Editing Largs

{{Short description|Town in North Ayrshire, Scotland}}
{{about|the Scottish town|the town in New South Wales|Largs, New South Wales|the suburb in South Australia|Largs Bay, South Australia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2017}}
{{Infobox UK place
| gaelic_name                      = An Leargaidh Ghallda<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20211016122312/http://www.ainmean-aite.org/database.asp?intent=details&id=530/ ''Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba ~ Gaelic Place-names of Scotland'']</ref>
| official_name                    = Largs
| type                             = [[Town]]
| static_image_name                = Ayrshire Largs Aerial alt.jpg
| static_image_caption             = Aerial view of Largs, 2019 
| static_image_width               = 260px
| population                       = {{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Largs}}
| population_ref                   = ({{Scottish settlement population citation|year}})<ref>{{Scottish settlement population citation}}</ref>
| unitary_scotland                 = [[North Ayrshire]]
| lieutenancy_scotland             = [[Ayrshire and Arran]]
| constituency_westminster         = [[North Ayrshire and Arran (UK Parliament constituency)|North Ayrshire and Arran]]
| constituency_scottish_parliament = [[Cunninghame North (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Cunninghame North]]
| country                          = Scotland
| coordinates                      = {{coord|55|47|42|N|04|52|12|W|region:GB_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| os_grid_reference                = NS203592
| map_type                         =
| post_town                        = LARGS
| postcode_district                = KA30
| postcode_area                    = KA
| dial_code                        = 01475
| edinburgh_distance_mi            = 66
| london_distance_mi               = 354
| website                          = 
}}

'''Largs''' ({{langx|gd|An Leargaidh Ghallda}}) is a [[town]] on the [[Firth of Clyde]] in [[North Ayrshire]], Scotland, about {{cvt|33|mi|km}} from [[Glasgow]]. The original name means "the slopes" (''An Leargaidh'') in [[Scottish Gaelic]].

A popular [[seaside resort]] with a [[pier]], the town markets itself on its historic links with the [[Viking]]s and an annual festival is held each year in early September. In 1263 it was the site of the [[Battle of Largs]] between the Norwegian and the Scottish armies. The [[Royal National Mòd|National Mòd]] has also been held here in the past.

==History==
There is evidence of human activity in the vicinity of Largs which can be dated to the [[Neolithic era]]. The [[Stones of Scotland|Haylie Chambered Tomb]] in Douglas Park dates from c. 3000 BC.

Largs evolved from the estates of North Cunninghame over which the Montgomeries of [[Skelmorlie]] became [[Lords Temporal|temporal]] lords in the seventeenth century. Sir Robert Montgomerie built [[Skelmorlie Aisle]] in the ancient kirk of Largs in 1636 as a family mausoleum. Today the monument is all that remains of the old kirk.
[[File:(From the Red Road, Largs, Scotland) (LOC) (3450331430).jpg|thumb|left|Largs, Scotland, ca. 1890 - 1900.]]
[[File:Largs, The Brisbane Aisle.JPG|left|thumb|The [[Brisbane Aisle|Brisbane family]] vault in Largs.]]
[[File:Largs Pencil.jpg|thumb|right|The "Pencil" monument commemorating the [[Battle of Largs]], which stands just over {{cvt|1|mi}} south of the town centre]]

From its beginnings as a small village around its kirk, Largs evolved into a busy and popular seaside resort in the nineteenth century. Large hotels appeared and the pier was constructed in 1834. It was not until 1895, however, that the railway made the connection to Largs, sealing the town's popularity.

It also became a fashionable place to live in and several impressive mansions were built, the most significant of which included 'Netherhall', the residence of William Thomson, [[William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin|Lord Kelvin]], the [[physicist]] and [[engineer]].

