Latest news with #Largs
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Daily Mail
Moment thieves flee street in stolen car - after breaking into family home to grab the keys
Brazen thieves have been caught on camera fleeing in a stolen car after breaking into a family home to steal the keys. The thieves broke into the home in Largs, a town in Scotland, in the middle of the night before driving off in a Volkswagen Golf on Sujnday at around 1:40am. David Rae, 51, shared a post on social media in a bid to trace the thieves, and within hours an eagle-eyed Greenock resident remembered seeing the car and called the police. She spotted the car on a different street to the home at around 11.30am and, after seeing the social media post, returned at 6pm to see two men rushing back to the car. The quick-thinking woman filmed the men fleeing the scene in the stolen vehicle alongside two other cars - one of which was a black VW Caddy. Father-of-two David, from Largs, said the incident has been 'really scary' for his family, who have been 'shaken up' by the incident. 'The worst thing about it is the break-in,' he said. 'I don't care about my car. I care that somebody was in my house. That's the scary part. 'I just want these idiots caught because it could be somebody else's house they're in next time. It could be a house with young children. 'You just don't know what they are capable of.' He added they normally feel safe when at home, but over the past few days, even the sight of cars driving up to their house has been enough to put the family 'on edge'. David shared the video, which currently has more than 600 shares on Facebook and more than 3,000 views on TikTok, and has had people from across Inverclyde and beyond reaching out with possible sightings. He said the response from the public to his appeal has been 'absolutely phenomenal'. 'When I looked yesterday, my posts have reached over 800,000 people,' he said. 'I have had people messaging me saying the car is in Greenock, and people saying they have seen it on the M74 heading south. 'I just want to catch these guys, so I'm trying to reach as many people as possible.' Police have told David that his car was last seen in West Yorkshire, although the 51-year-old says he is still receiving messages of sightings in Greenock. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'Around 1.40am on Sunday, August 3, we received a report of the theft of a vehicle from outside a property on Meadowbank Road, Largs. 'Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 0404 of August 3.'
The Herald Scotland
01-08-2025
- The Herald Scotland
'There are so many layers to this deeply historic Ayrshire town'
Next time you descend on the train to Ayrshire's most northerly town you don't have to dash straight to the waterfront. Instead look out for the wee sign that directs you to the free volunteer-run [[Largs]] Museum. This wonderful wee Tardis weaves together the myriad strains of [[Largs]], with stories that its welcoming volunteers really help you to take a deep dive into. (Image: Robin McKelvie) If you ask nicely the museum volunteers will guide you out the back to the Skelmorlie Aisle, which lies in the graveyard just behind Largs Museum. It's all that remains of the old church and it's a remarkable remnant, one of the finest mausoleums in Scotland. Dating back to 1636, Sir Robert Montgomerie of Skelmorlie built it to house himself and his beloved wife, whom he mourned here for many years through an unusual window into her lead coffin. The ornate stonework is unusual too, local sandstone rather than marble, quite brilliantly worked in all its gothic and renaissance glory. Sir Robert and Margaret still lie interred beneath the vault floor you stand on. The intricately painted wooden ceiling is a wonder too. Buried in the same graveyard, in the Brisbane Aisle Vault, is Sir Thomas Brisbane, another [[Largs]] luminary. He was born at Brisbane House near [[Largs]], graduating from Edinburgh University to thrive during the heyday of the British Empire. Not content with rising from a military officer to become the Governor of New South Wales, Brisbane's influence ventured north to give his name to Queensland's capital. Largs Museum is the perfect starting point for exploring Largs' rich history, but it sets off a whack-a-mole in your head with myriad more centuries to delve down. We meet Brisbane again at the Old Bath House on the waterfront, which has become the Brisbane Centre. The construction of this grand civic project began in 1816 with funding by public subscription. It was designed as an ahead of its time community hub to benefit all, with public bathing facilities, a library, billiard room and a meeting space. (Image: Robin McKelvie) The famous Green Shutters Tearoom is closed at the moment, but watch this space as I heard locally the team behind Nardini's are looking at re-opening it. William Thomson, the 1st Baron Kelvin, may have been born in Belfast, but his heart belonged to Largs and his mind was inspired here during a half century love affair with the resort town. He discovered Largs on holiday with his first wife Margaret Crum in 1852 and repeated holiday visits became a permanent residency that led to him building the Netherhall House