HRH The Princess Royal is set to re-open the historic pier in the popular Ayrshire seaside town of Largs later this summer.

Princess Anne will perform the opening ceremony on Thursday 10th September following CMAL’s £6M project to safeguard the future of the pier, which was originally built in 1834.

The project, which started on site last October, will allow Largs pier to provide shelter to the slipway, and overnight berthing for both the MV Loch Shira and MV Loch Riddon, the ferries operating on the route to the Isle of Cumbrae, as well as provide improved facilities for local fishermen and other pier users.

The project was funded by CMAL with 75 percent of costs being met by the Scottish Government as part of its commitment to lifeline ferry services throughout Scotland.

Managing Director of CMAL, Guy Platten, said:”We are honoured that the Princess Royal has agreed to officially re-open Largs Pier, marking completion of this project which is vital in safeguarding the future of the pier and the part it plays in the long term economy of the town.”

Working together with consulting engineers, Arch Henderson, contractors George Leslie Ltd and ferry operators CalMac Ferries Ltd (CFL), CMAL set up a community forum with representatives of the Largs and Cumbrae communities to keep locals up to date as the project progressed along with a regular open information session at Largs Library and a public exhibition.

CMAL’s Director of Harbours and Piers, Lorna Spencer, said: “We are pleased that this essential project to guarantee the future of Largs Pier is now in its closing stages.  Community involvement has been crucial to the success of this development and we hope the residents of both Largs and Cumbrae will join with us at the opening ceremony to mark this special occasion.”

Notes to Editors

  • The contractor for CMAL’s £6M project to rebuild Largs Pier was George Leslie Ltd with Arch Henderson LLP as consulting engineers.
  • Further information on the opening ceremony will be available nearer the time with updates in the local press and with leaflets distributed throughout the town.
  • CMAL own property at piers and harbours at more than 24 locations throughout Scotland and are embarking on a programme of investment and improvements which will create better facilities.
  • In addition to its pier and harbour facilities CMAL owns 31 ferries which are leased to CalMac Ferries Ltd and Cowal Ferries Ltd. 
  • CMAL is a publicly owned company with Scottish Ministers as the sole shareholder.

For further information please contact Andrew Flockhart at CMAL on 01475-749933 or email andrew.flockhart@cmassets.co.uk