hand;
        But when there's ought to say anent it,
        Ye're at a stand.     from The Author's Earnest Cry And Prayer by Robert Burns
The great event on Tuesday last (12 April 1892), the opening of the new dock with tidal basin, suggests reference to the Eglinton family on whose property the harbour has been erected. The connection of the family with the works and the gradual conversion of a small peninsula, waste and worthless, where at one time a contraband trade was safely carried on to be the site of a thriving town and a commodious haven for ships. The Eglinton family is not of mushroom growth for its beginnings are lost in the mists of antiquity. The family name was originally Barclay but, as not unfrequently, it was dropped and the name of the estate Ardrossan used in its stead. As in all great historic families, the records preserved show the usual vicissitudes. The line of the Baron of Ardrossan closes with the death of Godfrey who lived for some time after 1357, at which date his name is appended as a witness to a charter granted by John de Maxwell of the patronage of the Kirk of Liberton to the Monastery of Kilwinning. On his decease, a daughter or sister married Eglinton of Eglinton and their only daughter again marrying Sir John Montgomery of Eaglesham. Eglinton and Ardrossan passed to the Montgomeries with whose descendants, not without changes from one branch to another, they have ever since remained.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 15 April 1892
Sodger Hugh is Colonel Hugh Montgomerie of Coilsfield later Earl of Eglinton.
The spelling of Montgomery and Montgomeries are as in the Herald article.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF ARDROSSAN HARBOUR IN 1806
On 31 July 1806, in presence of a crowd of interested spectators, the foundation stone of the harbour of Ardrossan, over the construction of which, powers had been obtained in 1805, was laid in a spot opposite the garden wall of the present Bank of Scotland buildings (shown below left as the Community Education Office in 2003 and below centre and right in 2011), the point which in those days connected the pier with the shore. Were the foundation stone to be opened, beside coins of the realm, a list of subscribers and the Acts of Parliament under which the work was to be executed, there would be found the following inscription. In the reign of the most gracious sovereign George III, the Right Honourable Hugh, Twelfth Earl of Eglinton, Lord Montgomery at Kilwinning, Baron of Ardrossan, Lord Lieutenant of the County of Ayr first suggested the foundation of a harbour and wet docks at this place to be connected with a canal to Paisley and Glasgow and afterwards under the patronage of and patriotic exertions of His Lordship, two Acts of Parliament have been past for carrying into execution these works so well calculated for the improvement and prosperity of the country on plans by Thomes Telford, esquire, engineer. William Blair esquire of Blair, Grand Master Mason of the Mother Lodge, Kilwinning laid the foundation stone of these works on 31 July 1806 and of the Æra of Masonry 5806. May Almighty God, the Grand Architect of the Universe, bless and prosper the undertaking and protect to the latest ages the name of Montgomerie.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 15 April 1892
The spelling of Montgomery and Montgomerie are as in the Herald article.
The foundation stone 'was laid was laid in a spot opposite the garden wall'. The location is probably shown in the centre and right photographs above but there is no evidence of its whereabouts.

