In this week's delve into the archives, we head back to the 1950s when Largs used to have an illuminations display every year put on by the town council.

The photo above shows Alex McGregor when he was the head illuminations engineer for GEC and had been commissioned by Largs Town Council to illuminate the municipal building gardens and Mackerston fountain.

The below photo shows the illuminations display of the town from Largs seafront with local buildings along the seafront all lit up in the 1960s.

(Image: Newsquest)

 Lights were shaped like snowdrops, while there were illuminations of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves which had to be found in trees and bushes between Aubery and the Pencil.

The illuminations show was an annual event going as far back as 1933, just five years after many buildings in the town got electricity.

A considerable crowd attended Gallowgate Square in 1928 to see history in the making as electricity arrived in Largs for the first time.

In the evening, many of the Main Street shops made use of the current for the first time, and decorative schemes were also in evidence in honour of the occasion.

The old town council offices in Largs in Gallowgate SquareThe old town council offices in Largs in Gallowgate Square (Image: Newsquest)

On Saturday November 17 1928, the formal launch took place as the switching on of the electric fairy lamps which decorated the vicinity of the Municipal Chambers took place.

Mrs McPhaden, wife of the Provost, formally switched on the current at 3pm, and it was immediately available throughout the town.

In the illuminations night in 1933, the steeples of St Columba's Parish Church and the Clark Memorial were illuminated with a battery of high power lamps, while Barrfields Pavilion and Routenburn Golf clubhouse were also floodlit, besides some of the hotels and other buildings on the front.'

An attractive scheme was in operation at the Noddle Burn Walk, which was transformed into a fairy glen with garlands of fairy-lamps in the trees, and illuminated "birds" perched on the branches.

Mandie said: "It would be wonderful if anyone had photos of the places illuminated with said lighting from illumination displays held in the town over the years."
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Largs Railway Station was decorated for the Queen Elizabeth II's arrival in 1958 as crowds amassed for the big day. 

Largs also put on a decorative fanfare for the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II in town in 1958 with the red carpet rolled out as she departed after visiting Moorburn Chambers and Cairnie's Quay then opened Inverclyde Sports Centre. (Image: Newsquest)

And keeping on the 1950s theme, what a way to see out the decade for Largs Thistle with a trophy win as the 1959 Ayrshire Cup winning team were pictured showing off the trophy in Main Street.

(Image: Newsquest)