The club has an unbroken history dating back to its formation on 2nd June 1826. Of the twelve founding members of the club five were known to Robert Burns, two of whom were close friends of the poet. Our continuous list of Past Presidents is printed on this page. This page also records the Founders Day lunch of 1976, when the Directors met to celebrate not only the 150th anniversary of the Club but also the re-opening of the Irvine Burns Museum.

The club is situated in 'Wellwood', Eglinton Street, Irvine. We have a unique display (the Burns Room), a library, meeting room, and concert room, with manuscripts, books, paintings and artefacts.

Irvine Burns Club was formed in Milne's Inn, (now The Crown Inn) High Street, Irvine, Ayrshire on 2nd June 1826.

The original minute reads:

"The subscribers agree hereby to form, and do now form ourselves into a Committee for the purpose of establishing a Club, or Society for Commemorating the birth of Robert Burns the Ayrshire Poet - and we agree to meet at an early day to get the preliminaries of the Club properly arranged."

The document is signed by the following twelve men:

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The home of Irvine Burns Club is 'Wellwood', 28 Eglinton Street, Irvine.

This spacious and imposing building of Ballochmyle red sandstone was built in 1903.

It was bequeathed to the Club in 1962 by two bachelor brothers Mr. Robert and Mr. J. Graham Paterson, in memory of their father John Paterson, Esq. Provost and Councillor in Irvine, 1854-1877.

The club renovated the top floor front room into a concert room with a seating capacity of 100. Ground floor rooms include the library and the "Burns Room".

Also displayed in the building are many artefacts relating to the Royal Burgh of Irvine (1372 - 1975), including the Burgh Weights and Measures and one of the Burgh Drums.

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Each President's term of office ends at the end of January, following the Annual Celebration Dinner, the Burns service in the Parish Church and the Wreath-laying ceremony at the Robert Burns statue at Irvine Moor.

We are researching our Past Presidents - for the most recent information, see further details at the foot of this page

* The death of Queen Victoria on 22 Jan. 1901 caused that year's Annual Celebration to be cancelled, and the office-bearers continued in office for 1902.
The death in January 1906 of the long-serving Secretary, James Dickie, occasioned another cancellation and continuation of office-bearers, into 1907.

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Founders Day 1976
We print here the letter to Directors from Hon. Secretary Andrew Hood,
followed by the list of toasts given at the lunch.

Dear Sir,
     I have to inform you that a meeting of Directors will be held in the Crown Hotel (formerly Milne's Inn), High Street, Irvine on Wednesday, 2nd. June, 1976, at 12.30 p.m.
     The Toast List is appended overleaf and I have to advise you that the intent of the meeting is to celebrate the founding of our Club, in the above mentioned premises, by our Founder Members on June 2nd., 1826.
     Luncheon will be served at the meeting and I append the Menu for your perusal. Mine Host. Mr. John McAtamney, has promised a bowl of his finest Whisky Punch to whet the appetite.

Menu
SHEEP'S HElD BROTH
-0- -0- -0-
SOUSED HERRIN FRAE LOCH FYNE
-0- -0- -0-
PRIME AIBERDEEN ANGUS BEEF, ROASTIT,
WI' CLAPSHOT, TATTlES BAKED IN THEIR JAICKETS
AN' A WHEEN GAIRDEN GREENS.
SERVED GUID AN' WARM WI' A GILL
OR TWA 0' CLARET FRAE THE CHATEAU FUNROQUE (1970).
-0- -0- -0-
FLUMMERY DRAMBUIE
OR
A GALLIMAUFRAY O' FRUIT, SHERRY
AN' A PICKLE CREAM
-0- -0- -0-
BANNOCKS AN' CHEESE WI' A
TASSIE 0' COFFEE

