David Boyle was born in 1772, was twice married and was M.P. for Ayrshire in 1793, Lord Justice-General of Scotland and Lord President of the Court Session in 1841. He died on 4 February 1853 and was buried at Shewalton, however a memorial to him resides at the family burial plot in Dundonald Church (See photograph). In 1865 a statue of Boyle was erected in Irvine and now stands in Castle Street after being moved from the east end of the town's High Street. He had adopted the designation 'of Shewalton', having formerly held the designation 'of Marress'. David was the presiding judge and sentenced the murderers Burke and Hare. He was said to have had "some of the greatest judicial imperfections and some of the greatest judicial excellencies, to be of untiring industry, perfect candour, and held the principles of a gentleman, and a very sensitive conscience, with a heart resolute in honesty."