Largs

Infobox UK place | gaelic_name = An Leargaidh Ghallda [Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba ~ Gaelic Place-names of Scotland] | official_name = Largs | type = Town | static_image_name = DPP 00226.JPG | static_image_caption = Part of Largs seafront showing part of the town centre of Largs | static_image_width = 260px | population = | population_ref = () | unitary_scotland = North Ayrshire | lieutenancy_scotland = Ayrshire and Arran | constituency_westminster = North Ayrshire and Arran | constituency_scottish_parliament = Cunninghame North | country = Scotland | coordinates = | os_grid_reference = NS203592 | map_type = | post_town = LARGS | postcode_district = KA30 | postcode_area = KA | dial_code = 01475 | edinburgh_distance_mi = 66 | london_distance_mi = 354 | website = Largs (An Leargaidh Ghallda) is a town on the Firth of Clyde in North Ayrshire, Scotland, about from Glasgow. The original name means "the slopes" (An Leargaidh) in Scottish Gaelic. A popular seaside resort with a pier, the town markets itself on its historic links with the Vikings and an annual festival is held each year in early September. In 1263 it was the site of the Battle of Largs between the Norwegian and the Scottish armies. The National Mòd has also been held here in the past. There is evidence of human activity in the vicinity of Largs which can be dated to the Neolithic era. The Haylie Chambered Tomb in Douglas Park dates from c. 3000 BC. Largs evolved from the estates of North Cunninghame over which the Montgomeries of Skelmorlie became temporal lords in the seventeenth century. Sir Robert Montgomerie built Skelmorlie Aisle in the ancient kirk of Largs in 1636 as a family mausoleum. Today the monument is all that remains of the old kirk. From its beginnings as a small village around its kirk, Largs evolved into a busy and popular seaside resort in the nineteenth century. Large hotels appeared and the pier was constructed in 1834. It was not until 1895, however, that the railway made the connection to Largs, sealing the town's popularity.