ARDROSSAN Castle will host a day of free fun family activities on Saturday.

The Quest for Castle Critters, organised by Garnock Connections, will see a range of activities on the theme of nature conservation and local history.

There will be castle tours all day, rockpooling from 12.30pm onwards, beach detectives from 12.30pm, bird walks at 11.30am and 3pm, a nature treasure hunt taking place all day, marvellous moths at 11am, finding flowers at 2pm, a minibeast safari taking place all day and lots of different stalls.

Ardrossan Castle Heritage will be heavily involved in the event, along with the Marine Conservation Society, the Scottish Wildlife Trust, North Ayrshire Council’s Rangers and Northlight Heritage, who specialise in imaging.

There will also be a talk on the local biodiversity plan. Garnock Connections was set up with funding from the Lottery Heritage Fund to promote conservation along the River Garnock and its estuary - that covers all the way from, Irvine to Ardrossan and as far up as the Muirshiel Hills.

Backed by RSPB Scotland, SEPA, the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Scottish National Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland and North Ayrshire Council, they hope to enhance and reveal the natural and historical wealth of the valley and make it accessible for the benefit of communities now and in the future.

Garnock Connections will be busy in the Three Towns this Friday too – leading an Ardrossan Castle Litter pick from 2-4pm. Litter pickers and gloves will be provided. You can find more details about the fun day on Eventbrite.co.uk.

For more information, email Garnock.Connections@rspb.org.uk.