Largs: Ferris wheel in doubt as Mackerston ruled out

The normal site is out of use due to prom improvement works.

We reported earlier this year that the attraction in Largs could be forced to move from its regular position this summer.

The 32-metre-tall wheel first came to the town in 2021 and was a hit with visitors.

Night vision - Ferris Wheel illuminated at night was a popular sight for Largs News Camera Club members such as Ian Rutherford (Image: Ian Rutherford)

Operator Calvin Thomson successfully applied to North Ayrshire Council last year to bring the attraction back for ten weeks every year until 2024. 

Permission was gained by the operators allowing the attraction to run between the third Thursday in July and the first Monday in September.

The attraction normally comes for six weeks in the summer - but its usual site, to the south of Vanduara on the promenade, is where work on replacing the sea wall is taking place over the coming months.

The News understands that the Thomson Events Group, which runs the Ferris wheel, was offered the Mackerston site, but believe it is not a suitable site for the attraction.

Cllr Tom Marshall, who has been in talks with Thomson Events Group, pointed out that Mackerston is a prominent seafront site, although not on the main trunk road. 

Cllr Tom Marshall has been in talks with Ferris Wheel operators (Image: North Ayrshire Conservatives)

Speaking to the News, Cllr Marshall said: "I have had an exchange of messages with them but it has gone quiet - I think it is fairly safe to assume that they won't be coming this year but hopefully they will be back next summer when they have their Vandura site back and available for use.

"It is my understanding that the reason that they are not coming this year is because they didn't get their recommended site.

"It is good news that we have a new operator at Mackerston for the putting green and it is something pleasing to see that we have the putting green back up and going; although it is a disappointment this year not to have the ferris wheel attraction."

The Ferris wheel has been a popular attraction on the seafront over recent summers.

Generous wheel operator Calvin Thomas treated pensioners to free rides for the duration of the attraction's stay.

The wheel has been a massive hit with locals and visitors, and has also been here for the Viking Festival over recent years.

It is 32 metres tall and in previous years, had 24 pods suspended above the promenade to the south of Vanduara.

The 105-foot-tall attraction was manufactured and purchased new in 2018 and has been made to the highest specifications by Technical Park, one of the largest manufacturers in the amusements industry.

The structure boasts an LED light show, which runs in different sequences.

It has 24 individual gondolas, seating up to six people per carriage, with each offering unobstructed 360 degree panoramic views, and includes disabled access on a specially made gondola.

The wheel has previously also been at Glasgow’s Christmas market, Portobello beach near Edinburgh - and at a wedding in Switzerland.