Where this pub stands, The Rivergate shopping centre, which opened in October 1975, is part of Irvine’s redevelopment as Scotland’s fifth new town. The old bridge over the Irvine was demolished to make way for the £5-million shopping centre spanning the river. It’s thought that there was a wooden bridge here in the 14th century. The first stone bridge dates from 1499, was rebuilt in c1750 and widened in 1826. Iron latticework sides were added in 1887. The ‘Auld Brig’ closed in June 1973 and was demolished.