These include the "Village Inn" (a pub and restaurant) and a petrol station According to the 2001 census, Fairlie counted 1,510 residents.

To the North of Fairlie are the Kelburn lands, with a fine castle, where members of the Boyville (Boyle) family have been since the 12th century.

[2] According to ancient records it would appear that Fairlie developed as a fishing village, as it had a good, sheltered anchorage that was fully used in the 16th century.

The families kept pigs and hens, grew fruit and vegetables - the more affluent had a cow - other necessities of life were obtained from peddlers, who traveled the countryside.

An occasional visit to Largs (by foot) especially to Hyndman's market or to Colm's (Columba's) Day fair.

A turnpike road was built from Greenock to Stranraer in the 18th century and merchants and master mariners began to move into Fairlie.

The Royal Navy ASDIC research establishment moved from its base at Portland to Fairlie in November 1940 and took over the Fife & Son shipyard.

Fairlie Pier provided links to Clyde ferry services and the Largs Branch, and was closed after the final sailing in September 1971.