A LARGS entrepreneur has lamented his worst summer of trading in 40 YEARS.

Quilly Clark says a holiday season blighted by poor weather, travel disruption and a cost of living crisis has left him and others counting the cost of another tough year after two blighted by the pandemic.

Mr Clark, who has run the children's rides on Largs seafront for four decades, says only a late burst of good weather and a bumper festival season can save the day.

He said: "It is definitely the poorest year we have ever, everything has gone against us.

"I have never seen weather like this - April, May and June have all been bad months and some weekends the rain and wind was so heavy we've had to close.

"Before last weekend, the last good one we had was the Jubilee Weekend, and the last time before that was Mother's Day. The bank holidays have been pretty awful

"We have actually had to close our rides for 18 days in April, 19 days in May and 20 days in June.

"We have got to hope for an Indian summer.

"The cost of living has not been helping, while the train problems have also been a factor with strikes. The fact you couldn't get a train out of Largs after 8pm either had an impact."

Other businesses have also been left counting the cost.

Brian Lennon, owner of The Great Outdoors Shop, said: "The cost of living has crippled us - a day out at the seaside is no longer an option for some people as it is expensive.

"Inflation is having an effect and fuel prices going up mean day-trippers don't want to travel.

"The cost of living has had a colossal impact, especially the demographic who come to this town.

"If you are on a pension, and it is £20 up and £20 down to Largs, then a £10 for a fish supper, before you know it you are £50 down to come from Glasgow to sit at the shore for two hours - and the frustrating thing is there's nothing we can do about it."

Toni Dawson, owner of Geraldos, says they are looking at various initiatives to boost business.

The gift shop has looked to diversify to ship across the UK, as well as offering free gin, whisky or rum tastings every weekend throughout summer.

Toni said: "We really need the sunshine to come - and continue."

Les Ward, owner of Wards at Largs, told the News that he hopes that the upcoming viking and country music festivals 'can turn the tide'.

As reported last week, the country music festival in Millport have slashed ticket prices for next month's event in the hope of attracting bigger crowds.