When HRH Princess Anne visited Millport Marine Station 20 years ago

Princess Royal HRH, the Princess Royal, in her capacity as Chancellor of the University of London, carried out the special ceremony at the University Marine Biological Station, and praised the good work of the centre in its scientific field.

Royal inspection of vessel launch at Marine Station (Image: Newsquest)

A large group of Cumbrae schoolchildren clapped and cheered as the Princess Royal arrived at the Marine Centre after being given a police escort from her helicopter landing at West Bay.

MP Brian Wilson, MSP Allan Wilson and council dignitries, and officials from the centre and the University of Glasgow greeted Princess Anne as she spent 20-30 minutes examining the vessel.

The welcoming party included Mrs Jane Evans of Largs, Deputy Lord Lieutenant, and Major Christopher Evans, Professor Graham Zellic, the Principal of the University of Glasgow and Dr Rupert Ormond, Director of the Millport station.

Princess Anne receives a bouquet of flowers from Max and Christie Fraser, children of Duncan Fraser, engineer of the RV Aora (Image: Newsquest)

The Princess then visited the Hyperbaric Chamber and was shown around by Dr Phil Smith, member of Millport-based academic staff and diving officer, Mr Phil Lonsdale, and other members of the chamber team.

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Front page 2003 (Image: Newsquest)

Will Largs be bowled over by the new Atlantis Amusements ten-pin alley? The town had been waiting for the bowling alley project to come to fruition for a number of years, but with licensing and planning now in place, the management were hopeful that 2003 would at last see the grand opening of the ten-pin facility, restaurant, and fast food cafe. Global Gaming Corporation director Danny Taylor spoke to the ‘News’ and said that he hoped the development would begin construction. The work is expected to be completed before the end of the busy summer season to capitalise on the tourist trade. The new leisure development was described by Mr Taylor as the ’biggest investment in Largs outside Safeway’ in financial terms, and would involve some of the highest quality and long-lasting equipment available.

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Cumbrae Queen with Cllr Alan Hill carrying out presentation (Image: Newsquest)

The rain kept off just long enough for locals and visitors to enjoy the Cumbrae Queen Gala. The day started on a colourful note as the Queen’s parade wound its way from West Bay Park along the ‘front’ to Kames Bay. The parade was led by Millport Pipe Band, followed by Cumbrae Queen Elect - 10 year old Rachael Ranson Dowdalls in a beautiful coach. Rachael was accompanied by page boys Mark Tempini and Joe Cameron. Following Rachael were her maids of honour, all nine of her classmates.

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2003 big show transported the audiences to wartime Glasgow (Image: Newsquest)

Barrfields was transported back in time to a period of air raids, blackouts and food rationing, thanks to the Largs Players, who yet again excelled in their 2003 production 'Paras Over the Barras'.

Ian Somervile and Laura McAlees played the leads in the gritty and realistic portrayal of 1940s Glasgow as the anguish of loved ones going out to fight in the forces was re-lived.

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Largs Academy 2003 (Image: Newsquest)

Largs Academy pupils raised an incredible £4000 for Water Aid, the charity supported by Largs Rotary. Mr Neil Fraser of the local Rotary, and Headmaster George Maxwell pictured centre (back row) with pupils who carried out a sponsored silent read, and walk.

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Largs United (Image: Largs United)

Largs United were narrowly beaten by Ayrshire champions Knockentiber in the final of the NAC James Scott Cup. Pictured, back row, from left to right, Derek Scott, trainer; Billy Hibberd, assistant manager, Paul Fletcher, Damian Glancy, Ian McKenzie (committee), Dougie Colville (player-manager), John Auld, Andy Williamson, Paul Collins, Kenny Armstrong, John Macinnes, secretary, Colin Thomson; Front, from left, Hugh McDonald, Andy Scott, Andy Braxton, Euan Barr, Paul Carson and David Sanderson.