The President, Mr. Cowan, earnestly requests your presence at this historic moment in Club history. He extends also his felicitations and invitation to you and your good lady to attend the re-opening of our Museum and extended premises by Mr. J. Norval Murray on the evening of the same date at 7.30 p.m.
     Now it would appear that copious libations of a very rare Claret are to be dispensed throughout the afternoon and Mr. Cowan has expressed to me his concern of 'wounds received' of the severity that could prevent Directors attending both meetings. Man of vision that he is, he has also expressed equal concern that a goodly number of Directors in the 'walking wounded' category are at the evening meeting to make their presence felt. Indeed, in his beneficence, he offers first aid and spiritual assistance to all who shall require such treatment until the late hour of ten o'clock p.m. I trust you will find the time and date convenient and that you will enter into the spirit of the meeting from each and every direction.
     Yours sincerely, Andrew Hood, Hon. Secretary

The Toast List:

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Further details about Past Presidents
compiled by Past President George Watson

1827 John MacKenzie: Doctor, an Army surgeon from Edinburgh, married to Helen Miller, one of the ’six proper young belles’ of Mauchline (buried in Irvine Old Parish churchyard). Hugh Montgomerie of Eglinton, as MacKenzie’s patron, granted him a life rent of Seagate House in High Street and £130 per annum. A Burgess, a Baillie, Treasurer and Dean of Guild on the Council. Founder member of the Irvine Burns Club. His grave is in Edinburgh but there is a commemorative stone in Irvine Churchyard.

1828 James Dobie: of Beith, Joint Sec. to 1829.

1829 G Johnston:

1830 Zachariah Sillar: Doctor, son of David Sillar.

1831/32 Robert Montgomerie: “Banker Bob” of Craighouse, south of Beith. Agent for the Paisley Bank (later British Linen Bank) and Collector of Customs for the port of Irvine.

1833 James Johnston: Founder Member, from Ayr, Town Clerk, lived in “Rosebank”.

1834 Captain Gray: ?David,Royal Navy.

* Note: Robert Montgomerie, James Johnston(e), J Dobie and David Gray all provided historical material and assistance in the production of ‘The Parish of Irvine’ in the New Statistical Account Volume 5 (1842) compiled by the Rev. John Wilson. Ref. Strawhorn p.234.

1835 Maxwell Dick: Bookseller, publisher (predecessor of the Irvine Herald), Freemason, Magistrate, inventor of a snowplough, a suspension railway tested at Gailes in 1829, collaborator with Steadman on a screw propeller design and numerous other projects. At one time had Daniel McMillan in his employ, later McMillan Publishers (Prime Minister Harold McMillan)

1836 William Thomson: Provost 1837-39.

1837 John Dean: not Richard Nixon’s legal Counsel, jailed for his part in the Watergate scandal, which he allegedly masterminded.

1838 James Montgomerie: Doctor

1839 Alex R Robertson: of ‘Whitehurst’ (sic) Provost (1846-50 & 1864-66). Agent for the Liberal Parliamentary candidate Crawford of Auchenames.

1840 William B Salmon: Provost, his tea service was purchased at Sale by Harry Gaw on behalf of the Club. Presided at reception for the poet James Montgomery, 1841.

1841 Graham of Glenny: Captain

1842 Captain Brown. (?) Burgess 1857…rescuing shipwrecked crew.

1844 Captain Brown:

1845 William McJannet: ? grandfather of A C McJannet, presided at visit 15/8/1884 by Burns’ sons Major James and Colonel William, entertained by the Club at the Kings Arms. Agent for British Linen Company, tenant at Longford on Garnock. Instituted Cattle Fair on the Moor, and the Literary and Social Institute 1867.

1846 Captain Gray.

1847 William Balsillie: Baillie, ? Balsillie Foundation

1848/49 Robert Montgomerie

1850 George Johnston:

1851 P Maxwell:

1852 Thomas Campbell: of “Annfield”. Conservative Provost (1850-64). Constructor of the Queen’s Bridge (to commemorate Victoria’s Coronation) over the river at Bogside, later known as ‘Campbell’s Bridge’. Campbell voted against the construction of a new prison to replace the Tolbooth, and refused to attend the official opening. The coach house at ‘Annfield’ later became the Fire Station, and the house became a Hotel.

