The first speaker of the 2017/18 season of the OIR Largs was Chris Evans who talked about the Chinese Lake and the new Hydro installation at Noddsdale Estate.

The original Hydro scheme was introduced by the grandfather of Jane, Chris’ wife, at the turn of the last century. This was to provide electricity for the Noddsdale Estate, four cottages and the big house.

Over the years the Hydro scheme has been renewed and redeveloped and Chris took the audience through the latest update which was started in 2007. The old generators were gifted to the National Museum in Edinburgh and to a Hydro scheme in Bute where they can still be seen to this day.

A new dam was constructed adding water from the Noddleburn to boost supply and a longer length of pipe was used to create a better ‘head’ of water.

A new pumphouse was constructed and a new single generator installed to provide the electricity for the National Grid. Today all the houses on the estate are on the National Grid but the generated electricity is used by all consumers as the water flows to create electricity for all.

The original dam was christened The Chinese Lake but why and who did the christening are lost in the mists of time. All that is known is that a hundred years ago the lake was surrounded by oriental shrubs and a wooden fence which gave it the appearance of a Chinese lake situated on a hillside in Largs. The family in conjunction with North Ayrshire Council have created a new walkway to bypass their house and give access to all to visit this local feature.

The next general meeting will be held on Wednesday November 1 when the guest speakers will be Ms Jill Scott and Mr Bill Hicks who will tell the story of the history of Glasgow Central Hotel.