Photos from memory walk for Largs Dementia Friendly group

Barrfields Park was the venue for the event, with participants shrugging aside the poor weather to complete laps of the football pitch.

The Largs BB Pipe Band led the way, supported by music and entertainment form Scott Douglas and Tom Stewart and friends, as participants completed up to 10 laps of the playing surface.

The inaugural event also included tributes to two of the town's community heroes - local runner and Largs Fun Run co-ordinator Peter Grant, who died last month, and first responder David MacDonald, who passed away last year.

Robbie Stevenson, chair of the Largs Dementia Friendly Group, said: "The event was a great success, and special thanks to the families of the late Davy Macdonald and Peter Grant for taking part.

"The event got off to a warm up in Tai Chi by Lorna McClean before the local fire and rescue crew sounded the fire engine horn to start the walk.

Tai-Chi (Image: Gerry Begley)

"Thanks to all the individuals and groups that took part, with over £1,600 being raised both at the event and via on-line donations.

"The tombola was a huge success and our thanks to all the local businesses who donated wonderful prizes."

The Largs Walking Football team also had a competitive kickabout on the day.

Memory Walk including walking football match (Image: Gerry Begley)

Planning is now under way for the next memory walk in 2024 - which may occur earlier in the year when the weather could be more favourable 

People had the opportunity to walk as few or as many laps as they could muster - with ten laps working out at 2.5 miles, which took around an hour.

On the day there were also electric rickshaw rides, stalls run by various local groups, entertainment including live music and magicians, and a food and drink kiosk.

Participants were also asked to wear purple if possible.

Robbie added: "Our first Memory Walk helped celebrate the lives of David and Peter as well as people still living with dementia, and it was a happy occasion with family fun events throughout the day."

Those in attendance included the Largs First Responders, Scottish Fire and Rescue, and the North Coast and Cumbrae's Men's Shed.

Robbie Stevenson and his daughter Holly Baillie (Image: Newsquest)

Largs Dementia Friendly also thanked Largs Thistle FC for their kind use of Barrfields Park.

Also in attendance was Councillor Todd Ferguson.

He told the News: "I was absolutely delighted to attend the recent inaugural Memory Walk held at Barrfields.

"It was a brilliant community event, held in great spirits with smiles abounding. The warmth and generosity of local people managed to brighten up the inclement weather.

"Extra special thanks go to Robbie Stevenson from Largs Dementia Friendly Group for making it happen, the volunteers, the entertainment, and last bit by no means least to the family and friends of the late Davy Macdonald and Peter Grant both of whole who were in the memories of many of those who were taking part in the walk.

Let’s make sure that the 2024 event is even bigger!

For more details, visit www.dementialargs.co.uk/memorywalk

Thanks to Gerry Begley and the Largs Dementia Group for the photographs.