I read your article on "The Spell and Glory of Largs" (28 Dec) with interest but I have not been too "hard pressed" to find my copy as it lives in my bookcase! I left Largs back in 1973 (joining the Royal Navy) but I think the book came into my possession in the mid 80's following my mother's death and subsequent house clearance. I have only ever written to the wee paper twice before; the first occasion back in 1987 following John McCreadie's "Know your Largs" column when he posed a question about the largest ever ship to come alongside Largs pier and gave the wrong answer!! I was able to send him the picture of Tom Arnott's press original photo of the Balgowan which I believe appeared in the Glasgow Evening Times under the heading "Miracle at Largs." Some years later I wrote again following an article about Lug Sail Skiffs as I have possession of the W J Wallace trophy for 19 ft boats last raced for on 1 Aug 1891 and won by "Kate" sailed by Robert Morris.

Robert Morris

27 Spithead Avenue

Alverstoke Green

Gosport

Hants

PO12 2UW