The Slag Point, Stevenston & Ardeer Beaches and Robert Burns

The Slag Point or the Old Pier at Stevenston in North Ayrshire is entirely artificial being made from slag from the Ardeer Ironworks that closed in 1931. The plan had been to create a new harbour to save the cost of importing iron ore through Ardrossan Harbour however it transpired that the wave action was too great here for ships to dock and the harbour was abandoned. A youth group created the largest portrait of Robert Burns in the world using the concrete sea defence wall at the old Nobel works. This was made to look like Roy Orbison by a prankster and this lasted until it was repainted by a local artist using funds raised by Geocachers.

[@edwardalexander9486]

Thanks Mr Griffith, I'm planning on exploring the Ardeer beach and Nobel remnants area and the RB mural will be the most useful starting point it seems. Your ongoing work around the N/S Ayrshire coast and hinterland is very much appreciated. Perhaps Hunterston next? (what's left of it, I don't mean the nuclear part which I suppose will always be out of bounds in our lifetime) - the coal/ore yard (and the "dry dock") - a massive property that was once hugely important to Longannet, Cockenzie and Ravenscraig, mostly invisible to drivers on the A78 now the conveyor has been removed. And also now subject to many false starts by Peel Ports.

[@rogergriffith286]

Much appreciated. As you say, such an important resource at one time. I recall the string of coal trains passing through Stevenston.

[@astracash]

Very interesting, as always. Thanks.

[@rogergriffith286]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@janetmackinnon3411]

Back in the days when Sunday School trips went to Steveson , it was known as "the s++++t 'shore". I'm sure things have changed....

[@rogergriffith286]

A great cafe is there now

[@MM0IMC]

The Roy Orbison comment made me chuckle. 😂

[@rogergriffith286]

It was a nice change from graffiti

[@its_marc]

See jet skis launched from that slipway quite often

[@rogergriffith286]

Ideal for that right enough

[@its_marc]

@@rogergriffith286 launching yes, retrieval not so much, wet heavy ski on very wet reversed deep into water trailer often by front wheel drive cars / vans on slippy slope = lots of wheelspin.

[@rogergriffith286]

@@its_marc Sounds as if you are speaking from experience :-)

[@its_marc]

@@rogergriffith286 haha no, I can’t swim due to a shoulder injury so just sat and watched.

[@rogergriffith286]

@@its_marc :-)

[@zaccypong]

Thons a richt guid dauner alang the Irvine bar.

[@rogergriffith286]

I did it in a Landrover once