Ayrshire: Robocop drug blitz in Largs in 2008

Such was the impact on the local drugs scene that a national newspaper website said most dealers in Largs had been caught by the police - with hopes that the move could be replicated in other towns.

It came Just months after a local informer told the ‘News’ that dealers were ‘unconcerned’ about coming to the seaside haven because they could enjoy ‘the quiet life’.

A number of houses in Brisbane Glen Road, Alexander Avenue, Main Street, Lindsay Crescent and Nelson Street were targeted by drugs detectives while a private business premises in Fairlie was also turned over.

Police told the News that they believed around £100,000 of substances had been seized in the past six months following a public information gathering exercise.

Officers had battered down the doors during early morning ‘stings’ in order to catch the drug barons who have been putting people under a state of fear and alarm.

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We also reported how talks were under way for a vessel from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) to perform a special display at the Viking Festival - fresh from her drug busting exploits in the Caribbean.

Festival committee members Grahame Ross and John Dobie held discussions with Largs resident and Chief Officer of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Paul Devlin, about the visit of the 16,000 tonne vessel RFA Largs Bay as part of the 2008 festival programme.

They believed that a dramatic drug bust re-enactment in local waters - with the vessel at its centre - could prove a highlight of the Viking week of activities.

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Hunterston ‘B’ was praised for regenerating the local area by two prominent West Kilbride representatives who believe the station’s lifetime extension to 2016 was good news for the local area.

Local councillor Liz McLardy and West Kilbride Community Initiative chairman Eddie Wood praised the influence of Hunterston in the district when interviewed in a national newspaper.

The transformation of West Kilbride as a craft town was partly sponsored by the owners of Hunterston B.

Mr Wood said: “People from across the world now come to visit us because of our status and it has given us confidence.

“Having Hunterston on our doorstep has helped regenerate the area and is a very important employer."

Councillor McLardy added: “As far as I’m concerned, the nuclear power station has caused us no problems. In fact, I’d like to see some new-build happening.”

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Andrew Robertson, 10, of Largs, won a competition to design a flag for the 2014 Commonwealth Games - and won a tennis coaching session with Team Murray aka brothers Andy and Jamie.

Father Alan said: “It was an excellent day for all the youngsters and it was very hands on coaching from Andy, Jamie and Mum Judy Murray and all the coaches.”

Andrew was pictured at the far left next to Jamie, who won the mixed doubles championship at Wimbledon, with Andy Murray sitting to the right with another young winner.

The event took place at the Scotstoun National Centre.

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In an incredible finish to the match between between Largs Thistle and Johnstone Burgh at Barrfields Park, referee John McCrossan flashed a remarkable  four red cards to the visitors.

But basement strugglers Burgh managed somehow managed to hold on to a point after Largs squandered what seemed like chance after gilt-edged chance all afternoon in a game which somehow finished goalless.

Largs went for broke in the final 15 minutes as Jasper Donnelly, John Robertson and Alan McCabe all entered the field of play.

McCabe then headed over from another curling cross into the box but the match erupted into bedlam as Nisanci saw red for a two footed challenge near the right corner flag in the Thistle half on 82 minutes.

In the following minutes, Perrie was next to walk after another lunge, and then Sherry was ordered off.

That left the match in danger of being abandoned, with Johnstone reduced to seven men - amid incredible scenes as the Burgh bench went wild with fury at the unrepentant referee.

In the heated final few minutes former Largs captain Willie Armour was shown a yellow card after a challenge on Stewart Hendren - when a fifth red for the visitors would have seen the match abandoned.