Old photograph of hotels, vintage car and people on the main street in Fairlie on the eastern shore of the Firth of Clyde, in North Ayrshire, Scotland. King David I of Scotland appointed Sir Richard de Morville, a Norman, to hold land in Scotland. Thus he became High Constable of Scotland and Lord of Cunninghame, Largs and Lauderdale. This piece of land was later sub divided among Richard's relatives and friends, and, in the 13th century, the land of Fairlie was held by the Ross) family of Tarbert, the land to the North was held by the Boyle family and to the South by the Sempill family. According to ancient records it would appear that Fairlie developed as a fishing village, as it had a good, sheltered anchorage that was fully used in the 16th century. Weaving also began to help the prosperity of the village as the demand for Paisley shawls increased. It was in the late 18th century that John Fife came from Kilbirnie to set up business as a cartwright in Fairlie. His son William (born in 1785) founded Fife Yachts brought to international fame by William's grandson, also called William. Fife Yachts were built in Fairlie until well into the 20th century.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
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