A THREE TOWNS beach is featured in the new Whisky Galore film.

Scenes in the movie, which is based on the 1947 novel by Compton Mackenzie and stars Gregor Fisher, Eddie Izzard and Sean Biggerstaff, was filmed on Ardeer Beach.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, who represented Stevenston prior to the boundary changes, described Ardeer Beach as “stunning” and was pleased to see its beauty recognised.

The Councillor for Saltcoats said: “It’s great that they shot some of it at Stevenston Beach.

“It’s changed days from when a film crew were wanting to come to Stevenston about benefits. Myself and Joe Cullinane got that stopped.

“I have always said I would put Stevenston Beach up against any other beach in Scotland in terms of beauty. It’s a stunning beach. When I run along it, it always takes my breath away.

“It’s great to see it get some recognition for its beauty. What more can you ask for than for it to be on the big screen? Absolutely Brilliant.”

Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Scotland is widely recognised as an excellent location for film and TV productions. Whisky Galore! has been added to the growing list of films shot here.”

Whisky Galore is based on the true story of the 1941 sinking of the SS Politician off Eriskay and subsequent claim by local folk of its cargo of thousands of bottles of whisky. The film was released in Scottish cinemas last Friday and will be out in the rest of the UK on May 19.