An ambitious programme to improve mooring facilities on Arran is due to get underway this month, giving a boost to boating enthusiasts.

More than £120,000 has been secured to improve facilities on both Arran and Cumbrae.

Funding has been provided by the Coastal Communities Fund, an initiative established by HM Treasury and delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government (Marine Scotland).

The award will allow North Ayrshire Council to install additional moorings in Arran’s Whiting Bay, Blackwaterfoot and Pirnmill, as well as Millport on Cumbrae.

The new enhancements will allow boat owners to visit these locations in the knowledge that their vessels (which can weigh up to 10 tons) are secured to a fully serviced berth. This will further enable Clyde sailors’ exploration of the islands and all they have to offer.

Proposals for the new boating facilities have been developed in association with the local communities and they will be managed in partnership between North Ayrshire Council, Visit Arran and the Cumbrae Community Development Company (CCDC).

Councillor Marie Burns, Cabinet Member for Economy and Employment, said: “The Isles of Arran and Cumbrae are very popular for tourists and boat owners who visit these destinations and bring in much needed business to local shops, hotels and restaurants.

“This is the reason the council together with its key partners have secured the funding to develop the moorings which better meet the needs of our visitors and tourists.” These new bays add to the existing stock in Lochranza, Brodick, Lamlash and Millport. Work is underway to investigate the potential for improved step ashore facilities linked to the mooring facilities. Sheila Gilmore of Visit Arran said: “These moorings add to the existing stock in Lochranza, Brodick, Lamlash and will be a great asset to Arran enabling leisure craft to visit the island and moor in locations which did not lend themselves to such before. Visit Arran is delighted to have been involved in these developments from the outset and see these moorings as a great start to further developing marine infrastructure on the island.”