Largs has historical connections much further back, however. It was the site of the [[Battle of Largs]] in 1263, in which parts of a Scottish army attacked a small force of Norwegians attempting to salvage ships from a fleet carrying the armies of King [[Magnus Olafsson|Magnus Olafsson of Mann and the Isles]] and his [[liege lord]] King [[Haakon IV of Norway]], beached during a storm. The Norwegians and islemen had been raiding the Scottish coast for some time, and the Scots under [[Alexander III of Scotland|Alexander III]] had been following the fleet, attempting to catch its raiding parties. The outcome of this confrontation is uncertain, as both sides claim victory in their respective chronicles and sagas and the only independent source of the war fails to mention the battle at all. The battle was followed soon after by the death of the 59 year old King Haakon in [[Bishop's Palace, Kirkwall|Bishop's Palace]] on [[Orkney]]. Following the king's demise, his more lenient son [[Magnus VI of Norway]] agreed the [[Treaty of Perth]] in 1266, under which the [[Hebrides]] were sold to Scotland, as was the [[Isle of Man]] after the demise of Magnus Olafsson.

The Largs war memorial dates from 1920 and was designed by Sir [[Robert Lorimer]].<ref>Dictionary of Scottish Architects: Robert Lorimer</ref>

During [[World War II]], the Hollywood Hotel was designated HMS ''Warren'', which was Headquarters, [[Combined Operations (United Kingdom)|Combined Training]]. A conference was held there between 28 June 1943 and 2 July 1943, [[code name]] RATTLE, under [[Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma|Lord Louis Mountbatten]]. It was known as the "Field of the Cloth of Gold" (named after [[Field of the Cloth of Gold|a famous historic event]]) because of the number of high-ranking officers taking part. The decision that the [[invasion of Normandy|invasion of Europe]] would take place in Normandy was made at this conference.<ref>''Shield of Empire - the Royal Navy and Scotland'', Brian Lavery, Birlinn 2007, {{ISBN|978-1-84158-513-0}}</ref>  Churchill and Eisenhower attended the conference, staying at St Phillans which later became the Manor Park Hotel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Largs and the WW2 D Day Landings |url=http://www.oldlargs.com/d%20day.html |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=www.oldlargs.com}}</ref> 

[[King Haakon VII]] of Norway, then in exile in Britain due to the [[Nazi-Germany|German]] [[Occupation of Norway by Nazi Germany|occupation of his kingdom]], visited Largs in 1944 and was made the town's first [[honorary citizen#Honorary citizenship|honorary citizen]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 December 1944 |title=Miscellany |work=Time Magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,791786,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215003819/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,791786,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 December 2008 |access-date=17 January 2009}}</ref>

Largs was (from the summer of 2017) the first place in the world to introduce a fully integrated system to activate pedestrian crossings using a series of [[Neatebox]]es.<ref name="largsandmillportnews.com">{{Cite web |title=Remote controlled traffic crossing world first for Largs |url=http://www.largsandmillportnews.com/news/15097533.Remote_controlled_traffic_crossing_world_first_for_Largs/ |website=Largs and Millport Weekly News}}</ref> This system allows visually or physically impaired persons to activate the crossing button with no actual requirement to find or push the button, and will be of great benefit to the disabled community.<ref name="largsandmillportnews.com" />

==Culture==
Largs has hosted the [[Royal National Mòd|National Mòd]] in 1956, 1965 and 2002.<ref name="SMO">[http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/gaidhlig/mod/ List of Mod's places] for each year on [[Sabhal Mòr Ostaig]] website</ref>

Theatres and venues include [[Barrfields Pavilion]] and the Vikingar centre.

In 2014, it was rated one of the most attractive [[postcode]] areas to live in Scotland.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-08-25 |title=UK's 'most desirable' postcodes revealed |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-28918709}}</ref>

The town is home to the children's theatre company [[The McDougalls]] who have headquarters in the town.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-02-18 |title=The McDougalls return to Barrfields for a 'Safari Adventure' |publisher=Newsquest |url=https://www.largsandmillportnews.com/news/17947747.mcdougalls-return-barrfields-safari-adventure/}}</ref>

Largs hosts the popular "Largs Live" on the last weekend in June with live music around pubs, restaurants and other venues over Friday, Saturday and Sunday.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Largs Live 2014 - 25 Venues - 75 bands - 100 Gigs |url=http://largslive.com/ |access-date=18 September 2014 |website=Largs Live 2014}}</ref>

==Public transport==
The town is served by [[Largs railway station]] with regular services to and from [[Glasgow Central station]].

