THE LONG-AWAITED ferry service between Ardrossan and Campbeltown becomes a reality in May, the Scottish Government confirmed on Monday.

Caledonian MacBrayne's new service will run between Ardrossan and the southern Kintyre port three times a week - stopping off at Brodick on Saturdays.

It will make Ardrossan a gateway to the Mull of Kintyre and the Western Isles, council leader Willie Gibson said.

"North Ayrshire will reap the benefits with more visitors arriving in the area - and in particular Ardrossan and Arran - to make use of the new service," he added.

For the full story see this week's Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.