The Red Sandstone Building today

The same view as it was in the early 1980s.

The current red stone building was built around 1892. In the 1850s next door to the Anchor was Jenny Hume tobacconist, now Largos. Then the Golden Grill, now The Viking Chip Shop. Last of all McPhaydens and Frasers shoe shop, now Subway's.

Directly behind the Red Sand Stone building where Subway is today is Gallow Hill. Its a large artifical mount measuring 75ft by 27th and 15ft high. This ancient feature has been largely forgotten as it is now overgrown and is not easily assesible today.

There has been much speculation over the years as to its purpose with many convinced that this was the burial place of the Norsemen killed in the Battle of Largs (in 1263). As it is located near the old Largs grave yard and church it corroborates the Norwegian account of their dead having been interred at or near a church

Other theories over the years was that it was used for executions which ties in with the name Gallow Hill. Its now understood that the site is a Norman Motte dating from the late 12th to early 13th centuray. In medieval times a Motte would also be used by lord or chiefs to administer justice It was probably built by Roland De Calchou. He married Eva Morville in 1195 who had strong family links to the Largs and surrounding areas. The De Calchou name later became the Kelsos.

Human bones were found when the owner of the ground dug into it when building an outhouse. It was partly excavated in 1873 by Dr J S Phene. He found burnt clay, oak charcoal, bright green flakes, supposed to be of copper or bronze, probably 'remnants of armour', and some substances said to be bones. Human teeth were also found.

In this photo of Largs you can make out the circular shape of Gallow Hill at the bottom middle section of the photo.

The Cullis Amusements.

The old Eglinton Hotel and later the Temperance Hotel.

On the site where Cullis Amusements is today was the Eglinton Arms built around 1821. By 1890 it was taken over by the Temperance movement and renamed the Temperance Hotel.

The temperance movement in Scotland began in earnest around 1830 inspired by the prohibition movement of the United States. Originally it focussed on reducing consumption of strong spirits. Many temperance Hotels like the Eglington did not sell alcohol. Some held this policy right well into the 1950s. The hayday of the temperance movement in Largs was between 1850 and the early 1900s and lets hope it never returns.

On the ground floor to the left was the Fraser and Barrs Medical Hall with Bryce Barr the dentist on the right. The building later became Ross' Tea Room and Dairy. It housed Brownlie's Chemist, The Golden Grill restaurant and take away and was also a Wimpy Bar Restaurant for a time.

Sadly this lovely old building was demolished replaced with today’s building with Cullis and flats above.

The building which now holds the Three Reasons Pub and the Wee Plaice Chippy was originally the site of the The Eagle Inn built prior to 1820.

By 1825 it was the Weavers Arms and by 1912 it was called Macs Old Pier Vaults.

In 1926 this building was replaced by todays building which in its time has been the Playland Amusements, The Macari Tea Rooms, in the 1990s Papa Luigis restaurant , Antonios Fish and Chips (now the Wee Plaice), by 1994 Chatters Restaurant , Nardini's Brasserie in 1995), Charlie Smiths Pub by 1996 and finally today very popular The Three Reasons.

Number 8 Gallowgate Street which is where Ladbrokes is located is one of the oldest buildings in Gallowgate Street along with The Anchor and the number 2 building on the right hand side where the Clydesdale bank is located.

Built around 1835 it used to be The Earl of Glasgow Arms Pub. In 1912 Baxtors confectioner, then McPhersons & Co Tobacconists and Patons butchers. Later Blazes Bargain Centre (1991) and from 1995 Ladbrokes.

A nice photo taken in the 1940's showing the old Temperance Hotel now Ross's tea room with the Macari tea room next door.

Gallowgate 1870