An unusually low-flying plane caused a commotion in the Three Towns yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, April 30).

David Patterson, from Stevenston, spotted the unmarked plane pass over him three times while he was standing at Stevenston Railway Station.

When we reported on the mystery aircraft, speculation soon erupted on social media over the plane's origins. 

Numerous members of the public commented that they believed the aircraft, thought to have come from the Midlands, was being used for a training exercise. 

Airspace online apps show the aircraft flew multiple circuits between Stevenston and southwards out to sea.

Eliza Dunmore, a local aircraft enthusiast, identified the plane as the Airborne Pollution Response Unit on an exercise testing its new oil dispersion spray.

She told the Herald: "We have a large active and extremely knowledgeable aircraft spotting/aviation enthusiasts group here. Many of us recognise the aircraft in question and are also aware of its movements and purpose. 

"The aircraft was a West Atlantic B737-46J(SF), registration number G-CKUZ."

A Glasgow Prestwick Airport spokesperson said: “We can confirm that there was an aircraft training yesterday, around the Stevenston/Saltcoats area.”