1853 James S Dobie: compiled “The Muniments of the Royal Burgh of Irvine. Cunninghame Topographical by Timothy Pont???

1854 Maxwell Dick: see 1835?

1855 Robert Montgomerie:

1856 John Findlay:

1857 Robert Montgomerie:

1858 James Hutchison:

1859 Hugh Conn: ?J K Hunter painted portrait.

1860 James Dickie: Secretary 1863-1906. Town Clerk.

1861 Doctor Shields: born Kilmarnock (1831-1867) Hon. Surgeon to Volunteers. “Published volumes of indifferent verse” (McJannet p.368)

1862 J K Hunter: John Kelso Hunter, portrait painter, exhibited at the Royal Academy and the Royal Scottish Academy. “I set the society of Irvine above that of any place I have ever seen”. Visited the Tolbooth with whisky for the prisoners (debtors) who were holding a dance (!) Strawhorn p126. (see also 1859).

1863 J A Campbell: Captain in Irvine Volunteers

1864 John Armour: Builder, Officer in Irvine Volunteers.

1865 Alexander Longmuir: Corn Merchant (see property opposite Galt House in Bank Street), Hon. Treasurer, Agent for Clydesdale Bank. Business in Bank Street / East Road.

1866 James Goudie:

1867 William Hall:

1868 Baillie Jack: His son Robert Logan Jack (b.1845) became a renowned explorer; appointed geologist for Northern Queensland in 1876, he went on to become geologist for Australia. A biography of him (the explorer) was launched in Irvine in October 2008 by its author, one of his descendants, Felicity Jack.

1869 William Muir:

1870 W D McJannet: father of A F McJannet.

1871 John White: Lawyer

1872 Robert Wyllie

1873 H M Highet: ? associated with Perceton Brickwork, writer (?).

1874 Alex Gilmour: Writer, involved in attempted purchase of Montgomery’s house (McJ p229). Partner of William Christie (Gilmour and Christie) Royal Bank Joint Agents 1896 (?). (McJ p281)

1875 Robert Wyllie:

1876 John S Boyd:

1877 Alex Lumsden: ? father of Harry Lumsden, Schoolmaster
(McJ p238/240).

1878 A C McJannet:

1879 Charles Murchland: Provost,(“Murchland Way”). “Irvine Herald” (1871…) Editor of book on John Galt and on the Buchanites. Campaigned for water and sanitary improvements. Laid foundation stone for the New Academy.

1880 William Wilson: Surgeon, Lt. Colonel Volunteers.

1881 Henry Reid: Rev. Relief Church 1868-1886 , introduced Communion Cards instead of Tokens. Went to Australia.

1882 Zachary Ross: short spell as Rector (?)

1883 John Wright: First Provost of the Extended Burgh. Sawmill proprietor of John Wright and Son, sold in 1910 to Wm. Breckenridge.

1884 J Sommerville: Rev. Minister Old Parish 1853-93. Married Mary, daughter of Provost Campbell…fourteen children (!) 1887 Doctor of Divinity, Glasgow.

1885 William Breckenridge: Provost. Acquired Sawmill, Matthew Wright and Nephew.

1886 James Pipe:

1887 James Thomson: Surgeon, Lt. Colonel Volunteers.

1888 Thomas R Stuart: Rector 1883-1911. Royal Review in Edinburgh by Edward Seventh 1905. Commanding Officer Lt. Colonel First Ayrshire and Galloway Royal Garrison Artillery Volunteers.

1889 Robert Boyd:

1890 A W Paterson:

1891 Thomas Hall: Deacon Convener 1878, helped revive the Incorporated Trades. He was a Master Plumber/Tinsmith and was head of the business of Thomas Hall & Sons in High Street. He served as Deacon of the Hammermen Craft for the long period of 30 years and for 12 years he filled the post of Deacon Convener of the Incorporated Trades. He died on 17 Feb 1920 and he is buried in Irvine Parish Churchyard. (info from Mike Hall)

1892 James F Longmuir: Grain Merchant, Irvine Company of Ayrshire Rifles. ?son of Alex Longmuir 1865.

1893 W J A Donald:

1894 David Stevenson: (McJ p273) Tenant of Irvine Mains Dairy Farm (owned by Council), then Auchengate. Well known Auctioneer and sportsman.

