Prince may have been wanting to party like it was 1999, but for the businesses of Largs, the new year was a washout!

Before the introduction of coastal defences in around 2002, extensive flooding in Bath Street, and Largs Main Street, were a common occurrence every several years.

Even Largs kayak expert Duncan Winning was fully prepared with paddle to take on the aptly named Bath Street which was under a deluge on 3 January 1999.

Speaking to the ‘News’, Largs canoeing expert Duncan Winning said he kept a promise to himself after his OBE in the previous year’s honours list.

It had always been one of his ambitions to sail up Largs Main Street when it was flooded. His wish was granted in front of tv cameras which captured the feat.

Duncan shouted: “I’ve always wanted to do this” as he passed the media pack.

Fire crews from Largs, Ardrossan and Kilbirnie headed to Largs town centre and spent six hours battling against 80mph winds and rising tides.

When the water level was at its peak, the firemen used a dinghy to help evacuate those trapped in their homes around Bath Street and Fort Street.

Clachan Bar co-manager John Maxwell hit out at the lack of preparations: “People knew when there is going to be a high tide. When there is the first sign of a storm Largs is shut down. It is up to us to prepare for it. The drainage system is always a problem when there is flooding. We pay substantial rates to the council, and we deserve more help.” Assistant manager of Wilkies, Carol Hurley said: “It was unbelievable! We closed at 2pm and had to be rescued by firemen. I joked to one of my assistants when she went out to lunch that she would have to call in the coastguard if she could not get back in here!” Clydesdale Bank manager Kenny Shaw was rescued in a dinghy. He said: “We left at around 4pm - we were a bit engulfed as we were in one of the deepest areas. Three of us stayed behind in the office to minimise the damage and we bailed out on a dinghy which was very helpful.” Nardini’s director Robby Nardini said: “We had to close the Moorings completely as the water came rushing up from the tide and around Bath Street and round past our cafe. Out stock room was badly affected during the flooding but we were open for business again on Tuesday morning. The water rushed through from Bath Street after the strong winds pushed the sea water along in that direction.” However, despite the disruption, Ladbrokes staff were told by their main office to remain open until 5pm, and even had two punters in for a bet before making a swim for it!

And away back on Monday 13 February 1989, we reported on the ‘Day of Hurricane’ as yet again heavy gusts lashed the shoreline, with the spring tide resulting in another overflow on to the Main Street. The sea almost reached as far as Bellman’s Close, the ‘News’ reported.

Jeweller Mr David Lennie said: “I’ve seen the tide up about five times before but this was the worst. From 3pm the street was awash with water. It usually comes to the top of the step but I had two storm boards up and it still came over them!” Mr Lennie said lorries were still coming through the Main Street, and the waves generated resulted in water coming right through to the back of the shop. The business owner stayed until 9.30pm mopping up.

Likewise, John Menzies manager Mr David Hogg blamed the traffic for much of the water which saturated the shop, washing in a lot of the water.

Publican Ernie Lanni of the Clachan said: “It was absolutely frigthening. I’ve never seen it as bad as Monday. Staff took turns at bailing out a cupboard containing electrical switches and meters for hours. The cellar was like a swimming pool.” And the Knowe Resdiential Home in Largs suffered some of the worst damage of the hurricane - the roof blew right off, landing some 50 yards away!