mansion in 1874 at time when many monied individuals were erecting grand stone mansions on the Firth of Clyde coast. During his 53 year stint at Glasgow University Kelvin brought the world his eponymous international system for measuring absolute temperature. Largs is a time machine that constantly catapults you back and forth. One minute you are hiking up Castle Hill in search of the Haylie Chambered Tomb, which dates back over five millennia; the next learning about how Normandy was chosen as the site of the landings in 1944, with Churchill and Eisenhower both in attendance at a Largs meeting that literally decided the future of the Europe we live in today. How many resort towns boast this depth of history? And we've not even mentioned Jose Mourinho. Nor the other famous managers who once flocked here for SFA coaching courses at the National Sports Training Centre Inverclyde, or just came here to refine their skills. The list of luminaries verges on the ridiculous, from Alex Ferguson, Alec McLeish and Brendan Rodgers, through to global icons like Fabio Capello, Giovanni Trapattoni, Marcelo Lippi and Carlos Queiroz. Largs has never been content to dance around the fringes of history. Take 1263. The future of Scotland itself was in the balance in Largs as the country finally rid itself of the Norse dominance of our isles in the pivotal Battle of Largs. The Vikingar! museum tells the tale with recreation of Viking living and a film on the battle. You can even dress up as a Viking here – look out for the 'Berserker' helmet used in a 'murder' in Taggart. After the exhausting three day battle Norway had lost a king and Scotland sent the Norsemen hame to think again, their longships never again to have Scotland's coastal communities living in terror. (Image: Robin McKelvie) The Battle of Largs is widely celebrated today in Largs with the grand 'Pencil' monument and the opinion-dividing 16ft-high Magnus the Viking steel figure on the promenade. If you want to really immerse yourself in those days come for the Viking Festival, which has bathed Largs in all things Norse since 1980. Largs loves a festival. Look out too for the [[Largs]] Live music extravaganza, the delicious [[Largs]] Food and Drink Festival and a massive sailing event, the [[Largs]] Regatta Festival. There is regular theatre, comedy and music too at the historic Barrfields Theatre, which first opened its doors in 1930. And local talk of building a replica Viking longship. There is always a joyous festival vibe at Nardini's. Dating back to 1935, this art deco wonder of an ice cream parlour and café evokes the doon the watter heyday when fish suppers cost sixpence. The stoic Nardini family survived World War Two as when Italy entered the war all able-bodied Italians living in Scotland were sent into interment on the Isle of Wight, with the matriarch of the family left to run Nardini's. Live music still fills this most atmospheric of venues as the decades peel back on a wave of diner-led nostalgia. Indulging in fish 'n' chips and ice cream at Nardini's, of course, is the quintessential Largs nostalgia experience. But there are so many layers to this deeply historic Ayrshire town, so next time you take the train down make sure when you arrive to continue your journey, a journey through the ages. Foodie Largs Room Bright, welcoming restaurant on the waterfront. Watch the Waverley thrash by as you tuck into spicy Mexican dishes with a Scottish twist, like haddock tacos. Save room for the epic three scoops of tablet ice cream, accompanied by two shortbread biscuits, smothered in tablet sauce. Enough to make a sweet-toothed horse grimace. Delicious. (Image: Robin McKelvie) Fishworks They do classic fish suppers at this smart waterfront chippie and can even name the trawler your haddock came from. But they also offer more unusual takeaways, like battered langoustine pieces and whole langoustines too. Whatever you catch it's best enjoyed on the waterfront just outside watching the ferries come and go. Nardini's The famous ice cream parlour and café still exudes a grand air of art deco drama. They mix things up with cod, lemon sole and even sea bass alongside haddock 'n' chips. The shared platter is the way to go for a bit of everything. Then it's the proper ice cream, made with full fat milk and double cream. Bed down in Largs Brisbane House Hotel Make sure to book a room with a Firth of Clyde view at this swish waterfront retreat. Its smooth modern vibe attracts weddings, but there are also traditional touches like Tunnocks (tea cakes and caramel wafers) to go with your tea tray. Best enjoyed in a chair by the window peering out over Cumbrae and Bute looking out for seabirds and passing cetaceans. The Willowbank There are few airs and graces about this hotel a wee stroll along the waterfront from the main Largs action. Think homely and old world three star hotel, rather than stylish boutique. The promenade lies just a few minutes away from this 30-bedroom hotel. Peacock Guest House This welcoming wee guest house only has a quartet of rooms and feels very cosy. Just a short walk from the train station, the bedrooms come with orthopaedic beds and free wifi. Kick off the following day with a hearty breakfast served in their dining room.
