THE uncovering of an old newspaper piece has revealed it was possible to enjoy a flight over Largs and Millport 90 years ago - for the princely sum of 32p.

In 1931, an aviation company was based on the Isle of Cumbrae and a Captain Rimmer, pictured, with his “Airo” biplane provided regular leisure flights to paying patrons.

A descriptive account of the high flying adventures appeared in the News and was rediscovered as the remarkable story was rediscovered as we trawled our archives this week.

The local newspaper correspondent on Cumbrae was one of the lucky thrillseekers who got the rare opportunity to see Largs and Millport from the air.

He said: "Any little qualms one has before ascending are soon dispelled after a few minutes conversation with Capt. Rimmer.

"A total of 65,000 commercial passengers and never the slightest hitch or accident.

"With a mighty swing of the propeller by the mechanic the engine purred into life as Capt. Rimmer signalled the ‘All Clear' and pulled open the throttle.

“The engine roared, and up came the tail. A little bumpy at first, the movement became smoother and greatly daring I peered over the side, amazed to find we were twenty feet of the ground. Circling gracefully and without apparent effort, we climbed two to 3,000 feet.

“Beneath us Millport looked like a toy village in the sunrise. As I watched, the town suddenly started to rush up towards us, the engine roared, and I began to wonder what was happening. Then, as quickly, the scene changed. Millport receded, and sea and sky took its place. Looking for Millport over the side, I found only blue sky and then I discovered the town above my head.

"Gradually things righted themselves and took up their everyday position. We had looped the loop.

“Largs bungalows looked a pretty sight, Barrfields Pavilion and putting greens were other landmarks easily recognised, the King Edward approaching Largs Pier to take passengers for the afternoon cruise to Arran appeared to be a bright jewel set in a sapphire sea."

It was reported that Captain Rimmer had made arrangements with Mr Dick, boat hirer, and passengers were conveyed to the potato pier on Cumbrae, then by car to the airfield

Several other aeronautical adventures have taken place on the Isle of Cumbrae and made headline news.

On Saturday April 19 1975, pictured, a small seaplane landed just off old Millport Pier and came into the steps.

The plane was on a demonstration flight from the manufacturers and one of the men on the boat was Mr Beaton, a cousin of Mr Andy Dick, owner of the Nixe Snack bar.

And in August 2017, pictured, there were surprising scenes as a light aircraft had to perform an 'precautionary' landing on the circular road around Cumbrae, on the west of the island.

It was flying from Edinburgh with two German people on board including the pilot.

The police closed off the B896 to allow the plane to take off after the pilot and his companion were given some coffee by the nearby Fintry Cafe.

After the weather cleared, the plane attempted its first take off but it didn't happen and a longer stretch of road was closed off and the plane was then airborne heading for Bute for some refuge, before completing the next stage of their trip to Oban.

Former owner of the Fintry Bay, Bill Steele recalled: "The light aircraft made an emergency landing on the road about 1/4 mile north of Fintry Bay the pilot and passenger were on route from Edinburgh to Oban when they were forced to make an emergency landing on the road close to the Indian's Face and were helped by a few locals and the police they were able to safely take off again from the road when there was a break in the weather.

"Both the men were unharmed and after a coffee and Mars bar from the Fintry Kiosk they carried on their journey."

Former island police officer Michael Emans told the News: “I nearly fell off the chair when I got the call!"