The
word 'Largs' probably derives from the Gaelic word 'learg' meaning a grassy
slope. There has been activity in the area dating back to the Neolithic
era and the Burial Chamber in Douglas Park dates from around 3000BC. The
remains of the vitrified fort on Knock Hill date to the Iron Age or around
500BC. There is also evidence of the Romans in Largs with Roman Baths
unearthed in 1820.
Largs was a centre for handloom weaving and fishing with over 50 boats.
It grew as a seaside resort with visitors arriving by steamboat prior
to the railway being extended from Fairlie in 1885. In fact the first
summer visitors to Largs were the Reids who in 1782 traveled from Glasgow
by various means including farm carts taking 2 days to arrive.
Fairlie was an important sheltered harbour as far back as the 16th Century
used by fishing boats and merchant ships. Fairlie
Castle part way up the Fairlie Glen was built in 1521 and was the seat
of the Fairlies until the 18th Century. The town began to grow with the
coming of the railway in 1880. A station at Fairlie pier opened the way
for boat trains from Kilmarnock and Glasgow bringing tourists to meet
the cruise ships to Arran and Cumbrae. The station is no longer operational
although the main Fairlie station is still active on the line to Largs.
Fairlie was famous for its yachts produced by four generations of the
Fife family. Famous racing yachts include the Marquess of Ailsa's Bloodhound
(winner of the 1909 Prince of Wales Cup). The yard closed in 1980.
The Pencil monument
at Largs commemorates the Battle
of Largs where the Scots repelled the troops of King Haco of Norway in
1263. This was the culmination of a series of raids on the West Coast
of Scotland in an attempt to recapture land the Vikings had lost in their
battle against Alexander III. In 1263 a fleet of 160 long ships approached
Largs only to be caught in a storm and attacked by the Scots on the shore
at Largs. Although not a major battle it was the beginning of the end
of Viking domination. The Pencil was built in 1912 and can be seen from
miles around Largs. For more information on the Vikings in Scotland visit
the