A NEW BBC drama, from the makers of Line of Duty and The Bodyguard, is set to start filming in North Ayrshire.

Vigil, which will air on BBC One, will be partly filmed at the site of the former coal terminal at Hunterston, with the cast including Suranne Jones, Rose Leslie and Martin Compston.

A set has been built at the Hunterston complex in recent weeks to replicate the naval base at Faslane with filming expected to commence in the coming days.

The six-part series, produced by World Productions, focuses on the mysterious disappearance of a Scottish fishing trawler and a death on-board a Trident nuclear submarine which bring the police into conflict with the Navy and British security services.

DCI Amy Silva (Suranne Jones) leads an investigation on land and at sea into a conspiracy that threatens the very heart of Britain’s nuclear deterrent.

Suranne Jones said: “Amy Silva is a brilliantly complex character, thrown into a highly charged situation where her authority is weakened. We watch as she navigates her own personal trauma and loss, all at a time when she’s questioning her relationships and life choices.

“It feels fresh and relevant and I can’t wait to start filming.”

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, said: “Vigil is a fantastic, adrenalised thriller set in a shadowy world which has stakes for us all.

“We are delighted to be working again with World Productions and the exceptionally talented writer, Tom Edge to bring this exciting story to BBC One with an outstanding cast led by Suranne Jones.”