A garden centre has thanked its loyal customers after it was able to step in at the 11th hour with a plant display to spruce up Largs in time for the Viking Festival tomorrow (August 31).

The Rowan Tree Garden Centre, in Ardrossan, run by David Castelvecchi and partner Abbie, stepped in after an appeal by Wendy Low Thomson of the Largs Community Development Trust.

The couple also own Haylie Stores in Irvine Road in Largs.

In a Facebook post, Abbie said: "A couple of days ago, Wendy Low Thomson, from the Largs Community Development Trust and Green Futures, contacted us to ask for help.

"Two planters had been placed in the flower bed next to The Blue Lagoon. Wendy explained they were hoping to have the planters filled before the start of The Viking Festival but the budget was tight.

"We were only to pleased to help and so have donated the plants/compost and planted the planters free of charge

"Thank you to all our loyal customers, it's because of your support we are able to help out with these projects. Shopping local makes a difference!"

Night time operation: David Castelvecchi helping out at the planter Night time operation: David Castelvecchi helping out at the planter (Image: Rowan Tree)

Wendy Low Thomson said: "It is an absolutely amazing gesture. We have a long term plan and want to make it a feature garden and we are looking at standing stones.

"I spoke to Eric Head at the council yard and asked if we could get any planters and they managed to put two in before yesterday. I was chatting to Abbie and she and David offered to plant them up.  

"It does indeed show you the value of community spirit. 

"It is absolutely appreciated and we could not have done it without them. We managed to put some lavenders down too, and it really looks good

"It is great that the Haylie Stores and Rowan Tree Garden Centre have got involved to help and we would like to thank them very much for all their help, as well as Eric at North Ayrshire Council."

This year's full Viking Festival schedule  includes a larger Viking Village, the return of the Håkon Håkonsson lecture, and the spectacular Festival of Fire.