Largs' station history

Inshore lifeboat station established in May with a D class lifeboat.

Committee of Management decided to award Framed Letters of Thanks signed by the Institution's Chairman to Helmsman John H Harrison and crew members Robert Watson and John Mackie for their services to a Drilling Rig (Pontoon) in difficulties off Hunterston Sands on 18 March.

An Atlantic 17 class lifeboat sent to station.

The Atlantic 17 and D class lifeboat withdrawn and replaced by an Atlantic 21 lifeboat as the station boat.

Silver Medal was awarded to crew member Arthur Hill in recognition of his courage, determination and cool assessment of a difficult situation when he entered the water from the lifeboat Independent Forester Liberty on 24 July 1983 and ducked down about three feet to get under the cabin top of an upturned boat to rescue a young girl trapped forward in a small air-pocket. Helmsman John Strachan was accorded the Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum for his leadership and judgement. The Ma ud Smith Award for the most outstanding act of lifesaving by a life-boatman during 1983 was awarded to Arthur Hill for this service.

The boathouse was of insufficient size to accommodate an Atlantic 75 class lifeboat and launching vehicle and hence the construction of a larger boathouse was proposed. Facilities include housing for the lifeboat and launching vehicle, workshop, oil and petrol stores. This was completed in February.

A new B class, Atlantic 85 lifeboat, B-854 R A Wilson was placed on service on 6 November. This lifeboat was funded by The Toby Charitable Trust, which was created by deed granted by Robert Amory Wilson.