Author John Galt's birthday celebrated with annual lecture

It continued the long standing tradition of celebrating the life and legacy of the Irvine-born novelist, poet and entrepreneur, who died in Greenock in 1839.

Hosted as always by the John Galt Society, this year’s lecture was delivered by Dr Robert P Irvine of the University of Edinburgh.

The event was attended by North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson, Inverclyde Provost Drew McKenzie, Craig Lamont, secretary of the John Galt Society, and Rosemary Murdoch, vice-president of Irvine Burns Club.

Flowers were laid by the John Galt plaque (Image: Irvine Burns Club)

The following day, Irvine Burns Club president Peter Latham laid flowers at the Galt Plaque on the Bank of Scotland building in the High Street, marking the anniversary of Galt’s birth on May 2, 1779.

The short ceremony honoured Galt’s enduring influence on Scottish literature and his historic ties to the town.

John Galt became the first honorary member of Irvine Burns Club in 1828.

Today, the club preserves more than 300 handwritten letters from its honorary members - a unique collection that will feature in a special exhibition in August tracing the club’s 200 year history since its founding in 1826.