I've walked over this bridge over the Gogo Burn many times without knowing anything about it or really noticing the plaque on one side. The other day I had more time to take a couple of photos and then do some research afterwards! One of Largs' most famous residents, Sir Thomas MakDougall Brisbane (23 July 1773 27 January, 1860) was born at Brisbane House in Largs. He became the Governor of New South Wales in Australia. The Brisbane River and subsequently the city of Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, were named after him. He was a distinguished soldier who served under the Duke of Wellington and a keen astronomer; he built an observatory at Parramatta in Australia, one in Makerstoun, Roxburghshire, Scotland, and also one in Largs (in 1808). Brisbane died on 27 January 1860 in Largs and is buried in the Brisbane Aisle Vault, in the small churchyard next to Skelmorlie Aisle, Largs Old Kirk. read more

See all