1895 Henry Ranken: Rev. Minister, Irvine Old Parish (1893-1928). Author of “Burns and Irvine”. As Chairman of the School Board he was wary of “inspiring young folks with the desire for professional life, who would be far better and happier as artisans”. Ranken maintained a policy of discipline towards erring parishioners guilty of ante nuptial fornication. Father of Henry Sherwood Ranken V.C. MBChB., RAMC in Kings Royal Rifle Corps.

1896 R J Hamilton:

1897 J J McNaughton:

1898 Henry D Andross

1899 John Johnston:

1900 J Norval Murray: Town Clerk, solicitor, ? founder 1907 of Murray, Gillies and Wilson?

1901/02 R F Longmuir: office was extended due to the death of Queen Victoria.

1903 Harry Lumsden: Deacon Convener of Trades 1910-1921 (longest term in Office), ? Clerk to the Trades House of Glasgow and author of Trades histories.

1904 William Hall: Deacon Convener of Trades 1904-1910. He was the son of the Thomas Hall (above) of 1891. Mr. Hall was an enthusiastic lover of Burns and a keen and cultured student of the poet’s works. At the time of his death in 1934, he was one of the oldest members of Irvine Burns Club. (info from Mike Hall)

1905 R M Hogg: Provost, originally Kilmarnock, Headmaster of Bank Street Primary School, Hon.Sec. of the Club. Council donated the Sillars and Mackenzie chairs to the Burns Club?

1906/07 J W Bryson: Headmaster Irvine Royal Academy. Office extended on the death of James Dickie Hon. Sec. (see 1860).

1908 Hugh McLean: of Greenock.

1909 Alex Young: Captain.

1910 Wm. Mitchell: Headmaster, Loudoun Street Primary School, succeeded his father as Headmaster in 1902.

1911 Wm. G McAndrew.

1912 James Borland: Provost 1904-07, 1910-16.

1913 H Abram: Captain

1914 J Wishart: Reverend Minister, Wilson Fullarton United Free Church. “Valuable mission work in the Harbour area”

1915/19 J Paterson: Reverend Minister of Fullarton Parish
Church, 1903-37.

1920 J Irving Moffat: Solicitor.

1921 Alex M Watson: “The Cottage”, of the family of the Hosiery Manufacturing Company, but not of the Company.

1922 M W Breckenridge: Proprietor of Irvine Sawmill, resided “Craigknowe”, Kilwinning Road (see 1885). Deacon Convener 1924-26.

1923 Walter Muir: Provost (1916-23), Saddler in High Street, father of Wilson Muir (1973).

1924 John Armour: Architect of Irvine Royal Academy 1901, and Bank Street Primary School 1875.

1925 Peter S Clark: Councillor, joint founder of the modern Marymass, Deacon Convener of Trades 1926-28, “The Supreme Irvineite”, Customs and Excise Service.

1926 John N Hall: wrote the lyrics of the Burgh Anthem in 1929 with music by Harry Lumsden. Club placed commemorative plaque in Glasgow Vennel.

1927 Sir Andrew Duncan: Freedom of the Burgh 1948. Founder of the South of Scotland Electricity Board? President of the Board of Trade and Minister of Supply. Plaque to Burns at the Drukken Steps was donated during his office. ????Canada.

1928 Samuel M Turnbull: of Irvine, ? Councillor, prominent in shipbuilding in Greenock.

1929 Arnold F McJannet: Solicitor, Author of “The Royal Burgh of Irvine” 1938.

1930 Andrew B Dickie: ?Solicitor, Deacon Convener of Trades 1929-31.

1931 Alex Gibson: Doctor, Bank Street, “Braidmead”?

1932 Thomas Hall: Son of the William Hall (above) of 1904, he was admitted as a member of the Incorporated Trades in 1911 when he was a Law Apprentice. He was appointed Procurator Fiscal of Irvine in 1931 at the same time as he was President of Irvine Burns Club in 1931-32. He died around 1957 in Looe, Cornwall. (info from Mike Hall)

1933 George Steedman: ? related to George SteAdman (screw propeller).

1934 J Norval Murray: Solicitor, Murray , Gillies and Wilson, Town Clerk.Clerk to Incorporated Trades 1943-54)

1935 George K Begg: Printer & Editor of “The Irvine and Fullarton Times” (later the “Irvine Times”) for 59 years.

1936/37 James McCrindle:

1938 James D Bannatyne: ? Banker. ? British Linen.

1939 Alex Macara: Reverend Minister, Irvine Old Parish Church (1928-78) Freeman of the Royal Burgh. Father of Sir Sandy Macara, Chairman of the British Medical Association.

