Largs Thistle Tour De Cumbrae 2015 was a football fundraiser involving supporters, committee and even player manager Bryan Slavin. It was a grand day out!

This year marked a different approach as not only was there cycling, but fundraisers could take part in a walk around the island, if they so desired.

Hundreds of pounds were raised for the future of Largs Thistle F.C on Sunday.

After Thistle’s 4-0 victory on Saturday, it was the perfect warm-up for a superb day in the sunshine, as the ferry was packed with a number of charity groups, and there were also a cavalcade of events going on in Millport.

And it is good to see that Largs have a winning team, on and off the park!

As well as the annual raft race, which attracted hundreds of spectators to the Millport shore, there was a round Cumbrae kayak challenge, and the glistening sunshine, which has been inconspicious by its absence this summer, shone in abundance.

The early risers on Sunday - Thistle President Martin Phillips, and his fundraising team of Peter Connor, Kenny Smailes and David Blackwood - arrived for the 11am ferry, and walked anti-clockwise round the island, making it to the Garrison for 1pm to meet up with the cyclists, before completing the last leg of their journey back to the ferry slip.

Both Martin and David had taken part in the kiltwalk fundraiser earlier this year, and are seasoned walkers, but even so, making it all the way round to the Garrison, having covered nearly three quarters of the journey was an impressive feat. Kenny and Peter both brought their dogs with them for the trek, and pointed out that it saved having to take them for a walk when they got back!

Secretary Morag Souttar, and husband Douglas, both embarked on a spectular hillwalk to the summit of Cumbrae, taking advantage of the panoramic views on a stunning day.

The cycle itself began at 1pm at The Garrison, and the weather couldn’t really have been any better, and all who took part proudly displayed their gold and black Thistle shirts, creating quite a sight on Millport seafront.

Passing tandems, conference bikes, and all manner of cycling appliances around Millport really is like no other experience - perhaps the team can go on the conference bike next year!

And even Bryan Slavin, and his financee Jennifer, remarked that they had never been to the far side of Cumbre before, and were bowled over by its beauty, with blue skies, and graceful yachts passing, while the Isle of Arran, Wee Cumbrae and Bute provided a superb scenic backdrop.

Cyclist Calum Corral returned to Millport and watched the Raft Race on the shore, which was abuzz, as the Tavern bar triumphed, amid flour bombs and water balloons raining down at the finishing point at the harbour!

The day was far from over though as everybody returned to JG Sharp’s bar in Largs for a nourishing barbecue - it was indeed a summer sizzler - provided by Thistle’s very own canteen king Don McKillop.

Calum, who organises the sponsored cycle every year, said: “It is always a fun day out on the island, and a very popular event on the fundraising calendar. What better a way than to come and get fit, and shed a few pounds, while raising some extra pounds for ‘Theesel’!

“Thanks to everyone who took part in the fundraiser, all our sponsors, and of course, the fans who came over to cheer us on our way.”