LARGS Museum has dusted down the archives and found details about the original handing over of the title deeds to the building.

The museum and Largs and District Historical Society, formed in 1967, had its 54th AGM recently.

The museum building in Kirkgate Close, in the access between The George Bar and The Great Outdoors shop in Main Street, is at the beating heart of the town.

It was purchased in 1967 by Alex Simpson, who was managing director of the Largs and Millport Weekly News. He showed great foresight to acquire two weavers cottages in Manse Court to house his growing collection of photographs and local artefacts.

Largs Museum title deeds were passed over in 1974Largs Museum title deeds were passed over in 1974 (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for Largs and District Historical Society said: "That's just over half a century our wee museum, and society has been in existence.

"This little excerpt from the local paper of October 1974 is a small historical reminder of its early days.

'Alex Simpson, the founder and president of Largs and District Historical Society handed over the title-deeds of the Museum at 2 Manse Court to Miss Mary Hall, joint vice president. Mrs Jean Mensing, secretary, was also present. Mr Simpson bought the building some 10 years ago and it has been used as a museum since the formation of the society in 1967. In addition to gifting the building, Mr Simpson has given £1000 towards the cost of its maintenance. The handing-over of the title deeds took place on Mr Simpson's 99th birthday on 12 September at his home, Woodbank, Greenock Road.'

Mr Simpson was passionate about the history of the area.

He recalled that he was 10 years of age when he travelled on the first train from Largs back in 1885. Beforehand, the only means of communication to the outside world was the steamer or over rough cart roads.

The Wee Paper owned its origin to the enterprise of Alexander's grandfather who came from West Kilbride to Largs and set up a stationary shop in Main Street.

When his grandfather died, his grandmother Janet Paterson, who came from Millport, took over the business along with his father Robert, who was at one time Largs Procurator Fiscal.

And 146 years ago, his father founded the Largs and Millport News.

Alex Simpson retained a link with the 'News' until his death in 1977 at 101 as he remained a director of the Guthrie company.

He was an elder at St John's Church for 51 years, session clerk for 40 years, and choir member for 70 years.

Alexander became a member of the 1st Largs Boys Brigade company, and was captain for more than 30 years, serving as president of the North Ayrshire Battalion.

He also served as President of Largs Thistle Curling Club for 30 years, and at his home in Woodbank, he collected records of rainfall, wind and sunshine for over 40 years, meaning Largs was one of the few burghs to have such valuable records over a long period, and sent onwards to the MET office.

Alexander pioneered Largs Advertising Association before the last war, was a special constable during both wars, and was a founder member and secretary of Largs Business Club.

It was always his desire that a Largs Historical Society should be formed, and when premises in Manse Court were put on the market, he bought these to set up the museum.