IT was a fantastic nightfor North Ayrshire businesses at the regional heats of Scotland’s Business Awards.

The Ayrshire Retail Business Awards took place at Ayr Racecourse on Sunday, July 1.

For the third year running, Abundance Hair and Beauty in Saltcoats was named Best Hair Salon.

Owner Vicky Bryce said she was “absolutely over the moon” and that it was a “very exciting time for Abundance Hair and Beauty in Saltcoats.”

She added: “For the last month we have been having lots of mystery shoppers in the salon testing our skill and expertise and customer service and reporting back. I was up against four other salon finalists from Troon, Ayr, Kilmarnock and Irvine.”

MRC Fitness Studio in Dalry was recognised in two categories. The studio was founded over 34 years ago by Helen and Malcolm Clark and is now owned by their daughter Lorraine Wallace.

Malcolm, a former Mr Universe competitor representing Scotland in the early 1960s, picked up the final accolade of the night – a Lifetime Achievement Award. The studio also won Best Fitness Business.

Lorraine said she wished to thank her team, everyone who took the time to vote and the members who have supported MRC Fitness over the past 34 years.

She added: “Staff and members in the gym are all just buzzing and I think it’s great for Dalry as well.”

The Wee Deli in West Kilbride scooped the Best Takeaway Award.

Owner Gillian Wilson said: “I’m absolutely thrilled. From a business point of view, it’s great for West Kilbride. I’m chuffed. People are saying such nice things I find it all quite overwhelming.”

BPO Collections Ltd in Ardrossan walked off with the Consumer Award 2018 for outstanding customer service.

Angus MacKenzie said the company’s win was “something we are very proud of as we go out of our way to treat our customers with dignity, respect and great service”.

Winner of the Community Award was Tracy Finlay School of Dance at the Dance Depot in Kilwinning, who said: "It came as a massive shock, a massive surprise. First of all, to be nominated and then to actually win it – it was absolutely brilliant.”

The winners will next compete in Scotland’s Business Awards.