The Royal British Legion Scotland's Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston branch members are preparing for a busy couple of months - including celebrating their centenary and marking the anniversary of the sinking of HMS Dasher.

According to the archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald, the Legion branch was formed in April 10, 1924 - just a few years after the end of the Great War.

Plans are in now hand for a celebration to mark the big occasion.

But before that, the Legion members will be organising the annual HMS Dasher memorial weekend in March,

Last year marked 80 years since the aircraft carrier HMS Dasher sank between Ardrossan and Arran on March 27, 1943 with the loss of 379 lives.

The loss of the ship was kept top secret in case it affected wartime morale - and the final resting places of many of the victims have yet to be be identified.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: The service for the 80th anniversay of the Dasher's sinking last year

Due to a clash with Easter this year, the ‘Dasher Weekend’ will start on Friday, March 22 with a ‘Meet and Greet’ involving families and friends in Ardrossan Indoor Bowling Club around 7pm.

The following day, those taking part in the weekend's events will catch the CalMac ferry to Brodick, which will pause briefly above the wreck of the Dasher for a brief service and the casting of wreaths of remembrance into the water.

Another short service will then be held in Brodick before the return to Ardrossan.

A further short service of remembrance and respect will be held in the afternoon at Ardrossan Cemetery, where 13 HMS Dasher crew members are buried.

Saturday’s events close with a social function, with entertainment and a buffet, at Stevenston Masonic, with tickets for sale from SAS Branch Committee members.

On the morning of Sunday, March 24, a parade will set off at 11am from opposite the Lauriston Hotel, heading for the HMS Dasher Memorial on nearby Arran Place.

Those who are unable to, or would prefer not to, march can meet up with the marchers at the memorial and then join them for a cuppa at St Peter's Church hall.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: The service for the 80th anniversay of the Dasher's sinking last year

And following the Dasher memorial weekend, attention will then turn to the celebrations in April for the local Legion branch's 100th birthday.

The plan is to start with a parade, a church service, then in the evening a function in the Ardrossan Civic Centre with the Military Wives choir on Saturday, April 13.

Paul Coffey, president of the local branch, said: "Recently we were informed that there is a reference to the origins of the Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston Branch of the British Legion in a copy of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald dated 1924.

"After an investigation involving the Herald and North Ayrshire Council's archive service, it was confirmed a meeting was held in Castlecraigs, now Ardrossan Civic Centre, on April 10, 1924.

"A branch of the British Legion, encompassing Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston, was formed and a committee selected.

"For 100 years the Royal British Legion (Scotland) has been helping serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.

"From those who served in the First and Second World Wars to the men and women of our Armed Forces today, we believe no one should suffer for having served others.

"Legion Scotland branches have disappeared, reformed, merged and seen membership increase and decrease in some circumstances, but our branch has seen a significant increase in membership as the help we offer veterans has widened.

"We will be reflecting on our work over the last 100 years, as we stand ready to support the next generation when they need us.

"Groups, organisations and individuals who wish to support and join with our celebration and commemorations on Saturday, April 13, please contact the branch committee."

The full story and details of commemorations to mark this important milestone will follow in the Herald closer to the time.