Work to start on new Largs pier

Work will start on the new pier in the autumn with completion next year

A £6m construction contract has been awarded to build a new pier for the Ayrshire seaside town of Largs.

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (Cmal), which oversees harbour facilities, said George Leslie Ltd would build the pier.

Work is expected to begin in the autumn, with the project due for completion by next summer.

The new pier will help provide shelter and overnight berthing for Caledonian MacBrayne ferries, which run on the Largs to Cumbrae route.

Public exhibitions, featuring detailed images and information on the project, will be held in Largs and Cumbrae during September.

Cmal's director of harbours and piers, Lorna Spencer, said: "Community involvement is crucial to the success of this project and we will endeavour to keep the residents of both communities fully informed as work gets underway."

Cmal and CalMac Ferries were both created from Caledonian MacBrayne in 2006.