A new cultural centre, The Galleries, has opened in Boyd Street, Largs.

The Galleries not only sets up a town art gallery but provides creative spaces for groups and individuals across a range of activities.

South African artist and musician, Helmut Watterott, along with partner Catriona Stevenson, have quickly turned the former crystal shop into a hub for art, spirituality, music and drama. During the Easter holidays they have been running art classes.

Catriona said: “Our gallery is about unique and original art. We have a great selection of oil paintings, acrylic, watercolours, ceramics and scupltures, mostly from local people.

"Although we welcome a range of different types of art, we hope that the space provides a boost to up and coming artists trying to make a name for themselves in the art scene.

“We have great spaces to display our art including an exhibition hall with the ability to hold special events.” Talented artists already using the centre include Andrew Macdonald who is well known for “Biker Art”, Katrin Eagle, a wool artist, Graeme Nicol painter of local scenes, Helmut himself who specialises in digital art and African paintings, Fairlie woman Ann Brooks - Ceramics and Paintings, painter Jim Owens MBE, Anne McKay of Largs who does pastels and paintings, Megan Park - conceptual art and paintings and many more.

Helmut and Catriona will welcome other talented artists to display work in the downstairs exhibition area.

They consider the pièce de résistance of the centre to be their Great Hall upstairs, fully kitted out with seating and kitchenette, and a venue for up to 40 people for painting, music, rehearsals or meetings. It already plays host to yoga classes and various workshops.

Therapy and beauty specialisms are also part of The Galleries which they have decided should be seen as “a creative hub” in the town.

Catriona said: “We started off in the business centre in School Lane under the name of Media Slave and we are part of the Largs BID movement. In fact we are setting up a business networking group.

“This place came up and we wanted more space.

“People have told us that Largs needs this type of centre, so we are hoping we have brought culture to Largs” she laughed.

Treatments available include Acupuncture, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Reiki, Hypnotherapy, yoga classes, spiritualist and psychic healing, and Angel and psychic readings.

Catriona who has specialised in marketing, especially for the tourism industry said that she and Helmut had organised the centre relatively quickly this year....”divine intervention, if you like.” She has always wanted to run her own shop and the space doubles up for use of their workshops.

“We want to use the space creatively and for community use. We will hire out rooms for such activities as art and photography classes. We are commercial, but not too commercial.”