The future is here ... Largs tourism will be at the cutting edge of technology with a new virtual reality information sign to showcase the local area.
Like in the famous movie 'Back to the Future 2', the new sign at the picnic area on Haylie Brae will allow mobile phone users to see animated images overlapping the scenery in front of them on the phone screens.
Through the mobile phone app such 'Aurasma', you can see images from the past including animated hawks landing on the sign, or Viking ships sailing down the Clyde. 
A number of options were presented to councillors, who have decided to opt for an information sign at the Haylie Brae Picnic area, as it is one of the major gateways into Largs and surrounding area at a cost of £7500, with half of the cost going on the physical sign, and the other half being used on the augmented reality technology.
If successful, the virtual signage could move to other areas such as Largs Pencil, see photo.
A presentation was given to councillors at the North Coast committee by Bruce Macaulay of 6274 Public Art on the use of state-of-the-art signage and reality technology .
Mr Macaulay added that the area had good 3G coverage, and it only takes around 30 seconds to download the app to your mobile phone.
He added that it was also possible that the augmented reality sign could show video footage of Largs from the past from the National Film Archive.
Committee chairman Alex Gallagher asked how easy it was to update the information on the sign, and Mr Macaulay said it was very straightforward, and could be updated regularly throughout the year.
Councillor Alan Hill stated that it would be useful for informing visitors about the Battle of Largs, and Cllr. Gallagher asked that Cumbrae information could be provided on the signs such as ferry times. 
Speaking to the 'News', Mr Macaulay said: "Once people have downloaded the app, it can find the experiences we created based on your location. All phones have GPS location technology, so once the app is downloaded, the information can be presented on screen.
"Once people have downloaded the app, it can find the experiences we create based on your location - we would do Vikings and a hawk coming out of the sign. It will be quite spectacular to see.
"The whole power is that we can change this at any time. I don't think anywhere else in the area has this augmented technology signage at all, I know it is in use in several museums in London, but other than that, it is completely new technology for this area.
"Depending on its success, there is scope in future for virtual reality tours of the area, and we hope to have the sign up for later this month at the Viewpoint Picnic area, with the augmented reality technology coming in place for May."
He added that it was a cost-effective way and modern way to help promote the local area without the need for publishing leaflets. The new technology and signage has been funded by Largs seafront car park funds.