Mining used to take place inland in the Garnock Valley, centred on Kilbirnie, Dalry and Beith, but all the pits have now closed.
Textiles too are in decline, and the major industries in the seat today are tourism and agriculture.
The resort of Largs and the Isle of Arran are the two most popular tourist destinations. The Tories normally do well in tourist traps and agricultural areas, but this seat's industrial history and working-class towns have meant that the potential has always been there for Labour victories.