Great memories of the Catalinas flying in and out of Largs channel were recalled at the opening meeting of the new year at Largs Rotary.

It was business first as President Valerie Campbell welcomed the members with best wishes for 2014.

As this was the first meeting of a new year, business had yet to be discussed regarding proposed events. The usual fundraising will include a coffee morning, ferry collection, fun-run, and all events will appear on the calendar, with some new innovations no doubt being added once the various conveners meet with their committees. The speaker got off to a flying start when Bill Armstrong introduced Iain Wynstanley, The subject was titled “Aviation in the Largs Channel” during the war years.

Iain has done extensive research regarding the part Largs and the surrounding area played during this period with Largs being an important base for amphibious aircraft of all descriptions, especially the Catalina, which flew many missions from the slip at the Lifeboat station. Several members of the club remembered this time, and were able to add more information to what was a most comprehensive talk. Iain had also visited several crash sites above Largs/Fairlie,where various accidents are well documented.