Largs

Largs

Introduction

This evening, I am reporting on Largs, a small town with population of 11.350. This is located on the Firth of Clyde in North Ayrshire, S.W. Scotland, about 32 miles S.W. of Glasgow.

Landscape view of Largs

Information on Largs

Combination of mild climate and coastal location has for long proved a magnet for holidaymakers and retirees  Other facts and information concerning Largs are as follows:

  • Home to a large marina known as Largs Yacht Haven.
  • The name is derived from learg meaning a sloping hill face.
  • Home to ferry port providing a car and passenger ferry to/from Millport on the island of Great Cumbrae. This entails a 24 minute journey across the Clyde.
Ferry
  • Famous as location for the Battle of Largs (1263). Here there was an inconclusive battle between Scottish and Viking/Norwegian forces. Outcome resulted in Norway ceding its territories in the west of Scotland to the Scottish crown. This battle is commemorated by the Pencil Monument shown in image immediately below.
Pencil Monument
  • Visitors can connect with the region’s Viking heritage at the Vikingar Visitor Centre. There is also a Viking Festival held each year during late August/early September.
Vikingar!
Magnus the Viking
Replica Longboat
  • Home to Nardini’s, Scotland’s most famous café, restaurant & ice cream parlour. This is located in a stunning Art Deco building at 2 Greenock Road.,
Nardini’s
  • Home to Largs Golf Club, an eighteen hole parkland course.
  • Well endowed with shops, restaurants, hotels and other accommodation.

Main Street

Kelburn Castle

This castle is located close to Largs. The building is very old, with origins dating back to the 13th century. It is home to the Boyle/ Earl of Glasgow family who have occupied the castle and lands for 900 years.. Over the centuries Kelburn Castle has been embellished and extended. Significant changes occurred in the 16th century and then again in 1700 with influence of French Chateau architecture.

Kelburn Castle

More information for the visitor

Please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland which contains nearly 800 pages of information on images on many aspects of Scotland. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.

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