The non-professional crafts people of West Kilbride are to set up their own consortium.

Writing to the Largs 'News' J Kelly of Meadowfoot Road claimed that the emphasis on commercial crafts people worked against the local 'amateurs.' She said:"West Kilbride is remarkable for the breadth of its art interest and production.

"It has several classes run by trained art teachers and lecturers. These produce four or five exhibitions, year on year, of a good standard." The statement added: "It was, therefore, with some pleasure that the ‘art lovers’ of the village viewed the development of the craft town. This pleasure has diminished as the ‘Craft Town’ has diversified. There is a feeling that the ‘amateur’ has no part in the craft town concept in its present elitist form.

"We, the amateurs (those who create their artwork for the love of that activity and not necessarily for the possible financial rewards) believe this to be wrong and have decided to carry out a project to redress the balance.

We will produce, over the next few months, a series of local views of areas of the village, and display them in certain venues, whether as a single exhibition, or as a series of shows, depending on the availability of venues.

This might culminate in an ‘Annual Show’ to incorproate as much of the amateur artists’ work in a single venue as possible." More letters and views in the Largs & Millport Weekly News