The Timaru Hotel in Largs was on the receiving end of a dramatic lorry crash on Tuesday 1 April 1974.

The business may not be able to open for the new season, the 'News' reported, following the accident which completely demolished the sun-lounge of the hotel and damaged the kitchen.

The accident occurred at 8.15am on Tuesday when a 15 ton lorry, laden with rubble and soil bound for Hunterston, failed to stop at the bottom of the Haylie Brae, crashed through the wall, and ploughed into the porch at the front of the building.

The driver of the lorry, Mr Dougald Fleming, (25), Lesmahagow, managed to jump clear from the cab before the impact.

The hotel proprietor Captain Neil Waldman said: "We think that the damage runs into thousands of pounds but we will have to wait to get the building surveyed before we can give an exact amount."

"At first we thought it was an explosion as, at the time, I was standing in the kitchen and a huge boulder crashed through the window, missing me by inches."

Eleven guests had to be evacuated from the hotel at the time, and Mrs Waldham said: "Even getting in and out of our hotel presents a hazard, We have had to close the building after getting ready for the season."

A giant crane was used to remove the lorry.