Memory-making build for former Largs cinema

(Image: Historic Environment Scotland)

A historic Ayrshire cinema will be reimagined in Lego, and organisers want to hear locals’ memories. 

Historic Environment Scotland (HES), and their Big Lego Build’s project, are hosting an event, on February 9 and 10, for children and adults to rebuild Largs’ Viking Cinema. 

The iconic venue, known for its “flamboyant” design, occupied Gogoside Road until it closed its doors for the final time, in 1973. 

HES are giving participants the opportunity to work alongside master Lego builder Alistair Jerks, in the creation of the “minifigure scale” building, at Largs Library. 

Archival material, plans and drawings are being used to figure out the venue’s scale. However, little is known about the old interior design.

A spokesperson from HES, said: “We’d love for people with memories and stories about the Viking Cinema to pop in to share these during the event.”

“We’re also keen to hear from anyone in advance who might remember what the interior looked like – particularly the colour scheme inside – walls, flooring, ceiling, seats etc.” 

Organisers will have the unveiling of the final model display at Largs Library on February 28. 

The Viking, which boasted the prow of a vessel at its entrance, operated throughout the 1940s and 1970s giving guests a taste of the latest film technology. 

The cinema’s closure saw it become a bottling plant and distribution centre before the landmark’s demolition in 1984. 

Anyone interested in booking a one-hour session to take part in the model building can contact Largs Library on 01475 673309. 

Information on the cinema’s interior colour scheme can be passed to Fiona Davidson of HES by emailing fiona.davidon@hes.scot .