Largs seafront prom and car park was a thriving scene on Sunday as hundreds of motorcyclists from all over Scotland visited on a glorious afternoon, although some concerns were raised by local businesses and a councillor in relation to the event.
The ‘Bikes on the Beach - Largs Meet’ attracted bikers who lined up right along the prom from near Beachcombers to the shelter opposite Moorburn House, attracting many visitors to the area, and was a boost to the local economy.
While acknowledging it brought some good trade to the town, a local councillor wants to the see any future event moved off the prom, although the bikers group have stated that the prom is the perfect place to show off their stylish machines including Harley Davidsons, valued at tens of thousands of pounds.
Conservative councillor Tom Marshall said: “As a result I heard of complaints from commercial operators on the promenade Sergeant Marshall of Largs Police was in attendance but there was nothing that she could do. Apparently it was organised through an internet site. I have asked Sergeant Marshall to find any detail of who was behind it but I also spoke to somebody who said they would send me the information. 
“There was no problems or public order issues except that is was not a good idea to have bikes driving along the prom.
Cllr. Marshall, who is vice chair of the North Ayrshire Licensing Board, stated: “It would be better licensed and kept off at the Promenade. On the positives , it would bring a good bit of trade to the town.”
A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “Largs is a popular resort and tourism is a key part of its economy so the council welcomes visitors to the town.
“The council has a formalised process for large events to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the public is not compromised. Events like the one in Largs are often organised on a more ad-hoc basis, usually via social media. There was no legal duty on the organisers of Sunday’s event to inform the council, so we were not in a position to offer them support or assistance.
“If there are issues on the day of the event, our partners at Police Scotland would take the appropriate action. There are laws about obstruction of public roads and about driving on them, but these are matters for Police Scotland.”
Video clips from the event appeared on the ‘News’ Facebook page, receiving upwards of 300 likes.
The ‘Scotarian Biker’ who helped to arrange the ‘Bikes on the Beach: Largs Meet’ on Facebook, said: “This was a fantastically well received gathering of bikers that respected the public and the law. Regards a suitable location I personally can’t think of anywhere more suitable. The location was selected for the car park area, the proximity to the beach and of course to help local trade. No person was injured and no damage was made. .The aim and or the reason behind Bikes on the Beach is to not only bring the biking community together to meet new people and have an enjoyable day, but to also show the community in a positive light, to the general public. 
“Police Scotland were made aware of the meet at Largs. The prom was needed as a parking area due to road restrictions, including double yellow lines. The prom is more than wide enough for bikes to be neatly lined up and allow the public to pass safely and freely. I did personally oversee riders parking and can state with confidence, that every biker that entered the prom did so with full respect and awareness of the public. There were no burn outs, no wheelies and no speeding as far as I am aware. 
“All members of the public that I spoke with also received the bikes in a positive light. Quoting a local elderly lady originally from Hampshire.. “It is great to see so many bikes together, especially on such a lovely day. It reminds me of the good old days in Brighton.”
Largs Police Inspector Brian Skimming said there were no issues of police concern relating to Sunday’s event, although he said he was not personally aware that the Bikes on the Beach Meet was taking place.