CALLS have been made to bring an idea to build a cable car attraction over Largs out of cold storage in a bid to boost tourism.

Former Largs Rotary President and former BID director Ron Muir believes the project in the hills behind Largs could prove a winner - if it can gain investment.

The idea of a cable car to maximise upon the fantastic views of the area has been spoken about since the days of former Provost Dan Doris, who came up with the idea and even had the scheme fully costed.

Mr Muir believes that it could be a major tourist draw and make the most of the magnificent views offered of Arran, the Cumbraes and the Kyles of Bute.

He said: "You could have a cable car at Douglas Park that could go right up to Kelburn and then carry on into the marina.

"It would be a big project, but we need to think big. Folk would love it.

"Everywhere I have been these cable cars offer spectacular views. There is one in Australia that runs for seven and a half kilometres over a rainforest.

"There is a halfway point with a big waterfall and you can get off and enjoy the views and it draws in hundreds of people every day. "Of course, it all comes down to money but I believe this could really pay off for with a bit of forward thinking.

"We have had lots of ideas in the area including one for a dry ski slope in West Kilbride. Tourism is a big industry and we should be aiming high - quite literally."

"The views across the Firth of Clyde are among the best anywhere, and the vision that Dan Doris had away back in the 1970s was a good one, and others have suggested it too."

In 1981, Mr Doris proposed the cable car idea for Douglas Park.

The district councillor revealed his plan to a forum and said he wanted to build a cafe and chalet village at the top of the attraction.

The cost for the project back in 1972 it was £125,000 for a system going straight up and down.

Mr Muir added: "It's something that would likely require government backing, but I would like to see it at least explored."

Then Scottish Tourist Board chairman Alan Devereux said that the local authorities would not finance a loss-making cable car system, telling the News at the time, 'Largs should be concentrating on simple ideas which did not need experts.'