Published: Wednesday, 2nd July, 2008 12:00
When the Queen toured Largs in '58
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Largs was decorated for the royal visit of 1958.
Fifty years ago, the Queen gave her royal seal of approval to Largs as she was treated to a tour which included Moorburn council chambers, Inverclyde Sports Centre and Cairnie’s Quay with streets bedecked in bunting and Union Jack flags to commemorate the historic event.
The original front page story of the Largs and Millport Weekly News on Friday July 11 1958 was headlined: “Thank you Mr Provost, it has been a lovely day.”
These were the Queen’s parting words to Provost Andrew Montgomery as Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh were about to board the Royal train at Largs station on Monday evening after one hour and 40 minutes of crowded activities and brilliant spectacle in a flag be-decked and sun-drenched town.
The station, looking like a scene from a fairytale with its banks of flowers, its canopy of colourful bunting and its red carpet, providing a fitting final setting for a day rich in colour and pageantry.
Both the Queen and Duke commented on the lovely Largs scenes upon visiting Moorburn Chambers. The spectacle at Cairnie’s Quay was also magnificent, as the bay was crowded with yachts taking part in the ‘Royal’ regatta.
The Provost, at the railway station in reply to the Queen’s thanks, said to Her Majesty “It was very nice having you. Thank you very much for coming our way.”
“It’s been most delightful and a great pleasure,” replied the Queen.
The Duke appeared to be particularly happy during the visit to Cairnie’s Quay where he started a race of catamarans. He showed the keenest interest in the yachts and chatted with Viscount Kelburn, commodore of the Royal Largs Yacht Club, and Mr Fulton J.Logan, Commodore of Largs Sailing Club, and other officials.
The crowd started to gather at the Municipal Chambers before 1pm for a three hour wait on the arrival of the royal party with the crowds overflowing on the lawns to the south and east of the grounds.
The Queen had a word to say to most who were presented to her and asked Mrs Young, wife of the town clerk John Young, how she got on with the male members of the council. Mrs Young said: “I don’t get on with them at all, but I manage fine.” This brought a hearty laugh from the Queen.
The royal entourage entered Largs by Greenock Road and were greeted by a specially built “Welcome to Largs” archway and signage. At the municipal chambers, the royals were presented to various dignitaries including Provost Andrew Montgomery who had been in ailing health but managed to make the ceremony. He tragically died later in the year at the age of 58.
After Moorburn, the royal party proceeded to Inverclyde National Recreation Centre to deliver a brief opening address and watch the activities carried out indoor and outdoor including boxing, judo, wrestling, fencing, badminton and weight-lifting. A country dancing display followed which included Scottish champion dancer Bobby Watson from Aberdeen.
Out in the 78 acre estate of lovely parkland and recreational grounds which are attached to the centre, Her Majesty, was accompanied by Mr John Maclay, secretary of state for Scotland. She performed the opening ceremony of the new centre.
For full feature and pictures see the souvenir edition of the Largs & Millport Weekly News of July 2, 2008.
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