A LARGS councillor believes that a 'one-stop shop website' can help to boost the local economy - and provide a shot in the arm for the area's business.

Councillor Alan Hill says that town needs a branding similar to 'Visit Bute' which could be used as a gateway to bring more tourism traffic and trade to the area.

The politician says with more and more places competing for the staycation market, Largs needs to be thinking outside of the box to maintain its 'must-visit' status.

He said: "It is great to hear of success stories such as the Oktoberfest in Sharp's Bar in Largs.

"It goes to show you that maybe thinking a bit differently and hosting different kind of events in the town off season can work well, and it is certainly food for thought.

"It would be good if there was a central focal point which could pull of all these kind of events together and do more to encourage visitors and locals to spend money.

"We need to do more to encourage people to shop locally and not reach out to online retailers - there is a job to be done in marketing the businesses of the town.

"At the moment there is not a central Largs tourism related website and that needs to change.

"Things appear on Facebook and to a certain extent that works, but we need an established place for people to visit."

Councillor Hill says the lack of a website for the town has been a glaring issue since the former Largs BID business group gave up theirs, and nobody else had taken up the baton.

He added: "There is so much happening in the town and it is sometimes easy to miss things. The Viking Festival was a case in point - there was so much in the way of events and activities going on and it had stuff going on for all ages.

"We have the Largs Players' production of 'Sunshine on Leith' this weekend, as well as live music and events in local bars. There is so much that is going on - but are we telling people about all of it?

"We need to help push and promote the brand of Largs outwith the area - and by setting up a tourism related website we can achieve that."

Councillor Hill also said that the Oban Winter Festival, which takes place in November, is something that could be replicated in Largs with live music and cultural events.

He added: "We need to look at what is working elsewhere off season and see if we can replicate it."