A NEW book sharing stories from Irvine's history will be launched at an illustrated talk with the author later this month.

The event will mark the launch of John B. McMillan's new work ‘A Taste of Old Irvine’, following on from ‘That Boy!’, his first book on the town's history.

How much do you know about Irvine’s past? About the town your parents and grandparents lived in? About their living and working conditions?

About the stories behind the place names of the town? About Irvine’s important role in the Second World War?

About the harbour and shipyard, its numerous dramatic shipwrecks and rescues?

About the lucrative trade in stealing dead bodies from graves in the churchyard and selling them?

About the scandalous religious sect that was hounded out of the town in 1784? About the false stories that have been passed down as history?

You can find out about all this, and more, in an illustrated talk that is sure to educate, entertain, and explain much of Irvine’s colourful past - as you have never heard if before - illustrated with fascinating images of old Irvine.

The talk takes place on Thursday, April 11.

Copies of both John's books will be on sale after the event, which is being presented in association with Irvine Incorporated Trades and Irvine Burns Club.

The event will run from 7.30-9.30pm, with doors opening at 7pm.

Admission is on a 'pay what you can afford' basis - find out more at the event page at TicketSource.co.uk.