The Brisbane Glen runs more than 7 miles inland from the town of Largs on the coast. It is accessible by Brisbane Glen Road, a minor road, and offers some of the world’s densest population of birds. Great care is taken to preserve this habitat and the entire Glen, outside of Largs, is enclosed. A car park, picnic area, and both moorland and woodland trails are available to people visiting the Glen.

Thomas Brisbane also left another mark in the Largs area that is honored by a monument. The Three Sisters monument was built in honor of Sir Thomas Brisbane for the work he did in the observatory he built in 1808 at Brisbane House. Standing on Green Hill, near the north end of Largs, The Three Sisters are meridian pillars representing the astronomical observatory. There is also another smaller pillar located in the Brisbane Glen through which the 3 Sisters could be sighted.

Thomas Brisbane, while serving as Governor General of South Wales, made many great contributions to the Largs area, and to astronomical theories and information. The area around Largs, and the coastal ports, recognize these efforts by naming two distinct historical features after him.

Anyone who is visiting Scotland, and more specifically the Largs community, owes it to themselves to spend some time walking, and biking, along the trails of the Brisbane Glen. There you will see a great concentration of Grey Wagtail, Blackbirds, Wrens, and Wheatears, Great Spotted Woodpecker, among many other birds. While strolling through the various trails, you can also see brilliant fauna, waterfalls, and incredible canopies of mixed woodland. Visitors of Largs should also treat themselves to a stop at the Three Sisters monument for more of what Thomas Brisbane contributed to Largs.

Sometime in the 1980s, the Viking Festival of Largs was started as a small re-enactment and celebration of the Battle of Largs. The structure known as The Pencil, a monument, marking the battle is where the finale of the festival is held. After the re-enactment of the battle, there is the burning of the longship and fireworks display as the culmination to the festival. Gaining recognition throughout the world, the festival has grown considerably and continues to thrive. Each year a dedicated committee works to organize the many events and displays that the festival holds.

Just as the battle has a history, so does this wonderful festival. You can find many references to the Vikings in the village like names of various streets, and the arcade including the Vikings who stand outside the local Fish and Chips. A more serious commemoration is the Vikingar. This is an award winnging interactive exhibit brings the myths and tales of Vikings alive through storytellers, including the Hakon Hakonsson Lecture. In 1980, this lecture was originally started by Magnus Magnusson. The Vikingar itself is an interactive model where you can learn about Viking life, their skills, crafts and trades. The Village welcomes the opportunity to share this wonderful history with school groups by bringing the the Norway of 825AD to life.

Prof. Magnus Fladmark of Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen became the new director in 2008 following the death of Magnus Magnusson. During the festival there are numerous events and displays, including an opening parade and ceremony, skate competitions, fairs, and a continental food market. The festival provides great entertainment with some great history with the re-creation of the Battle of Largs in all its glory. If you are in the area, make plans to attend, it will be an adventure you won’t forget.