Irvine Harbour, Bridge Of Scottish Invention

NS33NW 254 30518 38186

Foot Bridge [NAT]

OS (GIS) AIB, May 2006.

See also NS33NW 40.00.

Location formerly entered as NS 3051 3818 and attributed to Irvine parish.

For associated 'Big Idea' (Museum of Scottish Invention, on Ardeer peninsula at NS 30383 38203), see NS33NW 255.

The Museum of Scientific Invention [NS33NW 255] is closed and its access bridge [NS33NW 254] is locked open to water traffic

Visited by RCAHMS (RJCM), 29 May 2006.

This footbridge carries the entrance path to 'The Big Idea' (the 'Museum of Scottish Invention', Ardeer: NS33NW 255) across the entrance to Irvine Harbour (NS33NW 40.00). This is formed by the channel of the River Irvine, which here defines the boundary between the parishes of Stevenston (to the N) and Dundonald (to the S). The prior attribution of this structure to Irvine parish is incorrect.

The location assigned to this record defines the centre of the span. The available map evidence indicates that the bridge extends from NS c. 30549 38144 to NS c. 30484 38229.

Information from RCAHMS (RJCM), 31 May 2006.

A retractable footbridge connecting 'The Big Idea' inventor science centre with its visitor carparks and the town of Irvine on the opposite (south) bank of the River Irvine. The bridge can be retracted to allow boats to go in and out of Irvine Harbour (NS33NW 40.00).

The bridge, which was opened in April 2000, is constructed from steel, and comprises two walkways separated by a central stainless steel windbreak which has been laser cut into shapes depicting 23 famous Scottish inventors.

Information from RCAHMS (MKO), 2001.