Brisbane in Australia is gearing up to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032 - and the city wants to bolster its historical links with Largs to put Sir Thomas Brisbane's home town in the spotlight when the city hosts the global sporting spectacle.
Delegates from down under have visited Largs over recent days, sending an open letter to the heads of North Ayrshire Council to explain and share their vision, which they hope can strengthen the ties between the towns.
Brisbane, Australia, is named after decorated Largs soldier, benefactor, and astronomer Sir Thomas Brisbane, who was born and died in the town (1773-1860).
As well as building a school, and a sanitation system to prevent the spread of cholera in Largs, Sir Thomas' legacy includes the cataloguing of more than 7,000 stars in the southern hemisphere, and he has a planetarium named after him in Brisbane.
Having studied mathematics and astronomy at the University of Edinburgh, Sir Thomas joined the British Army in 1789, enjoying a distinguished career in Flanders, the West Indies, Spain and North America. Indeed, such was the impression he made that it was the Duke of Wellington himself who made the recommendation that Sir Thomas serve in Australia in 1821 to 1825 as governor.
His historical legacy was preserved in the town for many years through the Brisbane Queen Festival - while the relics of the original Brisbane Observatory still exist in the town - and it is hoped that with the coming Olympics, with Brisbane set to be in the global spotlight, its Scottish link with Largs can also be celebrated on the big day.
David Muir, chair of the Clem Jones Trust, visited Largs Museum, last week, and said it was a highly exciting prospect.
He said: "There is a tremendous scope for strengthening the links.
"We believe the act that Brisbane will host the 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games presents what is literally a once in a lifetime opportunity not only to reinvigorate those links, but to capitaise on the exposure that will be given to Brisbane.
"Largs, where the very name of City of Brisbane, originated, has the opportunity to share in that exposure.
"It should be noted that the day on which the 2032 Olympics is scheduled to open - July 23 - on Sir Thomas's Birthday.
"It is imperative that Largs as both his birthplace and where he is buried should leverage some exposure from the Games to advantage its local economy, its citizens and its future.
"We have already conveyed to Brisbane's Lord Mayor, Cr Adrian Schrinner, the need for Largs and its many connections to Brisbane to be factored in to promotional and awareness efforts in the lead up to and during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"We will also making similar representations to The Queensland State Government, Australia's federal government, The Australian Olympics Committee, Paralympics Australia, and the Nine Entertainment Television Network as host broadcaster.
"The potential economic and social benefits likely to flow to Brisbane from its role as host city have already been quantified.
"There is no reason Largs should not also secure economic spin offs from its direct historical links with Brisbane.
"As the birthplace of Sir Thomas Brisbane, and given his colourful career as solider, astronomer, and Governor of New South Wales, Largs has a strong and interesting history to tell the world."
Independent councillor Ian Murdoch is behind the move - and is urging North Ayrshire Council to put its weight behind the global opportunity.
He said: "It is about time this town - and the council - started shouting about this. It is a massive opportunity for Largs - and we need to grab it with both hands.
"The city of Brisbane has a massive connection to Largs - and it is incredible the coincidence that the opening day of the Olympics is taking place on the birthday of Sir Thomas Brisbane and we really need to make the most of this going forward."
Proposals are already in place for a heritage trail throughout the town to pinpoint landmarks associated with Sir Thomas Brisbane, while hopes of promoting education links in schools given maths, history and science all play a part in Sir Thomas's legacy, are set to be explored.
Watch David's speech at Largs Musuem below:
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