Haylie House residential care home in Largs is celebrating its diamond jubilee with a special anniversary function on Friday 15 May.

Haylie House residential care home in Largs is celebrating its diamond jubilee with a special anniversary function on Friday 15 May.

And to celebrate, the ‘News’ looks back to the official opening of the home, and how the town came together for the greater good, showing a collective vision for the benefit of elderly members of our community.

It was front page news on Friday April 22, 1955 when the house opened its doors, after the people of Largs and surrounding area raised, what was then, the impressive sum of �7000 in less than two years, to make the home a reality.

It was opened by Sir James Dyer Simpson, a native of the town.

The ceremony, attended by around 300 people, took place in the grounds at the entrance door to the mansion house.

“This is a memorable day,” declared Sir James. “In the long history of Largs, Councillor Mrs Helen T. Young, chairman of the board of directors, and those who have shared in the work of bringing the home into being, all have good reason to feel proud of their achievement.” The ceremony began with the singing of the hymn: “O God, our help in ages past” and in support of Mr Robert Collins, who led the singing, there were 16 members of Largs Higher Grade School secondary choir.

These pupils had been selected because of the part they had played in raising funds for Haylie House.

Provost Reid described Haylie House as ideal in that it allowed elderly people to remain near their friends and familiar surroundings.

A prayer was offered by the Rev. D. Iain McMillan, and this was followed by Councillor Mrs Young presenting the key of the main door of Haylie House to Sir James who, after opening the door, returned the key to Mrs Young, who said she accepted it not only in name of the board of directors but also on behalf of the citizens of Largs.

Mrs Young said that the day made her feel humble, yet proud. At least nine years before, she stated, an old folk’s home was mooted. It was always in their minds and later when an opportunity arose they grasped it.

She added: “At first it was a dream, then as the money began to trickle in, a dream gradually became a reality.

“I say with sincere gratitude to those who have given so generously ‘thank you’, and it is with joy in our hearts we have seen these doors opened, and each and all of us can say, ‘see what we have given to Largs’.

Sir James Simpson, in his address, recalled that Largs, in the past, had been fortunate in its benefactors, from the great Sir Thomas Brisbane onwards, and they might suitably remind themselves that day that Haylie House was the home of two of the best of them - Mr John Stevenson, and Mr C J C Douglas. Mr Stevenson, who built Haylie, was the donor of the Stevenson Institute, and Mr Douglas the following owner, presented Haylie with its gardens and grounds, and also part of the hill behind, now known as Douglas Park, as a gift to the town. He said: “I am sure that both gentleman would heartily approve the benevolent purpose to which Haylie House has been adapted. Thus begins this new chapter here in the atmosphere of benevolence which has characterised Haylie throughout its existence.

“A happy home is no less important than a happy ship, and we all know the great importance which sailors attach to a happy ship.” And Sir James’ words are as apt today as in yesteryear, as he predicted the longevity of Haylie House Nursing Home during his speech.

He pointed out that there was an urgent need in the community for residential care, and it was “A need which is not likely to diminish in the foreseeable future, and if you turn up the 8th verse of the 71st psalm you will see that the care of the aged was a problem 3000 years ago.” Haylie House also received a substantial contribution from the balance of the funds of the former Largs Nursing Home Association, which did splendid work for the town for many years before its opening. In recent years, Largs Euromillionaires Colin and Chris Weir have also donated to the home.