If anyone had doubts about Largs’ ability to pull in day trippers, they should have taken a look at the town centre and seafront on Saturday.

Terrific weather brought thousands into the town — all eager to spend a spring day in the sunshine.

Traffic was nose to tail on the Greenock Road side and the queue at the lights on Haylie Brae stretched way up the hill.

The town itself was buzzing with a real holiday atmosphere. Cafes, bars and restaurants seemed to be doing a roaring trade, crowds thronged the prom, and the wedding party I noticed at one seafront hotel were probably thanking their lucky stars that spring had well and truly sprung.

Largs can count itself lucky. Its magnificent seaside position has lured many generations of trippers from all over Scotland — and still they come. That’s because Largs has a place in the hearts of people throughout the Central Belt and beyond, whose first reaction when the sun pops out on a Saturday morning is “Let’s go to Largs!” But, of course, it’s a two way deal. The good people of Johnstone, Paisley and Glasgow expect quality, variety and a memorable family experience when they spend their hard-earned cash in the town. But the fact that they come back time and again is a compliment to the businesses that rely on those very day-trippers.

Another feather in the town’s cap is the number of businesses who are queuing up to open Largs. On top of businesses seeking to move into the Lanes building, a further three are set for Aitken Street, including a restaurant, deli and card shop, along with a beauty salon in Gateside Street. And as we report elsewhere, there has been speculation that Costa wants to take over the new cafe at Lanes.

It’s an indication that Largs is regarded as a good place to do business.

As Val Russell, Chief Executive of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, says: “It is very encouraging to hear that there are a number of businesses looking at investing in the town.

“There are a number of leading businesses in the area which, together with BIDS, has given Largs a strong foundation to build on and these developments, should they be approved, will be a welcome boost to further enhancing the local economy in North Ayrshire.” In the old days Largs was called the Prince of Clyde Resorts. Its crown still seems pretty much intact.