There was wide ranging disappointment on the Largs News Facebook site about the loss of the Galleon Hotel in Seamill as the demolishers moved in last week to remove the historic building.

It used to have a ship’s steering wheel inside, and was a highly popular venue going down the decades, with people on our digital media sites leaving memories from the 1960s and upwards. The historic building was Avril Goodwin said: “Farewell the Galleon. Fond memories of sitting outside on grass on sunny Sundays of long ago.” Jackie Byron added: “I had a lot of great times in there from Sunday afternoon rounders to Friday tea times (that lasted till close) and 21st and New Year’s Day parties.” A statement from the Craigard Guest House on Cumbrae appeared on the ‘News’ Twitter site which said: “Ron the landlord was a magnificent character and great pianist. Farewell to a great place. We had many happy days in there during early 80’s.” And following the recent closure of the Merrick Hotel 100 yards down the road, Joan Tymon said “I have lots of fond memories in that place - Seamill needs a decent pub again....soon!” Lesley McConn said: “Oh no! That’s such a shame! I always took a drive past it when I was up the road, and thought it would make a lovely house! We spent many days on the beach there when I was young, and that was always my dad’s watering hole - so sad to see it go.” Thomas Brownlow of Largs feared that the Galleon won’t be the last of the local hostelries to be pulled down. He said: “The Victoria Hotel in Largs will be next now that the power has been disconnected.” Christine Bryceland said: “That is a shame. I always thought someone would have done it up and opened it again.” Seamill used to have a thriving pub scene in the 1970s with The Galleon, Waterside Inn (the Merrick), and the Ardenlee, but changes in the economic climate, have resulted in closures and change of uses for the buildings.

Speaking to the ‘News’, local councillor Liz McLardy said: “It has been an eyesore for everyone around about it - and it really was quite bad.. The original owners of the Galleon were from the Isle of Man but I am not sure if it has changed hands or not. There had been recent plans for flats, and when it was suggested the last time, it was pointed out that it had to be in keeping with the surrounding area.” Cllr. McLardy pointed out that The Merrick, which has been closed in recent months, is now under new ownership, and the their intentions are to re-open it but it may be re-developed.

A spokesman for North Ayrshire Council said: “We have been advised that the building is in the process of being demolished by the owner.

“A building warrant was obtained for this. The building is not listed and planning permission is not required for its demolition.

“The council has not received an application for planning permission for re-development of the site.”