TWO former Saltcoats residents have banded together to write a song voicing their “passion and concern” about the town’s “neglected” harbour.

Titled ‘Town Wi’ Nae Boats’, the acoustic song was inspired by the modern condition of the harbour and was written by Ian Bain and performed by Pat Gallagher.

Ian and Pat were both born and raised in the town but moved to America and Australia respectively to begin new lives.

Whilst still living abroad, the pair often visit Saltcoats, with Ian writing poems about the town and his memories of it as a hobby and Pat continuing his ventures as a musician alongside his professional career.

Ian said: “I restructured one of my poems, The Harbour, to be written as a song and I sent it to Pat to put music to it and sing it.

“I have been back home regularly and each time I am saddened to see the state of disrepair that the harbour is now in.

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“Despite the commendable efforts of local businesses, the harbour has been neglected.

“I fail to understand why this should be accepted.

“I don’t want a fancy marina style harbour, just a return of the open moored boats with safe access and controlled moorings.”

The song aims to provoke change as Ian wishes to see the old harbour house utilised and hopes that it can one day be restored and made usable for fishermen and boat owners.

Ian, above left, has written several poems focusing on aspects of the local area such as the Waltzer and the Lavvys from the 1960s.

Leaving Saltcoats in 1975 with his wife and son, Ian is now retired and lives in Nashville, while Pat, above right, emigrated with his family in 1986 to Sydney, where they still live today.