In March 1986, the 'News' announced on its front page that the Stevenson Institute was to receive a £25,000 boost.

We reported: "The popular community facilities in Largs, Lade Street, where business has risen by 40% since New Year will undergo a facelift and upgrading.

"Already the valuable lead and stain-glassed windows have been restored and a new entrance doorway will be installed."

New toilets for the ladies and gents at the snooker hall were to be built, and a new kitchen to cater for meetings and events.

Treasurer of the charitable trust, which owned and ran the Institute, Mr Chris Evans stated: "We are trying to drag it into the 20th century. Recent turnover has been smashing which helped us to decide to carry out the scheme."

Mr Evans pointed out that the century old building did not pay rates because of its charitable status.

He added that the trustees hoped that in future another snooker club would open and he knew for certain that interest had been expressed in establishing one. Former members of The Moorings Snooker Club now use the Stevenston Institute where bookings had soared, the 'News' reported.

The centre hosted the Psychic Church, bridge clubs, dancing, classes and charity and commercial events.

Mr Evans, whose grandfather, was original secretary, said: "The Stevenston Institute is Largs. It epitomises the history of the town. Its appearance and character will stay as it is."

The 'News' reported: "The Institute was believed to be the town's first school and was also a library before being gifted to the town."

Four pensioners were employed to run the popular snooker hall from 10am till 10pm, and was becoming increasingly popular with teenagers.

* The Stevenson Institute was knocked down two years ago, and has since become new state-of-the-art amenity flats and Day Care and Resource Centre, which officially opened on Tuesday 11 August 2015.