The town of Dunoon, reconnected with its seaside past at the weekend with the public celebration of the re-opening of their iconic Victorian Pier. Originally constructed in 1835, the Pier was developed over the years to meet the growth of the paddle steamer traffic and the popularity of holiday’s “Doon the Watter.”
For most of the 20th Century the town was amongst a number of Clyde Coast resorts that attracted thousands of day trippers along with long stay holiday makers up to the late 1960’s. But as more people started taking up the option of the package holidays, it’s popularity waned and for Dunoon the town became associated as an operational base for the American navy and it’s submarines.
However, the subs are now long gone. And this iconic Clydeside landmark, which had undergone a £2.83 million pound revamp is set to become the new focal point for a new generation of holiday makers. And last week it was the setting for the town’s annual “Run and Ride” challenge, which according to the organisers was more than event than simply a road and bike race.
Athletes, fun runners and bike riders would be tested along a specially courses of 31 miles for the bike riders and just over 9 miles or the Runners, taking in the some of the area’s most popular and most scenic spots all starting from the walkway of the new look Victorian Pier.
As the Cyclists took their place at the starting line, the organisers must have breathed a collective sigh of relief as Mother Nature handed them some respite and the sun started to break through the clouds.
Along with the hundreds of spectators, Master of Ceremonies, Derek McIntyre sent the first group on their way along the pier flanked by a “Red and White” Guard of Honour in the shape of a group of former Butlins Redcoats who were to play their part in what was a full programme family entertainment programme throughout the day.
As the Cyclists took to the road, the Redcoat Guard of honour resumed positions as the Runners lined up or their race. The sun continued to break through the clouds as more people gathered on the Pier. Eventually the MC, backed with the sound of applause from spectators send the runners away for their race.
Now the visitors started to check out the rest of what was on offer on the Pier. Inside one of the revamped Pier buildings was a selection of food and merchandise stalls as well as a live broadcast from Dunoon Community Radio, upstairs visitors could get the chance to check out rest of the picture post card settings and the striking seaside views. For the Redcoats, it was time to take to the stage.
These group of Redcoats, originally started out working at the various Butlins camps around the UK throughout the much loved “Hi De Hi” era. And even though they had officially hung up their Red Blazers years ago, they, like many other Redcoats around the UK recreated their uniforms to participate or perform in the various reunions around the UK.
This group of ex Redcoats brought together by former Ayr Redcoat and Dunoon based author, Jean Debney and started to become a feature a local events and this time, assisted by former Butlins Ayr Band Leader, Jimmy Livingstone had promised the locals something special that afternoon. And they took to the special set up stage at the end of the Pier to kick off their programme with the first instalment of a Redcoat Karaoke.
In keeping with the format of a traditional seaside show, audience members were seated in deck chairs assembled at the front of the stage with people standing behind enjoying the activities.
Jimmy Livingstone took to the stage inviting members of the public to display their vocal talents with Redcoats also getting to display their own vocal talents. The Karaoke took a break as the Athletes were starting to return from their respective races, so the Redcoats resumed their places to welcome them back, with the first runner to cross the finish line being handed the honour of officially opening the new Dunoon Pier.
As the athletes returned, the good weather continued to hold and the atmosphere continued to build as more members of the public gathered on to the Pier. So with suggestions of rain reappearing later in the day, it was decided to move the programme forward half an hour. So it was time for the Redcoats to take to the stage for their special “End of the Pier” Redcoat Show!
The audience started to build as Jimmy Livingstone welcome the audience to this Redcoat Show. He pointed out that he was not a Redcoat, but a Band Leader at Butlins and was used to playing with a Band and as he did not have a Band, he could not perform. This prompted an interruption from former Ayr Redcoat Frank that he had a band for him and brought on a group, named “The MopTops” three Redcoats dressed in a Beatles outfits which led to Jimmy and his new “band “delivering their tribute to the real Fab Four.
What followed was an hour of traditional holiday style entertainment, with singing, Redcoat Party Dances, comedy, audience participation, even a Knobbly Knees Contest. And when the full cast took their bow in front of the audience, it proved to be a successful way to end what had been a terrific celebration of what a been a very successful sporting event and terrific re opening of what of a much loved local landmark.
