Having edited almost 3000 editions of the Largs newspaper since 1974 it would take most of my time and all of this supplement to record the highs, lows, turbulences and tumultous events from then till now.
So let me take you back to a Largs and district of exactly 40 years ago, 1977. Billy Connolly brought his tour to Barrfields theatre and I went backstage to share a beer.
I recall we had to make our way past an organised protest outside the theatre, led by radical Protestant preacher, Pastor Jack Glass of the Glasgow-based 20th Century Reformation Movement.
He described Connolly’s satirical story, ‘The Crucifixion’ as “sacrilege” but I noted a number of local church elders enjoying the concert.
Naturally, box office records were broken at Barrfields for a sell-out show.
The comedian popped up again at the Apollo Theatre in Glasgow when Largs pop stars Gallagher and Lyle played to 3000 people in two shows at the city venue. They started with their hit ‘I Wanna Stay With You’ before Connolly made a special appearance. Largs musicians Alan Hornall and Ian Rae were on bass and keyboards respectively. Little did I know that almost 40 years later I would be appearing in a Largs Players World Premier of the Gallagher and Lyle musical, Caledonia USA in Barrfields Theatre.
The Nardini company was at the peak of its fame and staged the first-ever Scottish ice cream exhibition at Barrfields over three days, attracting thousands to town. It was opened by a young Lord and Lady Kelburn.
Speaking of Lord Patrick Boyle he was a successful tv film director who had his documentary “The Gathering” about the international clans broadcast.
I witnessed a herd of elephants trooping up Largs Main Street in July, 77 for Bobby Roberts’ circus.

Largs and Millport Weekly News:
June, ‘77 also saw the official opening of Kelburn Country Centre.
I think I had just passed my driving test - after five attempts - in ‘77 and, as a young editor, I used to catch the Clyde Coast bus from Largs to the printing works in Ardrossan. It would have cost a few shillings, and I could have bought a pint of beer and a fish supper with the rest of the change of a pound note.
Two pounds would have got you a dinner dance (including a steak) at the former grand Marine & Curlinghall Hotel at Broomfields which, just over 40 years ago, was one of a dozen decent hotels in Largs.
If this paper is still printing in another 40 years - and that’s unlikely in a digital age - I suspect someone will be writing about when the two St Columba’s, Clark Memorial, St John’s etc.in Largs used to be churches. I wonder what they’ll be in 2057...and how much a fish supper will cost? And who was Billy Connolly.....?