Making the headlines in 2000 were complaints that 'lunatic’ jet-ski riders were terrorising local yachts and vessels in Largs and Millport bays.

The experienced lifeboat volunteer, Henry Crawford, who was also a ferryman, was calling on legislation to be put in place to restrict the increasing number of jet-skiers who had reportedly

caused a regular nuisance when racing in local waters.

Millport, in particular, had suffered from the jet ski menace following a number of incidents, including one yachtsman with children on board near Cumbrae being “buzzed” by jet-skiers who deliberately directed water on to the boat, terrifying the youngsters.

A Largs couple celebrated 50 years of wedded bliss at Kelburn Castle.

George and Betty Dick were married in 1950 and celebrated the milestone with their relatives coming from far and wide to mark the occasion.

The Brisbane Queen celebrations were to take on an extra significance as a special get together of previous queens was to take place.

Laura Anne Connor was to be officially crowned as the first Brisbane Queen of the new millennium.

Members of Largs Community Council were considering asking for their financial input into the local Initiative Group to be returned.

The proposed move came around five months after Community Council representatives were excluded from the local business group's meeting.

Cumbrae's local GP spoke of his fears that the crumbling Lion Rock on the island could cost tens of thousands of pounds to repair.

Scottish Natural Heritage had offered to pay half of the overall bill to resurrect the landmark, with the tourist association making efforts to find other sources of funding.

A challenge football match took place between Millport AFC and a team from the BBC Sports Department.

The local boys showed off their fantastic skills by ending the game with a score of 6-2.

West Kilbride Town Centre was hit by another blow when the Clydesdale Bank announced they would be closing their doors.

Councillor Liz McLardy, who played a big role in the Craft Town project, said she was disappointed that the bank made their decision without any consultation within the local community.

Pupils of local dance school, Step-by-Step, made the audience hiss, boo and cheer on the princess as she got her man at the school’s end of term fairytale 'The Sleeping Princess'.

The youngsters of the Largs Dance School, run by Marianne Yeomans, enthusiastically took to the stage at Barrfields Pavilion Theatre and presented a varied dance programme, including waltzes, ballet, pop and even modern Scottish.