==Places of interest==
[[File:Gallowgate Street St Columba's Parish Church, Largs, North Ayrshire, Scotland 01.jpg|thumb|upright|Gallowgate Street St Columba's Parish Church]]
[[File:Nardini Lounge, Largs, North Ayrshire, Scotland.jpg|thumb|left|Nardini Lounge (2018)]]
[[File:Vikingar Centre at Barrfields, Largs (1-6-2012).jpg|thumb|left|Vikingar Centre at Barrfields, Largs (2012-06-01)]]
Despite its diminished status as a holiday resort, much of Largs is still geared towards tourism. The Vikingar Centre at Barrfields is an interactive look into the history of Viking life; Kelburn Country Centre, [[Barrfields Pavilion]] Theatre, Largs Swimming Pool, Douglas Park and [[Inverclyde National Sports Training Centre]] are other attractions. Nardinis is a famous ice cream parlour, cafe and restaurant, that dominates the Esplanade and which reopened in late 2008 following clearance from [[Historic Scotland]] and major renovation works. St. Columba's Parish Church is situated opposite Nardinis and contains a Heritage Centre. The church itself was built in 1892 and is notable for its stained glass windows and Willis organ.
[[File:Ayrshire coast at Largs, Scotland looking north.jpg|thumb|left|Ayrshire coast at Largs, Scotland looking north]]
[[File:Haylie Cairn.JPG|thumb|right|Haylie Chambered Tomb]]
[[File:BrisbaneGlen021108.jpg|thumb|right|The Noddsdale (Brisbane Glen) road in autumn]]
[[File:Largs pier and MV Loch Riddon.jpg|thumb|left|Construction work in progress on Largs pier as [[MV Loch Riddon|MV ''Loch Riddon'']] arrives on the service from [[Great Cumbrae]]]]

There is a [[Neolithic]] tomb behind Douglas Park. Known as the Haylie Chambered Tomb, it was once covered by a cairn of stones (known as Margaret's Law). When it was uncovered in the early twentieth century the tomb was dated to around 3000 to 2000 BC.

[[Skelmorlie Aisle]], adjoining the local museum, is in the care of Historic Scotland and is open during the summer.

[[Kelburn Castle]], situated between Largs and [[Fairlie, North Ayrshire|Fairlie]], is the ancestral home of the Boyle (originally de Boyville) family, the hereditary [[Earl of Glasgow|Earls of Glasgow]]. Kelburn is believed to be the oldest castle in Scotland to have been continuously inhabited by the same family. The de Boyvilles who originated in [[Caen]] in [[Normandy]] came up after the [[Norman Conquest]] of England in 1066. The forebears of the modern day Boyles settled at Kelburn around 1140.

The Noddsdale Water flows from the north to reach the sea at the north end of Largs, and Brisbane House sited in the dale about {{cvt|1.5|km|mi}} up the river was the birthplace of the soldier and [[Governor of New South Wales]] Sir [[Thomas Brisbane]], whose name was given to the city of [[Brisbane]] in [[Queensland]], Australia, and, in 1823, to "Brisbane Water" on the NSW Central Coast. Noddsdale was renamed Brisbane Glen in his honour.<ref name="AB">{{Cite web |title=Brisbane Glen, Largs |url=http://www.ayrshire-birding.org.uk/locations/brisbane.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090105180417/http://www.ayrshire-birding.org.uk/locations/brisbane.htm |archive-date=5 January 2009 |access-date=2009-11-02 |website=Ayrshire Birding}}</ref>

