Arran and Cumbrae’s toilet blocks will receive upgrades worth over half a million pounds to transform them into sustainable tourist hubs.

Awarded by the Scottish Government, the £540,000 ‘visitor pit stops’ will be located around popular tourist spots.

The pit stops will be kitted out with solar panels and use natural and recycled materials where possible.

Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands at North Ayrshire Council, said: “We are thrilled to have been successful in securing funding which will have real, positive impacts on our islands.

“I’m sure residents and visitors on both Arran and Cumbrae will be delighted to see the toilet blocks redeveloped to provide a range of facilities including water-reducing bio toilets, changing and shower facilities, cycle racks and repair stations among many other features.

“This project will make an important contribution to delivering on priority actions within the Arran and Cumbrae Local Island Plans, which have been developed alongside our island communities to support economic recovery and the longer-term sustainability of island life.”

The grant is in place for projects based on Scotland’s islands that focus on climate change, population retention and tourism.

North Ayrshire Council has added to the £540,000 grant by providing £60,000 towards the project.

The next steps for the project will allow local communities, stakeholders, and Arran and Cumbrae’s elected members to have their say through consultations.