Summer boat trips were all the rage in 1969, and the trend doesn't seem to have changed, with hydrofoils speeding along Largs seafront these days.

The Silver Spray was pictured taking daytrippers out on a glorious trip on the Clyde Coast with the Queen Mary II steamer in the background in an iconic shot from the end of the swinging sixties.

Boat trips along seafront are a summer tradition going down the decades, and still very strong today, as this picture from Sunday showsBoat trips along seafront are a summer tradition going down the decades, and still very strong today, as this picture from Sunday shows (Image: Newsquest) The Brown family boat rental business has been a vital part of a colourful local seafront throughout the generations with rowing boats, motor boats, fishing expeditions on the Silver Spray and Silver Foam, and the Britannia speedboat.

And now with a hydrofoil, it is a welcome sight in Largs bay with the long standing pastime continuing in 2024.

Summer of 60: Silver Spray and Queen Mary II steamer on Largs seafrontSummer of 69: Silver Spray and Queen Mary II steamer on Largs seafront (Image: Newsquest)

Another popular photo was the Springfield Hotel which was celebrating the opening of its new cocktail lounge with an advert feature in the Largs and Millport Weekly News.

Springfield Hotel in 1969Springfield Hotel in 1969 (Image: Newsquest)

The article read: “As will be seen, it provides an informal atmosphere with a fishing theme. The adjoining lounge has been incorporated as part of the bar. Pictured at the new bar is Mr and Mrs Alan Coe, the manager and manageress.

“While the hotel is used on occasion to accommodate executive and technical people visiting Hunterston, it is a public hotel with ample accommodation for holidaymakers and others. There are 35 bedrooms."

Another business that was thriving at the end of the swinging sixties was The Minstrel Cafe which officially opened in the summer of 1969 and was run by the Castelvecchi family in Largs and was situated where the current Hallidays Chemist is now based.

(Image: Newsquest) Some girls from fourth year at Largs High School, see below, took part in a mannequin parade as part of their end of term activities. Left to right is Linda Goodwin, Diana Dreghorn, Iris Duncan, Denise McDermott, Marilyn Hamilton, front row: Helen McAuslane, Caro McKellar.

Fourth year pupils at Largs Academy show off the fashion of the dayFourth year pupils at Largs Academy show off the fashion of the day (Image: Newsquest) And the winners in the over seven class of the Brisbane Queen festival in the fancy dress parade were: 1 Jacqueline McMath, 2 Alison Cornish 3 Morag Skinner.

(Image: Newsquest)