A SECTION of Largs seafront faced an uncertain future after several local businesses were closed or put up for sale this week in 2012.

The harsh economic climate had forced the closure of the Victoria Hotel while the Viking Amusements had just gone up for sale and Albert’s Bar was unexpectedly vacated just weeks earlier.

Morris’s restaurant and steakhouse was another on the market, having been an ever present on the seafront for two decades.

Persistent rumours were circulating in the town that JD Wetherspoons were interested in moving into Largs, and were eyeing up the locations. The firm would of course later open The Paddle Steamer.

Largs Academy’s dux hit the catwalk in Milan and was singled out as one of ‘Scotland’s brightest hopes for supermodel stardom’.

Then 17-year-old Heather Mackay from Skelmorlie described herself as ‘scruffy, gangly and a beanpole’’, despite the plaudits.

She had appeared in a photo shoot for the United Colours of Benetton and posed for a range of photos which appeared on the firm's website.

Fairlie man Charlie Vassie was continuing calls for a traffic light crossing to the north of the village.

Charlie had campaigned for years to get the crossing and hoped Dawn Homes could facilitate it if their new housing development in the village went ahead.

Overton Church in West Kilbride went up for sale with a price tag of over £125,000. The traditional church building with bell tower, hall and meeting room was split over two levels.

Fun was the name of the game as Largs Library hosted a reading event for young children at the Allanpark Street facility, while Fairlie Primary was celebrating a Burns Supper.

Fire officers rushed to the scene of a Vauxhall Vivaro van which caught fire at the top of Charles Street amid dramatic scenes. The driver managed to escape unharmed.

Peter Bowyer, of Large Fire Brigade, said: “The van went on fire because of an electrical fault. The driver had turned the corner into Charles Street when it lost power and burst into flames. The van was a total loss and badly damaged.”

Members and guests of Largs Thistle Curling Club enjoyed a very enjoyable evening at their annual dinner. Guests representing Auchenames, Ardrossan Castle, Millport and Gourock Curling Clubs were also in attendance.

Largs Thistle turned in the best performance of the season to oust Kelty Hearts 2-1 and enter the quarter-final of the Emirates Junior Cup. The goals were scored by defenders Paul Coyle and Robbie Cochrane.

It was only the fifth time in the club’s history that they have managed such a feat.