The '[[William Smith (Minister)|Prophet's Grave]]' is located in the Brisbane Glen close to Middleton Farm.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Google Maps Location |url=https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Prophet's+Grave/@55.8207103,-4.8551162,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4889b99782ca69df:0x6bc0d88cb0dba92c!8m2!3d55.8207103!4d-4.8529275 |access-date=5 June 2017 |website=Google Maps Location}}</ref> In 1647 the Reverend [[William Smith (Minister)|William Smith]] died from the 'plague' whilst ministering to his parishioners who had temporarily forsaken Largs as a result of the aforementioned plague. William asked to be buried in the glen next to the Noddsdale Water and prophesied that if the two rowan trees planted at either end of his grave were prevented from touching then the plague would never return to Largs. The grave is in a delightful spot during the day and was a popular tourist attraction with postcards available and a thorough restoration in 1956. Night visits, however, have resulted in reports of ghost sightings and unusual phenomenon. The prophecy has been of debatable efficacy. However it has meant that his grave has been well looked after for around four hundred years.

A [[Caledonian MacBrayne]] [[ferry]] service runs from Largs to [[Great Cumbrae]], and the [[paddle steamer]] ''[[PS Waverley|Waverley]]'' also calls in at the pier during cruises. The town is served by [[Largs railway station]] on the railway line from [[Glasgow]] to [[North Ayrshire]] (the [[Ayrshire Coast Line]]), and also lies on the main [[A78 road]]. It remains a popular destination for holiday-makers and weekenders from Glasgow all year round.

==Notable people==

*[[Alan Jamieson|Alan J. Jamieson]], scientist, was born in Largs.
*[[Benny Gallagher]] of [[Gallagher and Lyle]] was born in the town and has held Songwriting Masterclasses in the Vikingar to encourage local musicians to embrace their talent.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Songwriting masterclass from Benny Gallagher |url=http://www.largsandmillportnews.com/whatson/goingout/articles/2013/01/14/443431-songwriting-masterclass-from-benny-gallagher/ |access-date=18 September 2014 |website=Largs & Millport Weekly New}}</ref>
*[[Daniela Nardini]] actress, was born in Largs.
*[[Graham Lyle]] was brought up in the town.
*[[John Sessions]], comedian, most known for regular appearances on ''[[Whose Line is it Anyway?]]'' and ''[[QI]]''.
*[[Lord Kelvin]] (William Thomson) lived in Largs, in Netherall mansion, and died there in 1907.
*[[Sam Torrance]], golfer, was born in Largs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sam Torrance from The Gazetteer for Scotland |url=https://www.scottish-places.info/people/famousfirst991.html |website=www.scottish-places.info |access-date=12 April 2021 |language=en-gb}}</ref>
*[[William Smith (minister)|William Smith]], minister

==Twin towns==
*[[Andernos-les-Bains]], Gironde, France.

==Climate==

Largs has an [[oceanic climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]]: ''Cfb'').

{{Weather box
 | width       = auto
 | metric first = yes
 | single line = yes
 | location    = Largs (1991–2020)
 | Jan high C = 8.3
 | Feb high C = 8.2
 | Mar high C = 9.7
 | Apr high C = 12.0
 | May high C = 15.7
 | Jun high C = 17.8
 | Jul high C = 19.9
 | Aug high C = 19.4
 | Sep high C = 16.4
 | Oct high C = 13.4
 | Nov high C = 10.2
 | Dec high C = 8.8
 | year high C = 13.3
 | Jan low C = 2.9
 | Feb low C = 3.5
 | Mar low C = 3.7
 | Apr low C = 5.3
 | May low C = 7.9
 | Jun low C = 10.6
 | Jul low C = 12.7
 | Aug low C = 11.7
 | Sep low C = 10.3
 | Oct low C = 7.4
 | Nov low C = 4.9
 | Dec low C = 3.2
 | year low C = 7.0
 | rain colour = green
 | Jan rain mm = 148.5
 | Feb rain mm = 108.2
 | Mar rain mm = 114.7
 | Apr rain mm = 82.0
 | May rain mm = 74.9
 | Jun rain mm = 84.1
 | Jul rain mm = 91.9
 | Aug rain mm = 103.9
 | Sep rain mm = 113.0
 | Oct rain mm = 150.2
 | Nov rain mm = 146.4
 | Dec rain mm = 141.1
 | year rain mm = 1358.8
 | Jan sun = 52.1
 | Feb sun = 74.8
 | Mar sun = 101.2
 | Apr sun = 157.7
 | May sun = 200.1
 | Jun sun = 167.0
 | Jul sun = 164.0
 | Aug sun = 141.8
 | Sep sun = 110.1
 | Oct sun = 80.0
 | Nov sun = 49.4
 | Dec sun = 34.9
 | year sun = 1333.1
| source 1 = [[Met Office]]<ref name="MetOffice">{{cite web
|url = https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/maps-and-data/uk-climate-averages/gcut3kbsj
|title = Largs (North Ayrshire) UK climate averages - Met Office
|publisher = Met Office
|access-date = July 6, 2024}}</ref>
}}

