Published: Thursday, 25th October, 2007 11:05
Why the Queen had to apologise to Largs
By Calum Corral
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Know Your Largs
Why was the Queen forced into an apology to Largs?
The Queen told Provost John Robertson of Largs in 1956 (see picture) when she met him at Ardrossan that she and the Duke of Edinburgh regretted that it had not been possible to start their tour of Ayrshire at Largs. The Queen asked the Provost how far Largs was distant from Ardrossan. The Provost had expressed regret to Her Majesty that Largs was not in the itinerary. When the Duke of Edinburgh chatted to the Provost, he also said that he was sorry it had not been possible to make Largs the starting-off point.
The Provost said he hoped that either the Queen or Duke would be in Largs the following year to open Inverclyde Sports Centre. The Duke replied: “Yes, I know about that.” The Duke did not say, however, whether or not the Queen or himself would attend.
One year later, the Royals arrived in Largs by train to mark the opening of the national sports centre.
What damage was caused by the great flood of 1910?
The heavy rain in Largs district caused the Gogo Bridge to be destroyed. It collapsed with a crash that was heard a great distance off, and the lights on the south side of the burn went out, the gas pipe having been broken. Further up the burn rose to the height of the railway bridge, and the high bridge on the main road was closed for traffic as fears were expressed for its safety. The south gable of a plumber’s shop and store at the Town Council premises at Townshead, which adjoins the burn was washed away, Luckily the burgh horses were taken out before the stables were flooded. Halkshill mansion house was flooded and the occupants had to leave and seek shelter elsewhere. The flood waters rushed down Waterside Street into Main Street, many houses and shops en route being flooded, and the streets being torn up in parts.
The Largs and Millport News stated: “The excitement which prevailed was great, and intensified when it became known that all the burns in the vicinity wer erunning in spate, and trees were being uprooted and bridges swept away.
“The condition of all the main streets running with water, in some places knee deep, with great force, was perfectly astonishing. Such a condition of affairs has never been seen in Largs in living memory and will not readily be forgotten.”
Next week’s question ... How did a Largs sailor escape the guillotine in France with thanks to some sorcery on the night of Halloween? A clue - all is not as it seems!
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