The Galloway Saloon Steam Packet Company were enjoying the heyday of steamer pleasure sailing on the Forth when this tourist guide was produced in 1888. Largo was featured as one of the ports of call - the map below shows services starting at Leith West Pier and taking various routes along both sides of the Forth taking in places of interest.
When describing Largo, the guide mentions the "romantic spot" of Kiel's Den, Largo Law, Alexander Selkirk, Sir Andrew Wood and some "remarkable caves" to the east. The image below of Largo Harbour accompanies the description. The sketched picture, while recognisable as Largo, does look curious to me. When placed next to a turn of the century image (further below) of the same view, it is clear that the Crusoe Hotel (onetime granary) is much shorter with fewer windows. It is difficult to be sure what age the sketch is or how accurate it is but seems to be representative in many other respects (as are other sketches in the booklet). Is this how the Crusoe Hotel /granary really looked in the past or is it simply artistic license? Please comment with you views...
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