Largs witnessed perhaps the biggest most spectacular mass flotilla of small boats ever seen on the Clyde on Bank Holiday Monday.

It was a beautiful sunny morning as boats of all shapes and sizes took to the water for the RNLI fundraiser after a challenging year.

Vessels from Kip Marina, Clyde Cruising Club, and other boating clubs and marinas joined together for the unique sight.

The special fundraising event was led by Sir Boyd Tunnock of the World Famous Uddingston based Tunnocks’ biscuit company.

Largs RNLI spokesperson Alasdair Woods said: "The huge number of boats in attendance was itself evidence of the success of the very well organised event much enjoyed by all who took part.

"Despite the circumstances brought about by the Covid19 situation volunteers in lifeboats launched throughout the year to those in difficulty on the water all at considerable cost to this well known charity.

"At the same time station running costs do not go away therefore have to be met - to run a typical station for one year would be around £155,000.

"2020 was a very difficult year, going forward in 2021 makes fund raising events such as this one even more important and very welcome."

"All RNLI volunteer crew members and officials wish to extend their most grateful thanks to Tunnocks’, Clyde Cruising Club, and those who helped to organise this magnificent event and all who took part and contributed, much appreciated."

Sir Boyd Tunnock, 88, sailed down the Clyde on a yacht named after his world-famous caramel wafers.

He skippered his 38-ft boat Lemarac (caramel spelt backwards) at the head of a spectacular flotilla of more than 200 vessels in aid of lifeboat charity the RNLI.

Boyd, a sailor for nearly 60 years, said: "I'm thrilled that we've managed to pull this off.

“The flotilla has been a dream of mine for more than 10 years and I'm delighted to see it coming to fruition.

“The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the lifeblood of sailing. It relies on donations and funds have been depleted due to Covid.

“It’s great to be able to give something back.”

"It's such a glorious day here and I'm delighted at the turn out.

"This is a spectacle never before seen on the Clyde. It's such a positive thing to do at a social distance given the year we've just had.”

At the last count more than £10,000 had been raised. He said: “It’s a substantial amount and the money is still rolling in which is great.

"I'd urge people to keep donating, no matter how small an amount, via the Just Giving link, for such a worthwhile cause."

And there were Tunnock’s goodies on board to keep the crews happy.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can still do so by using the link www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tunnocks-flotilla-the-great-clyde-cruise-for-rnli

Photos: Marc Turner - PFM Pictures