A PIECE of local history will be salvaged before the doomed former Largs Academy building is bulldozed.

The school is in the process of being fully demolished to be replaced by over 120 new homes.

Local people have been asking what would happen to the original Viking art mural at the west entrance once demolition work begins.

The News can today reveal that modern technology has been used to develop a 3D image of the full wall mounting which took up the south side of the assembly building.

It was created by art students when the Academy was originally built in the 1960s.

Reader Stuart Rumble is relieved the artwork he helped create will live on.

He said: "Over fifty years ago, the art teacher Miss Curry asked our class to draw figures in battle, and so began the long process to mount the huge concrete mural on the Academy wall.

"We had to transfer our tiny sketches up to full scale, and once everything was in place, we made a three dimensional negative to polystyrene.

"A handmade wire cutter powered by a nine volt battery was used.

"The whole thing was then cut up into sections, and each piece given a number and letter so that parts could be reassembled when a concrete mould was formed.

"I left home and eventually joined the army, so I never saw the academy being built so it was more than ten years later on a visit back when I was delighted to see my artwork on display in such a prominent position.

"It may not be a classic sculptured mural, but surely must be worth preserving for prosperity."

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “We are aware of the desire amongst many local residents for the Viking mural to be retained in some way.

“The possibility of trying to preserve it was thoroughly investigated, however, it is simply not feasible for the concrete artwork to be removed from the building intact.

“We are keen that a record of the mural is kept and an accurate 3D laser scan has been made.

"This captures the fine detail of the sculpture and means it will be preserved in an electronic format for future generations.

"In theory, there is a permanent record of it, and it could be used in future if someone wishes to build a replica.

"We have asked that some pieces of the mural can be retained so it could be preserved in some way in future."

Meanwhile education bosses have advised the demolition team of the location of various time capsules so that they can be preserved.

The NAC spokesperson added: “We have worked closely with head teachers in Largs to identify locations of any time capsules and this information was provided to the demolition contractors before they began on site.

“We have so far managed to locate the time capsule at Kelburn Primary and remain hopeful that contractors will uncover those located at Largs Academy, St Mary’s and Brisbane primaries.”

Pix: Grahame Ross/North Ayrshire Council