The new Largs Heritage Centre based at St Columba"s Church has made an explosive start ... quite literally with over 1000 visitors.

A world war one hand grenade has been handed in by a Largs man Hamish Douglas which has been held on to for a number of generations and links back to the first World War.

The German bomb is shortly to go on display at the new heritage centre which was opened by a host of celebrities last month including musical duo Gallagher and Lyle, actress Daniella Nardini and golf coach Bob Torrance.

Speaking to the 'News', Mr Ken Welch, one of the leading lights behind the new centre, said: 'I think the grenade is a German first world war hand grenade. It was handed in by Mr Douglas and belongs to his grandfather we believe dating back to the First World War.

'We also have a green beret from the no.3 commando. The No.3 commandoes were actually formed in Kelburn Castle, not many people know that.' 'It was Private James Douglas, Hamish"s father, who was injured and came to convalesce at East Park Home in Largs and he brought it home as a spoils of war.' 'We also have a green beret from the no.3 commando. The No.3 commandoes were actually formed in Kelburn Castle, not many people know that.' The new heritage centre, which includes a chair believed to have originated from the Scottish Parliament in the 15th century, plus many other artefacts relating to Sir Thomas Brisbane and Lord Kelvin of Largs, has been extremely busy.

Mr Welch added: 'It has been extremely busy. In fact, we passed our 1000th visitor in the first three weeks of being open. Our very first visitor was a gentleman from Slovakia who was visiting on holiday. The whole idea was to make it a popular venue and place to go on a rainy day and it has proved popular.' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrZS0bcHSYg&feature=channel_page