==See also==
*[[HMS Largs|HMS ''Largs'']]
*[[Largs Academy]]
*[[Stones of Scotland]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{Cite book |last=McSherry |first=R&M |title=Old Largs |year=1997}}
*{{Cite book |last=Ross |first=David |title=Scotland - History of a Nation |year=2005}}
*[http://www.mylargs.com Largs & District by Ian Dalgleish]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gIKMqxzV2M The Prophet's Grave, Noddsdale, Brisbane Glen]
*[http://www.explorelargs.com Explore Largs: Promoting everything there is to explore in Largs from shopping, eating out and events & festivals to accommodation, entertainment, historical and cultural]
*[http://www.largshotels.com Hotels in Largs : 15+ Hotels in Largs, from the Brisbane House Hotel, Seamill Hydro Hotel to smaller B&Bs. Local knowledge hand picked for you]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130215034801/http://www.whatsoninlargs.co.uk/ What's On In Largs : A useful tool giving you easy access to events and promotions in Largs throughout the year.]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100513172827/http://largsalive.com/ Largs Alive : What's on guide for events, food and drink in Largs]
*[http://www.largs.org largs.org : Largs Community Website]
*[http://www.largsthistle.co.uk Largs Thistle Football Club]
*[http://www.largsonline.co.uk LargsOnline.co.uk - The Most Comprehensive Guide to Largs, Ayrshire, Scotland]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070222232056/http://www.naleisure.co.uk/default.aspx?pageID=50 Vikingar]
*[http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/properties_sites_detail.htm?propertyID=PL_194 Largs Old Kirk/Skelmorlie Aisle]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20061018030459/http://fp.ayrshireroots.plus.com/Towns/Largs/Skelmorlie%20Aisle/Skelmorlie%20Aisle.htm Skelmorlie Aisle]
*[http://www.rnli.org.uk/largs Largs Lifeboat]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070927213021/http://www.scrol.gov.uk/scrol/browser/profile.jsp?profile=Population&mainLevel=Locality&mainText=Largs&mainTextExplicitMatch=false&compLevel=CountryProfile&compArea=Scotland&compText=&compTextExplicitMatch=null 2001 census]

==External links==
{{oscoor gbx|NS 20342 59281}}
{{Commons category|Largs}}
*[https://www.myvoyagescotland.com/things-to-do-hotels-largs Largs Tourism Guide]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqq1o0GadKk Video and commentary on the 'Pencil' monument near Largs]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR2HG-WK9zk Video and commentary on the Battle of Largs 1]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R489pQYSIP4 Video and commentary on Haco's Standing Stone]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7zs0XsCA4g Video and commentary on the 'Three Sisters']
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvhniDAAzI4 Video and commentary on the Haylie Chambered Cairn]

{{North Ayrshire}}
{{Portal bar|Scotland}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Largs}}
[[Category:Largs| ]]
[[Category:Ports and harbours of Scotland]]
[[Category:Seaside resorts in Scotland]]
[[Category:Towns in North Ayrshire]]
[[Category:Firth of Clyde]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Scotland]]