A new multi-million-pound, family-run crematorium to serve North Ayrshire was opened this week.

Clyde Coast and Garnock Valley Crematorium was developed by father and son, Jim and Jeremy Hamilton, and their business partner, Stephen Byfield.

After the Hamilton family was struck with bereavement, they found themselves waiting weeks for a local crematorium due to the demand in the area. To ensure no other families go through the same experience, Jim, Jeremy and Stephen decided to create a new facility to meet the current shortfall and reduce pressure on nearby crematoria.

The development, which is set to create five new full-time jobs, offers modern, high-quality amenities.

Set within the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, the facility is part of Horizon Cremation Limited and received a £2.3 million funding package from Royal Bank of Scotland.

Jeremy said: “Our goal is to provide exceptional service and modern, high-quality facilities offering families and loved ones a welcoming, calming feel during what is a stressful and upsetting time.

“There’s already a high and increasing demand for these services in the North Ayrshire area, and we hope the completion of our new purpose-built crematorium will ease the pressure currently felt.

“Royal Bank of Scotland has supported us from the beginning, and its investment in the Clyde Coast and Garnock Valley facility has been absolutely instrumental in making it happen.”