Drew Cochrane on the worth of trishaws in Largs and Millport

The pedal-powered three wheeled cycles, with comfortable seating for passengers, can be seen rolling along our seaside promenades under the banner of the relatively new national charity, Cycling Without Age.

The Largs & District Dementia Friendly Committee, of which I am a member, invited the Largs Trishaw along to the recent Memory Walk event at Barrfields Park to promote the free service, which has been a particular boon for the residents of local care homes since it started in April.

Cumbrae now has three of the vehicles thanks to grants and fund-raising. For some unknown reason North Ayrshire Council rejected a grant application from what is called the Largs Chapter to purchase a second one. They cost in the region of £5,000.

Gordon Black gives a Trishaw ride at the recent Largs Memory Walk. (Image: Drew Cochrane)

I tracked down the Captain of the Largs service, Gordon Black (pictured above, giving a Trishaw ride at the Memory Walk), to Toronto, where he is on holiday for a month, but his trusty lieutenants Bill Fiskin, Ian McGachy, Steve Downie and Eddie Woods are carrying on the good work in the town.

In the month of June the Trishaw did 40 jaunts alone from Hutton Park Home on the seafront, but Burnlea Home and private individuals have also taken advantage of the free rides with the slogan of 'Wind In Your Hair'.

Gordon (71), whose former hydro-electric company created a small sub-station for the Kelburn estate, joined when he saw that Cycling Without Age were looking for volunteer pilots.

"We're looking for more volunteers and the training is dead simple with practice runs and safety awareness," he said.

"We usually ride along the prom as far as the marina where we stop for a coffee.

"People are astounded that it's free and recently we took an elderly gentleman out on his 91st birthday. 

"It's great for those with mobility issues. Millport has a Trishaw that can take a wheelchair."

The not-for-profit global initiative started in Scandinavia and is the modern version of the rickshaw, which was created in the 19th century when it was pulled by a human being. 

In the 1930s the pedal cycle version took over, and was especially popular in south and east Asia. It is now the most popular mode of transport in Bangladesh, with Dhaka as the rickshaw capital of the world.

The idea ticked all the boxes for the Scottish Government who have appointed staff to oversee the growth of the project, with local authorities encouraged to support it. 

The Largs Trishaw normally has a pick-up point at Vikingar!, where it is stored, and, naturally, doesn't venture on to the main roads. 

Like most bikes, they have a bell. I'm told that the most popular one is the 'Polka Dot Ding Dong', but the local one sounds more like Avon Calling!

Should you fancy becoming a Trishaw pilot, feel free to contact local administrator Jenny Barry on 07300 483 229. Ding, ding.

Thought for the Week: Advice for the election's winners and losers: Just because I disagree with you does not mean I hate you. We need to re-learn that in our society.

Oscar the dog with his owner, Robert. (Image: Drew Cochrane)

Speaking of the local Dementia Friendly Memory Walk, I can report that we raised over a thousand pounds for the Alzheimer's Society and the community work that has produced colour brochures, help tubs, entertainment at local homes, Football Memory sessions and amazing walking, talking cats and dogs!

The Largs committee has been buying and providing the mechanical fluffy pets like the one pictured here for dog-loving Robert.

Melissa Renton who helps the group reports that Oscar the dog has had a positive impact and been "an amazing hit" with the family.

Robert has really taken to his new pal and his wife Carol says that they interact well. A moving story....literally.