It was the turn of the 20th century, bikes were the main form of public transport, the Seamill Hydropathic Hotel was advertising its healing benefits, and reports from the Boer War appeared in the Largs and Millport Weekly News.
These were some of the fascinating findings of Jane Dickson of Dalry who contacted the ‘News’ to let us know that she had found a rare original copy of the ‘Wee Paper’, which was then broadsheet format, and cost only half a penny. 
Dated Saturday March 31 1900, edition no. 1197, Jane admitted that it was a mystery as to how she had it in her family’s belongings, as her mother Jane Clarkson stayed in Kilbirnie all her days, and had no known Largs connections.
Janie said: “I was looking through the paper and I was surprised to see the bikes listed for sale at £10 which seems quite expensive for back then. It is interesting to see how the styles have changed over the years, particularly looking at the school outfits which were also advertised for sale.”
Adverts includes Peter Bonini, confectioner, and ice cream seller at Largs Pierhead at the corner of Main Street and Fort Street, who also hosted all the best brands of cigars and cigarettes - he also had premises in Main Street, and Boyd Street, Largs, and Ritchie Street, West Kilbride.
The Seamill Hydropathic was described as a ‘delightful winter residence’, offering sea water baths and massage. New spring fashions were on offer at Clark and Co Drapers in Largs Main Street, offering a fine range of new capes, dress trimmings, and dressmaking on the premises.
Robert Jack, clothier and gentleman’s outfitter at 49 Main Street, Largs, was selling tweed suits, overcoatings, fancy coatings and trousering.
There was a crime and offences section taking an overview of incidents which had happened in the area during the past year. A total of 121 persons had been apprehended in Largs in the year 1899, a decrease of 54 on the previous year’s figures. A total of 63 were for breach of the peace incidents. The ‘News’ pointed out that the figures show a decrease over two years, with 210 crimes in 1898.
The distribution of the constabulary shows 1 inspector, 1 sergeant, and 3 constables at Largs, 2 constables at Skelmorlie and West Kilbride each, and one constable at Fairlie.
A total of 13 hotels and one public houses was granted a ‘special licence’ to serve after 10pm.
The Coast Goods steamers section on the front page, of the four page edition, contained details of the SS Bute calling at Rothesay, Largs, Millport and Kilchattan Bay.
And for people with influenza or colds, Glendenning’s Beef and Malt Wine was recommended, offering a nutritive tonic.