1940 /44 James Porter: Rector, Irvine Royal Academy Primary and Secondary School (1930-53). Retained office during the War years.

1945 Sir Thomas Moore: Tory M.P. of the Ayr Burghs, ? Ulsterman, resided Monkton. Freedom of the Burgh. Married widow of….

1946 William Phillips: Club Hon. Sec. 23 years, Library benefactor. Teacher of English and History, Irvine Royal Academy then Marr College, Troon. Editor of Stastical Account 1947.

1947 Peter McGinn: ? Irvine Labour Exchange.

1948 Angus M Nicholson: Reverend Minister Fullarton Parish Church (1938-48).

1949 J W McDavid: Doctor.

1950 Robert M Whyte: “Bert”, Irvine Burgh Town Clerk, 1944-72, served under ten Provosts. Father of R R Whyte (1983).

1951 A M Skinner: “Alf”, Proprietor of The Kings Arms and later the Redburn Hotel.

1952 Archibald Green: First Labour Provost (1946-50).

1953 William G Guild: Engineer and Manager, Irvine and District Water Board, Deacon Convener of Trades 1957-61.

1954 Joseph Hardie: Reverend Minister of the Trinity Church , later of Dunkeld (?Dunblane).Preached at the disbandment of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles).

1955 William Lockhart: Chartered Accountant, Treasurer of the Club, Clerk to the Incorporated Trades 1954-71 & 1973-82, Deacon Convener of Trades, Burgess..

1956 H C Munro: Hugo, Manager of National Commercial Bank (later The Bank of Scotland? ) in Bank Street.

1957 Archibald M Beaton: Rev. Minister of Dundonald Parish Church, Founder President of Dundonald Burns Club. Brought The Mod to Ayr for the first time??

1958 William Brown: “Boiler Brown”, Engineer and Insurance Inspector.

1959 R B Taylor: Doctor, G.P., resided and practised at “Willowbank”, between the Trinity Church and the river.

1960 David B Shaw: Army Captain, Garage Proprietor, ‘Assistant Hon. Sec. and man about town’, Deacon Convener of Trades.

1961 William Johnston: Headmaster of Dundonald School, President of Dundonald Burns Club 1964, Church organist.

1962 J M Ramsay: “Jack”, Irvine Registrar of Births , Marriages and Deaths, Clek to the District Council, assisted in the initiation of the Burgh Museum. Artist.

1963 Harry A Gaw: Retail Jeweller in Bridgegate, donated Burns volume to Club (?).

1964 James Miller: Accountant of Ayrshire Metal Products. ….. of Baptist Church…? Church of Scotland Minister.

1965 James Montgomery: General Practitioner, Head of Seagate and subsequently Townhead Medical Practice.

1966 T Martin Cameron: Irvine Burgh Chamberlain.

1967 Samuel K Gaw: Hon. Sec. and Honorary Member of the Club, President of the Burns Federation 1979. Popular reader and expert on the life and work of Burns. Youngest Baillie of the Burgh and ? youngest President.

1968 Andrew Hood: Hon. Sec. of the Club, proprietor of plumbing and electrical business.

1969 Tom Caldwell: ?Largs Newsagent, became President on early death of Vice Pres. J Lindsay Kirk.

1970 Alex MacMillan: Headmaster of Irvine Royal Academy, joint author of Sandy Thomas Ross’s “Bairnsangs”, along with Tom Limond and Ross Taylor. Burgess. Involved with the Ayr Pageant. President of the Burns Federation 1959.

