Two great families of Irvine's/Irvings flourished for centuries in Scotland, and both took centre stage in the high drama of the nation's history.
• Rewarded for their selfless devotion to the cause of freedom and independence, they were also embroiled in the bitter civil wars between Crown and Covenant and the Jacobite Risings of 1715 and 1745.
• In more peaceful times, and on the motor racing circuit, Eddie Irvine is the Irish former Formula One racing driver who began his racing career in 1983, while on the rugby pitch, Andy Irvine, born in 1951, won 51 caps for Scotland, playing as a fullback between 1972 and 1978, and he also holds three British Lions caps.
