A special function took place in Millport yesterday in relation to the town twinning group from Andernos Les Bain visiting Largs and the local area.

North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson greeted the visitors from Andernos Les Bain and their Largs counterparts during the town twinning visit to the area, which is taking place this week.

Anthea said: "It was wonderful to welcome and strengthen ties with our French friends from Andernos les Bains to the Garrison on Millport.

"It’s the first visit in a while and North Ayrshire Heritage shared a short history of the Garrison and highlighted the current exhibition by Charles Glen."

The exhibition at the Garrison House celebrates the glory days of 'doon the watter' cruises to reminisce about the paddle steamers, gracious turbine-powered vessels and humble ferries of the past

The collection was created by the late Mr Charles Glen, who dedicated a large part of his retirement to researching, drawing, painting and making models of the famous Clyde Steamers.

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

Twenty visitors from Largs' twin town of Andernos Les Bain are joining their Largs counterparts for a busy schedule of events.

The reception at The Garrison included a buffet which everyone enjoyed, see above.

Today, there is a trip arranged to Stirling Castle, the Falkirk Wheel and The Kelpies, and on Thursday, it is a free day with a visit to Fins Restaurant in Fairlie on the evening, with the French visitors returning home on the Friday.

This is the first full exchange trip since 2019 so locals are looking forward to renewing acquaintances with the Auld Alliance.

The official twinning with Andernos les Bains was marked at a signing in ceremony in Largs in January 2009, sparking a friendship which has endured and blossomed in the 14 years since.

The bond between the two towns has been kept strong over the years, with regular visits to the French twin as well as welcoming visitors to Largs. 

The French delegation stay in the homes of local families during the visit, as they have throughout the years of the relationship, with those in Andernos returning the favour when the Largs group go to France - fostering friendships as well as keeping costs to a minimum.

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

And during the Provost's visit to Millport, she also visited award winning business, Isle of Cumbrae Gin Distillery.

She described it as a 'positive and uplifting' experience to visit to meet a remarkable group who produce nternationally acclaimed artisan produce with the inclusion of local groups and artists who share their talents to produce new lines to support worthy causes.