1971 R Clement Wilson: Proprietor of Wilson Foods, benefactor of the Club via the “Wilforge Foundation”.

1972 James Wales: Assistant General Manager of Bank of Scotland, Deacon Convener of Trades 1984-85.

1973 Wilson Muir: Irvine Burgh Provost (1966-69), responsible for Fullarton Street ‘High Flats’. Retailer. Son of Walter Muir (1923) ?

1974 Robert Sawers: “Bob”, Rev. Minister of Mure Church (1969-76).

1975 Charles Masson: Professional glass blower at Ardeer I.C.I., cyclist portrayed in mural upstairs.

1976 Alex A Rubie: Independent Councillor and last Provost, Royal Burgh of Irvine. Wit and raconteur, Deacon Convener of Trades 1979-80. MBE.

1977 William Cowan: Last Burgh Surveyor, Royal Burgh. Director of Cleansing, Cunninghame District Council, Hon. Sec. of the Club (1977-89) Hon. Member.

1978 John Inglis: Detective Chief Inspector of Police, President of Burns Federation 1984, Hon. Sec. of federation. Popular reader and well read interpreter of the works of Burns. Fabric Convener of “Wellwood” (19 ) Hon. Member.

1979 Joseph J Caldwell: Proprietor of the “Eglinton Arms Hotel”, founder of the Eglinton Burns Club, musical entrepreneur and ‘bon viveur’. Deacon Convener of Trades 1978-79. Hon. Member.

1980 James T Foulds: ICI ? ,…. HAC., brother of Rector Ian Foulds.

1981 James Wilson: “Skelmorlie”, son of Clement Wilson (1971), benefactor of the Club. Ayrshire representative on the National Trust.
OBE, Hon. Member.

1982 James Miller: Chief Executive and Director of Administration of Cunninghame District Council. Died suddenly in August 1985.

1983 Robin R Whyte: Solicitor, Gilmour and Christie, son of Robert Whyte (1950). Organiser with J.J. Caldwell of “Irvine Music Club” Musical Evenings at “Wellwood”.

1984 George W Watson: Pharmacist “The Medical Hall” etc., Hon. Sec. of the Club (1993- ) .Deacon Convener of Trades 1991-92.

1985 Robin D Campbell: Assistant General Manager of Royal Bank of Scotland, Treasurer of the Club (19……)

1986 Jack Lovie: Scientific Doctor, I.C.I. Ardeer. Club Archivist.

1987 Ian H Y Wood: Doctor, Head of Townhead Medical Practice.

1988 Matthew Brown: Scottish Nationalist, First Provost of Cunninghame (19. ) Engineer and Solicitor, Town Councillor of North Ayrshire Council. Deacon Convener 1975-76.

1989 William A Nolan: Public Relations, International representative of the Scottish Rugby Union. Popular public speaker. Deacon Convener of Trades 1990-91.

1990 Michael Thomson: Commercial Director, Irvine Development Corporation.

1991 Peter McGlone: General Practioner, Townhead Medical Practice.

1992 James Greig: Rev. Minister, Irvine Old Parish Church (19…..)

1993 James Butler: Art teacher, Artist and Piper.

1994 Andrew Sinclair: Science ?Mathematics teacher, Irvine Royal Academy. Deacon Convener of Trades 1989-90.

1995 Eric L Park: …….. Irvine Development Corporation. Deacon Convener of Trades 1995-96.

1996 Ian J Dickson: Classics and Computing Teacher, creator of Club website.

1997 Duncan Rennie: Human Resources Consultant.

1998 Malcolm M Rae: Air Traffic Control Engineer.

1999 Robert H Haswell: Human Resources……?

2000 Michael Murray, head teacher (retired), St Conval's Secondary School

2001 Hugh Hutchison, then of Scottish Water

2002 Hugh Drennan, once professional footballer

2003 Willam McPike, retired policeman

2004 Andrew Howat, chartered accountant

2005 Fr William Boyd, parish priest, St Mary's Church, Irvine

2006 James Burns, air traffic controller

2007 Raymond Fitzgerald, pharmacist

2008 Drew Duncan, Provost, North Ayrshire Council, retired history teacher

2009 Iain Doole, project manager, British Telecom

2010 W G Dickson ('Billy'), accountant

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