More than 5,000 people flocked to Cumbrae for the first Millport Emergency Services Day in three years.

The popular open day last ran in 2020, with the pandemic and the Queen’s death forcing its cancellation in recent years.

The event welcomed emergency services from across the country for an afternoon of fun, recruitment and vital information.

Organiser Stevie Muir believes the glorious weekend weather played a big part in the huge turnout on Sunday, September 3.

He said: “The whole day went really well, and it was our first year where it didn’t rain which was a huge bonus.

“I’m not sure of the exact number of people that turned up but we estimated it was in the region of 5,000-6,000.

“We had a great turnout from the emergency services with five fire appliances, police cars, armed response officers, ambulances and the coastguard among others.

“There were events on for the Largs Viking Festival on the other side of the Garrison, and I think the weather played a huge part too.”

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

Stevie says the day was a hit with all ages, and admits the fallout parade at the end of the day was a special moment.

He said: “I have to say a massive thank you to all the services who attended, who each brought their own activities with them.

“The ambulance crews had kids doing CPR training, the coastguard had their throw lines out and the fire service were showing youngsters around the engine.

“However the thing they loved most was the sirens and putting the blue lights on, which is not something the kids get to do every day.

“The highlight was the parade at the end of the day, where all the vehicles travel up and down the front with their lights and sirens on.

“It certainly proved popular and the streets were lined with people cheering us on and showing their appreciation.”

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

Stevie hopes to make the day even bigger and better next year, and plans to get to work early to secure a showstopping addition.

He added: “I’m in discussions with a guy from Glasgow who has a whole load of different vehicles that he rents out for filming.

“This includes a lot of American vehicles such as a secret service four by four, which is just so rare in this country.

“If I can get either the coastguard helicopter or RNLI lifeboat confirmed for next year, you’d see a massive difference in terms of the numbers coming over.”