Daily Record
31-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Former Dundee United hero stings Shotts with late leveller in opener with Glenafton
John McKeown was left cursing the quality of Chris Erskine as his side almost walked away with a win Former Dundee United hero Chris Erskine came back to haunt Shotts boss John McKeown on Saturday, but he felt a draw was fair against Glenafton Athletic. Taylor Evans had the hosts ahead 19 minutes into their West of Scotland Premier Division curtain-raiser, but Erskine climbed off the bench to net a screamer with three minutes left and take a share of the spoils. At 38, McKeown says Erskine is still a cut above the rest. He said: 'I think a point is a fair reflection, and the difference was them bring on a real bit of quality in Chris Erskine, who did it last year against us as well. 'He came on and scored the winner in the league game away to Glenafton last season, and in the home game we were in the lead and he set up the equaliser. 'On Saturday he scored an absolute screamer, so you just have to tip your hat to that, and say it's a guy who has been at the top level, playing in the Premier League. 'Without being disrespectful to our boys, he's just that wee bit of class above, and he's probably a class above most players in that league, despite his age. 'He's looked after himself and he's a phenomenal player. His goal was an absolute screamer, and he's probably the only player on the park that could have done that. 'It was probably a fair outcome if I'm being honest. We started the game a little bit better than them, got our noses in front, but there wasn't a lot in it at half-time, there weren't a great deal of chances. 'We did look dangerous when we were loading their box with set-pieces and stuff, but a typical nervy first game back, and both teams probably had a couple of players missing due to holidays, and injuries. 'But in the second half Glenafton probably controlled the game, and although the equaliser was late on in the game, if I'm honest it was coming.' McKeown was glad to get back to competitive games, as they prepare to host a Largs Thistle side on Saturday that he feels will be challenging for honours. 'It was good to get back, and it did come a wee bit early for us, because we've had a wee bit of a rebuild job to do,' said McKeown. 'But some of the new boys showed up well. Marc McKenzie was fantastic, our goalkeeper Chris Henry had a good game, young Codi Stark, who's on loan from Livingston was excellent, and Dylan McGuigan was good. 'We were bedding in four or five new players, which is never easy, and I felt we did okay, but we've got miles to go. 'I think Glenafton and Largs are two teams that will be up there in the top half of the table, I have no doubt about that, so it's a decent enough start. 'But Largs lost to Cumnock on Saturday, so they'll be looking to get themselves off the mark. 'We just need to look after ourselves, and hopefully the boys are a bit closer, in terms of match-fitness, and getting to know one another, probably more importantly! 'Last year we were maybe four or five games in before we got our first point, so it's a better start. We have a whole new squad, and it's going to take a wee bit of time, but I saw a lot of positives on Saturday.'
Telegraph
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The charming Scottish seaside resort that survived against all odds
Gone are the days when half of Glasgow thrashed 'doon the water' on holidays to the Firth of Clyde resorts. The advent of cheap jet travel has spirited Glaswegians off to the Spanish Costas, sounding the Clyde's death knell. Ayr no more. Ardrossan no more. One resort town, though, survived the onslaught. Largs is the beguiling Clydeside resort they forgot to close down. Behind the town's evergreen tourist appeal are an embarrassment of natural charms. The emerald cloak of the surprisingly wild (and wildly beautiful) Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park provides a rugged natural amphitheatre, with Knock Hill a brilliantly rewarding yomp. The famed beachfront promenade unfurls over two miles, with Great Cumbrae sparkling just across the water. The isles of Bute and Arran glower beyond, competing with the hills of Argyll for cinematic attention. 'Largs is lovely and it just oozes nostalgia,' beams Janet Martin of Tasting History Scotland Tours, who hasn't looked back since moving up from Kent 40 years ago. There is only one place for us to meet – Nardini's, a graceful old Art Deco ice-cream parlour and café that ushers us gently into a different time. It's a warmer, more innocent world, the 1930s when the 'war to end all wars' had supposedly brought enduring peace to a war-ravaged Britain. 