Largs Lifeboat launch from Yacht Haven during upgrade works

The lifeboat charity says building work at the station is expected to last eight weeks.

The RNLI says the new ramp will make it easier for their volunteers to launch and recover the lifeboat safely on callouts and during training exercises.

North Ayrshire Council approved an application for a new slipway after the RNLI said the condition of the current slipway made it unsuitable for use at low tides.

The current ramp is owned by the local authority but the new facility will be owned by the RNLI.

The current slipway faces directly towards Cumbrae, at 90 degrees to the lifeboat station, but the new ramp will face in a north-westerly direction.

RNLI slipway plan (Image: RNLI)

An RNLI spokesperson said: "The new slip will be owned entirely by the RNLI and construction has been timed in conjunction with the development of the new sea wall in Largs.

"Work began on June 3 and are expected to take eight weeks to complete.

"The existing slipway is to be closed for the duration of these works to ensure the safety of users.

"An alternative public slipway can be found at Largs Yacht Haven."

A short reinforced concrete structure with compacted stone infill is being built.

The RNLI submitted its planning application to NAC in October, and permission was granted the following month.

(Image: Newsquest)

Stuart Hannell, the lifeboat charity's regional estates manager for Scotland, stated in the application: "The condition of the slipway, and excessive marine growth presented a significant risk to the health and safety of the crew."

The works coincide with the 60th anniversary of the RNLI in Largs, and the 200th anniversary of the RNLI as a whole.

The current slipway was previously used as a seaplane base, under the operation of Prestwick-based Scottish Aviation Limited.

Iceland Airways, now Icelandair, flew its first four passengers following the war ending in 1945 to Largs seafront. (Image: Icelandair)

Built in 1942, it was used in the Second World War as a flying boat reception facility, as well as serving as an overflow for a larger marine airfield located in Greenock.

Visiting seaplanes were towed up the slipway and across the A78 on to what is now the Barrfields putting green, while the Barrfields Pavilion was requisitioned to provide workshops and administration facilities.

In 1945, following the end of the war, Iceland Airways flew four passengers into Largs on board one of their seaplanes.