CEREMONY AT THE HARBOUR
The Dock Gates formed the point to which the crowds and the procession alike converged although the former had great difficulty in getting as near as they evidently desired. The space immediately adjoining each side of the entrance channel was set apart for processionists and invited guests, the former taking up positions on the south side and the latter being accommodated on the north side. A line of Volunteers was arranged on each side of the gates while beyond the reserved ground, vast crowds lined the docks. Every coign of vantage was taken possession of, a number even viewing the proceedings from the windows of houses in Montgomerie Street. The day was dull and rather cold and unnecessary delay would not likely have been appreciated but happily no delay occurred. The Mastiff (shown below left) lay moored at Winton Pier where her distinguished passenger embarked an promptly at half past twelve, she steamed slowly into the outer basin and towards the Dock Gates. Captain Shields, harbour-master, dressed in handsome uniform, stood on the bridge and piloted the vessel in. When the Mastiff had partly passed through the gates, a blue ribbon was thrown across the channel in front of the bridge. A basket gaily decorated with flowers and containing pieces of coal, pig-iron, cast-iron, ore, limestone, nitrate of soda, etc, the materials expected to be shipped and unshipped in large quantities at the dock, was attached to the ribbon. The appearance of Lady Gertrude Montgomerie (shown below right), who was led on to the bridge by the honourable Greville Richard Vernon, was the signal for a cheer of welcome. The ribbon having been properly adjusted and the basket taken on board, the honourable said he had much pleasure on behalf of the Harbour Company to ask Lady Gertrude Montgomerie to open the new Eglinton Dock which he trusted would be prosperous for the Company and be of great advantage to the trade of Scotland and Ireland and indeed the whole country. He was sorry the sun had not shone out as bright as they would have liked but they must take the elements as they were. Turning to Lady Gertrude, he said "Lady Gertrude Montgomerie, I now ask you to accept these scissors from the Directors of the Ardrossan Harbour Company and I hope it will serve to remind you of the services you have done to us this day in opening the dock.". Amid deafening applause, Lady Gertrude Montgomerie cut the ribbon. The honourable Greville Richard Vernon then said "I will not ask Lady Gertrude Montgomerie to load the first vessel with various minerals and products with which we hope many vessels may yet be loaded and discharged in this new dock.". Lady Gertrude Montgomerie, amid cheers, emptied the basket with its miniature cargo into the hold. The bands struck up Rule Britannia and the National Anthem. A salute was fired from the forecastle-head of the Mastiff. The Volunteers on each side of the entrance fired a feu de joie, large guns sent forth salvoes, locomotives started on both railways sending off fog signals as they moved and rockets were sent off. The Mastiff was followed into the dock by the steamship Captain McClure, steamship Gem, steamship Pembury, steamship Onyx, steamship Emerald and steamship Alfred Nobel. After two waggons of coal had been tipped into the Captain McClure, by means of the hydraulic hoist, the company on board the Mastiff (shown right) landed on the north pier and the vast crowds dispersed. After the opening ceremony, over five hundred invited guests were entertained to luncheon in the Montgomerie Pier Station. For the occasion, it was tastefully decorated and presented a very animated appearance when the party on board the Mastiff entered. The luncheon, which was served in good style by Mr T Butcher of the Eglinton Arms Hotel with a large and capable staff of waiters from Glasgow, comprised the following menu - Salmon, Tartare Sauce, Lobster a la Parisienne; Fillet of Beef a la Macédoine, Gallatine of Turkey, Aspic of Game en Belle-vue; Ham and Tongue, Hare Pie, Chanfroid of Chicken, Cold Lamb, Press Beef, Roast Beef; Salad a la Française; Wine Jelly, Gateau Moka, Vanilla Cream; Phitiviers, Peches a la Condé, Rhubarb and Apple Tarts; Patisserie Française; Fruits.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 15 April 1892

FASTEST JOURNEY FROM BELFAST TO GLASGOW VIA ARDROSSAN
The journey from Belfast to Glasgow was accomplished in four hours and fifty-seven minutes on Wednesday (8 June 1892) by RMS Adder and the Caledonian Railway from Ardrossan. This is the fastest time yet made.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 10 June 1892

ARDROSSAN COUPLE CELEBRATE GOLDEN WEDDING
Our respected townsman, Mr John Watson, clothier, Ardrossan and Mrs Watson are to be congratulated on having entered upon their fiftieth year of wedding life and it was but meet that an event, rare in this locality, should be fittingly celebrated by those more immediately interested. Accordingly on Friday last (3 June 1892), eighteen out of five surviving children and twenty-two grandchildren met to share in the joy of their aged parents and to offer gifts.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 10 June 1892

ARDROSSAN HEARSE SOCIETY
The books of this Society, which have just been audited, show a balance of £19 7s 7d at credit on 30 May last and which is on deposit receipt in the Bank of Scotland. A number of new members have been added recently and as the small sum of five shillings constitutes life membership, every householder's name ought to be on the roll of the Society. Mr John Boyd, shoemaker, is the treasurer.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 1 July 1892

ARDROSSAN TO ISLE OF MAN STEAMBOAT SERVICE INAUGURATED
The service of steamers between Ardrossan to the Isle of Man was inaugurated on Monday (27 June 1892), the Isle of Man's Steam Packet steamer Peveril making the opening run. The weather was fine and the number of passengers was large. The Peveril is a twin-screw steamer and measures two hundred and seven feet six inches in length by twenty-six feet broad and thirteen feet depth of hold. Her net tonnage is 244 and her gross tonnage 595. Captain Roberts is in command. She was built at Barrow in 1884. This bi-weekly service of steamers is sure to be appreciated by tourists and the public generally and it is to be hoped that the passengers who travel by the steamers each recurring Monday and Friday may be as numerous as on the opening run.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 8 July 1892

FORRESTERS' PROCESSION
As will be observed from our advertising columns, a large body of Forresters from Stirlingshire intend visiting Ardrossan on Saturday (9 July 1892). They will travel per Caledonian Railway and on arriving at Ardrossan will be joined by local brethren.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 15 July 1892

MARRIAGE IN ARDROSSAN NEW PARISH CHURCH
In the New Parish Church yesterday afternoon (28 July 1892), Miss Jessie Beckett (shown right), daughter of Hugh Beckett, esquire, Crescent, Ardrossan and Windsor Crescent, Glasgow, was married to Mr William Anderson, writer from Glasgow. From early morning, the gay bunting displayed among the shipping in the harbour and the flags flying over several business places in the town betokened general recognition of the happy event. Further proof of the esteem in which the bride and the family to which she belongs are held in the district was seen in the very large number of townspeople who began to crowd into the church long before the appointed hour. Admission was by ticket and yet shortly after one o'clock, the church seemed quite full. Up till nearly two o'clock however, fresh arrival dropped in and the ladies evidently considered that crushed and creased dresses were a mere circumstance on an occasion of this kind. Each newcomer somehow managed to find sitting accommodation.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 29 July 1892
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report that includes a list of gifts and their donors.

