Ayrshire: A look back to the Largs and Millport News in 2014

A Fairlie man feared a ‘sniper’ hiding in trees is taking pot shots at windows in his house. Norrie Barr was shocked to find a round hole in his close window in Main Road when he got in from work last Tuesday afternoon.

“It just looked like a bullet hole, small and perfectly round, in the 8ft by 4ft window which has 6mm toughened glass,” he told the “News”. “Stones being thrown up by traffic could not do this — it has hit the window with considerable force.”

This was the second time the window, on the first floor of the building, had been hit in mysterious circumstances.

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A group of Largs businessmen warned that pubs, restaurants and cafes would close in the town centre if Wetherspoons got the go ahead. Local professionals and business people, who both live and work in Largs were spearheading the campaign “to inform and drive further objections from the residents of Largs.”

 A campaign spokesperson said: “As a group, we shall continue to apply pressure but the harsh reality is that, if the planners do not see a groundswell of objection to this project, they will consider it acceptable. Our opinion is that Largs will change dramatically losing two bars and two café/restaurants per year as Wetherspoons chase £30k per week (in winter).”

 “As a community, we can stand strong, identify danger and react in a positive way which will protect our town.
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Plans were unveiled to turn West Kilbride’s Kirktonhall building into a digital media centre.

With ambitions to become a unique development renowned around the world, the scale of the proposals was revealed in a document by the Creative life International Society, on behalf of the Kirktonhall Creative Media Group.

The draft proposal involved regenerating Kirktonhall - a grade B listed building that stands in the centre of the village of West Kilbride - into a ‘White Space Centre’.

It was proposed that the centre would act as an “embracing focal point” for the Community Council, Community Initiative, Community Centre, West Kilbride Village Hall and Parish Church. 

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It was fun in the sun for Largs Thistle as they enjoyed their fourth fundraising annual cycle round Cumbrae, and raised hundreds of pounds for the football club.

All ages took part in the 10.5 mile cycle which was graced with good weather throughout, as players including Iain Fisher and Euan Lindsay wheeled their way round, along with committee members, friends and fans.

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In 2014, the line-up for Millport Country and Western Festival was bigger than ever, with many local businesses supporting the activities, which included the traditional Grand Parade on Saturday joined by Millport Dance Troupe, Harley Davidsons, Millport pipe band and many more.

The showcase event included karaoke, a line dancing contest and a gunfighters’ fast draw, and entertainment for children was provided in the Garrison grounds.

Also in attendance was Cumbrae Queen Maria Stevenson and ladies in waiting.

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Amid the backdrop of the Scottish independence referendum, The Hills Have Ayes, a group of volunteers and environmental activists promoting a Yes vote for independence visited Largs and installed their blue neon sign on the back hills of Largs.

However, the Parachute Regiment may have helped the No camp by flying the Union Jack as the Red Devils soared and jumped above the town’s seafront for the Viking Festival. 

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Pigeons roosting in a shop canopy in Aitken Street in Largs were causing a health hazard.

That was the view of the community council who repeatedly raised concerns about the mess the pigeons make on the street.

The birds were able to get access to the canopy through an unsightly hole in the wooden fascia.

Secretary George Douglas told the community group that the factors for the shop’s new owners were taking the stance that the previous owners should have addressed the problem.

He said: “The factors are now talking to each other about the problem. If I had a bit of 3ft x 3ft hardwood I would have done it myself.”

However, several councillors expressed concerns about the health implications, with Ian Murdoch stating that school children often stood under the canopy having their lunch, while Margaret Wood said the droppings made the pavement greasy.