A HISTORIC organisation that has existed in Largs for over 150 years has been closed down.

The decision was taken to call time on the Largs Agricultural Society by committee members this week.

It marks the end of the popular annual show at Ardgowan Policies, which dates as far back locally as 1842.

Past president John Menzies, 75, told the News it was a tough decision to make, but ultimately the right one.

He said: "One of the problems we had was that our membership had dwindled and there was a lack of new young farmers in the area.

"Our committee was down to ten members and the show itself has been cancelled the last couple of years due to Covid, which hasn't helped.

"We thought it was probably the best time to make the decision and call a halt."

John paid tribute for all the volunteers and helpers who have made played their part in the agricultural society over the years.

He added: "We just don't have the farmers in the area like we used to.

"The Young Farmers' Society ceased a while back due to the lack of members and now we have two or three youngsters while the rest of us are 60 and over.

"We moved the show to Ardgowan Policies from a field at Skelmorlie Castle in the 1970s during my first turn as president and it has been very successful.

"It is sad to bring the curtain down, but it is a sign of the times.

"The Largs Agricultural Society has had to overcome some dark times including the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in the early 2000s. Rules and regulations behind running shows are far more strict nowadays while insurance has also become more expensive.

"It just wasn't practical any longer."

John, whose family have been involved in farming for many generations, added: "There used to be a lot of fundraisers in the area for us, but they just faded away.

"We used to have police , business club, golf club and Largs Thistle dances in the area which used to help, but without all of that, we just can't go on."

The sheepdog trials look set to continue with a select group who have run the annual show vowing to keep that alive.

It is believed that the agricultural show has existed in the district as far back as 1842, when the first Largs Horticultural Show was held, linking up with the already existing agricultural show to host a joint event in the town.