ELECTRIC LIGHT AT ARDROSSAN'S NEW DOCK
The work of erecting the poles to be used in lighting the new dock by electricity is going on at the Caledonian Railway side of the works and at the Montgomerie Pier Station. The light is expected to be in operation soon. The apparatus are being set up by Messrs Mavor and Coulson, electrical engineers, Glasgow.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 19 August 1892

SUDDEN DEATH IN PRINCES STREET, ARDROSSAN
On Wednesday evening (31 August 1892), a young man died suddenly in Princes Street (shown below in the mid 1910s) under circumstances extremely sad. He came here some weeks since in bad health and was about to return home on Wednesday. Feeling his health improved, he resolved to walk to the station but when nearly opposite the Eglinton Hotel, he was overcome with weakness and had to be carried into a shop nearly where in a short time he expired.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 2 September 1892

IN MEMORIAM - THE RIGHT HONORABLE EARL OF EGLINTON AND WINTON
The news of the death on Tuesday night (30 August 1892) of Archibald William, fourteenth Earl of Eglinton (shown below) , at the comparatively early age of fifty-one years, although not altogether unexpected, was received in the parishes which owe him fealty as Lord of the Manor with feelings of the deepest regret. He was known to be afflicted with a disease which might at any time carry him off but, as only a few weeks ago he was in Ardrossan seeing the yacht recently purchased and in which he intended to take, as has been his wont of late years, a sea voyage for the benefit of his health, it was hoped that the longer rather than the shorter term would be granted him. That hope has not been realised and he has died at an age that exceeded that of his revered father by only three years.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 2 September 1892

FUNERAL OF THE EARL OF EGLINTON AND WINTON
As in life, so in death, the remains of the late Earl of Eglinton (shown above) were interred on Monday (5 September 1892) in the family vault in Kilwinning Cemetery with the least possible display of the pageantry of rank and position - such were the instructions on his deathbed and his wishes were carried out to the letter. There was no great public display as when his father was interred in the Eglinton vault within the precincts of the Parish Church on 11 October 1861 when the gathering outside and in was numbered by thousands. Beyond the Earl's private circle, invitations - properly so-called - were not issued at all and the tenantry on the estates with the intimation of the death were at the same time simply informed of the hour at which the funeral would take place in the cemetery. This not withstanding, there was a great gathering of sympathetic mourners.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 9 September 1892

ARDROSSAN BOYS FINED FOR BREAKING A BARROW
At the Burgh Court on Monday morning (26 September 1892), eight boys appeared before Provost Hogarth to answer a charge of having broken the wheel of a barrow which was the property of the Caledonian Railway Company. On Wednesday 14, the lads had been making sport with a number of barrows on Montgomerie Pier. Two collided with the result that the wheel of one of them was broken. The boys were fined five shilling, five of them pleading guilty and three being found guilty on evidence.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 30 September 1892

PURCHASE OF KILMAHEW HOUSE, ARDROSSAN
A week or two ago, a paragraph appeared in these columns the purport of which was that the Caledonian Railway Company had purchased Kilmahew House, Ardrossan (shown below as the disused Ardrossan Burgh Chambers in 1978) for the purpose making it into a hotel. The information was received on what seemed good authority but we are officially informed that there is no truth whatever in the statement. We understand that the house has been purchased by a private individual for the purpose indicated above and that it is to be called the Caledonian Hotel.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 7 October 1892

VALEDICTORY
On Saturday afternoon (19 November 1892), Mr David Niven, for several years past a compositor in the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald Office (shown below in 2002) and a member of the local Volunteer Company, was the recipient of a purse and sovereigns from his comrades-in-arms and another from his fellow employees on the Herald. The occasion was Mr Niven's departure for Australia whither he goes in search of health. Merry, kind-hearted and perfectly free from malice, he leaves Scotland with many sincere and warm wishes for his welfare on the other side of the world.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 25 November 1892

CASTLEHILL TENT INDEPENDENT ORDER OF RECHABITES
This tent continues to progress satisfactorily and new members are being added to the roll nearly every meeting night. The number of financial members now stands about seventy and there is every indication that this number will be augmented considerably.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 16 December 1892

ARDROSSAN BRITISH ORDER OF ANCIENT FREE GARDENERS FRIENDLY SOCIETY
The Tree Of Life Lodge of the above society in this district continues to enjoy prosperity and is adding to its roll of membership almost each meeting night. A specially-summoned meeting of the brethren was held on Monday evening (19 December 1892) for the purpose of electing office-bearers for the ensuing year.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 30 December 1892