'That was a different Britain back then and visitors today enjoy tapping into the comfort of that age and its heritage,' muses Janet. If the name Nardini sounds familiar it's because – outside of Scotland's west coast – it's more synonymous with the actress Daniela Nardini, who scooped ice creams for customers as a child long before winning awards for her role as Anna Forbes in the BBC Two series This Life. Her Scottish family of Italian heritage are part of Largs' solid Ayrshire sandstone backbone. Their Art Deco creation has stood proudly since 1935, even surviving the dark days of the Second World War, when all able-bodied Italian men of fighting age were incarcerated on the Isle of Wight, despite one of the Nardini family fighting for the Allies in the Great War. In its heyday, a six-man orchestra struck up and a crooner sashayed around charming customers. The stage still stands. Though there is no live music today I savour delicious nostalgia with traditional haddock and chips and a strawberry milkshake topped up with double cream. Long gone, of course, are the halcyon days when dozens of paddle steamers swished into Largs daily, disgorging delighted holidaymakers for meanders along the town's palm-fringed waterfront. The palms still sway, but only one paddle steamer – the heritage vessel PS Waverley – still calls in summer. You can catch one of the modern ferries that ease across to the island of Great Cumbrae, home to a cracking gin distillery, the trim village of Millport and the only cathedral in the Hebrides. That ferry link and the hourly train service are the oxygen that Largs needs to continue winning its battle for survival. The railway arrived in 1885. More hotels, guesthouses and cafes followed suit, along with Barrfields Theatre. Remarkably it's still open today and has had a swimming pool and history museum (Vikingar!) wrapped around it. The roster of past performers is as impressive as it is eclectic, with everyone from Billy Connolly and Gregor Fisher (Rab C. Nesbitt), through to Ronnie Corbett. During Largs' golden age most people came for a day trip or just a night, a trend that continues today, but historically some more unwelcome visitors lingered longer in the Firth of Clyde. Much longer. The Vikings first descended on the Scottish isles with the shock sacking of the religious community of Iona in 795 AD. They ravaged, settled and then ravaged again, seizing control of almost all of Scotland's islands, as far south as the Isle of Man, a Scottish possession at the time. At Vikingar!, local schoolkids learn that Largs had Thor long before Marvel, as they're stirred by proud tales of how the mighty Norse eventually met their match in the Battle of Largs in 1293. The museum's Joe Thompson tells me, 'Largs was pivotal as it's when we finally sent the Vikings home to think again. Without Largs, Scotland today might have been very different.' Largs really does spread its wings far and wide. A plaque marks the sight of the hotel where Churchill and Eisenhower cemented Normandy as the site of D-Day landings. William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin, inventor of the Kelvin Scale, loved Largs so much he built a mansion here and Largs luminary Sir Thomas Brisbane made such an impact as governor of New South Wales they named Queensland's capital after him. Largs has also had a seismic impact on football. The roll-call of managers who have honed their skills or taught at the legendary Inverclyde National Sports Centre, overlooking the town, includes Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Kenny Dalglish, Roy Hodgson, Jose Mourinho, Fabio Capello and Giovanni Trapattoni. Footballers may hate sitting on the bench, but people in Largs love them. The resort must have more benches – and more shades of them – per capita than anywhere in Britain. They're well-used: a couple share their love of Nardini's ice cream with their daughter, while a brace of fish-supper quaffing bikers fend off the gulls and two mature gents bemoan another defeat for Scotland at Hampden Park. My head swims in thoughts of the famous Largs alumni; my heart sways at the Arran Hills poking through the cloud that hangs low over the isles. I make a last stop on the waterfront at a pub called The Paddle Steamer. As the slick modern hybrid CalMac ferry glides in I raise a toast to Largs, the Clyde resort that survived against the odds.
Times
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Zara Gladman: ‘My coffin will be sent off the nearest waterfall'
Zara Gladman is a Glaswegian comedian best known for her online sketches about a West End mum. She was recently shortlisted for the Billy Connolly Spirit of Scotland award and has a new sketch show coming to BBC Scotland. Eating mince and tatties from a cup on Largs beach during a nursery trip. My dad's family are from Elgin, so we'd drive up there a lot and visit beaches like Lossiemouth and Hopeman. The first time I went, aged seven months, my mum had refused to travel any sooner because of the risky weather. During that trip, we were caught in a blizzard, the windscreen wipers snapped off and the AA had to weld one back on so we could finish the journey. Our
