As part of the line up of attractions to celebrate the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Largs, organisers announced they had managed an impressive double this week in 2013.
Two of the most iconic and recognisable aircraft in the world were coming to town later in the year thanks to festival director, William Ferguson.
There was to be a fly past from a Hawker Hurricane and a Supermarine Spitfire, both of which are so closely linked to the epic Battle of Britain between June and September 1940.
Young and old alike were set to be enthralled, not only at their speed in excess of 300mph, but their graceful lines and excellent aerobatics.
Festival Secretary, Linda Young, told the News at the time: “This is a great coup for the festival."
Community councillors feared that ‘complete devastation’ could hit the Largs hills if plans for a massive paper production scheme were allowed to go ahead.
UPM Caledonian - who own a paper mill in Irvine - had bought a huge 1420 hectares of land immediately to the rear of Largs for what they called their 'woodland creation proposal'.
This land stretches as far as Noddsdale at the north end of the town, right down to the A760 at Fechan, past the Kelburn Estate, and incorporating Halkshill and Blair Park.
The firm say that 893 hectares will be used for planting and felling woodland that would then be transported via the Largs-Kilbirnie road for paperproduction.
The new land owners also pinpointed the Greeto Valley and Gogo Water as having potential to encompass hydro schemes in the future.
However, community council secretary Johann McIntyre said it would look like a “nuclear holocaust.”
The revived Millport Company Show provided an evening meal and entertainment for the senior citizens of the island.
Approximately 100 were treated to songs, jokes, dances, music and sketches.
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Largs was all set to stage a Town Twinning Olympics welcoming legions of competitors from Spain, France and Germany during a unique weekend.
The international event had been organised by the Largs Town Twinning Committee, who hoped it would be a ‘knockout’ success, with many different sports including swimming,football, basketball, archery, golf, badminton and table tennis.
Over 120 competitors were due to be taking part in the ‘Largs Town Twin Games’ from Segorbe in Spain, Nussloch in Germany, Largs twin town of Andernos-Les Bains in France, and Largs itself.
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MSP Kenneth Gibson was to write to the Bank of Scotland to try and solve the cashline problems on Cumbrae.
Island businesses were left furious during the Easter weekend when the only cashline on the island stopped working.
Ken Mapes of the Isle of Cumbrae Tourist Association said that it has happened many times over the years, and it seemed to often occur during busy periods on the island.
Mr Gibson told the News: “I am happy to contact the Bank of Scotland directly to secure a permanent solution to this problem. It must be very galling.”
Over 40 friends, relatives and Rotarians attended the West Kilbride Citizen of the Year presentation to John Purves in the Seamill Hydro.
After dinner, Pauleen Hutchison, who nominated John, gave a moving tribute on the tremendous work he had done for the village.
The local groups that John was still heavily involved with include the parish church, the Music Society, the Festivals Association, the village hall and the Community Initiative.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon vowed to help mitigate the worst impact of the UK Government’s welfare reforms at a summit at Seamill Hydro.
The Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE) Scotland conference proved a resounding success, with 21 chief executives and over 50 senior managers from local authorities.
Leading public sector organisations and voluntary groups gathered in North Ayrshire discussed the future of public services in Scotland at the summit
Chair of SOLACE Scotland and Chief Executive of North Ayrshire Council, Elma Murray opened the conference.
Among the guest speakers were Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Planning, Sarah Boyack, who took part in a debate on the future of local government from a national perspective, chaired by TV and radio presenter Kaye Adams.
And Largs Thistle stormed to a six goal victory over Kello to keep their promotion play-off hopes alive and looked a transformed outfit under newly returned gaffer Sandy Maclean.
Captain for the day was none other than supersonic keeper Stephen Connick in an emotional farewell from Barrfields Park - or so it seemed, as he received a standing ovation at the end of the game.
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