A SCOTTISH explorer has released a documentary on the “wealth of history” behind the lost village of Ardeer.

Glasgow based history buff Ed Burns’ documentary ‘Ardeer - In the Shadow of the World's Largest Explosives Factory’ was launched via YouTube on March 2.

The 21-minute film delves into the former mining village, illustrating what the settlement was like and how it became abandoned.

Ed said: “Like many miners' rows, Ardeer Square was thrown up with little thought to longevity.

“But the real reason Ardeer village was demolished was probably down to the economic slump that hit the UK between the two World Wars.

“Ardeer village was a casualty of this economic slump, but also a casualty of the men who owned many coal mines in Scotland and who didn't really care enough for the welfare of their workers to provide them with proper housing.

“This video is dedicated to the men, women and children who lived in Ardeer Square, and whose back-breaking life and work ultimately allowed us all to exist.”

Ed hopes through his documentary he’ll be able to highlight this important yet often forgotten part of North Ayrshire’s history.

Despite being uploaded a day ago, the film has already gained over 880 views and praise from viewers.

Commenter John Hunter said: “Excellent video, that area is steeped in such a wealth of history.”

Another viewer wrote: “Absolutely brilliant video so much history and research, I absolutely relish videos like this.”

Ed has been making short documentaries about Scottish towns and settlements for the past six years having made videos on towns such as Ayr and Kilmarnock.

He has also written several books surrounding the history of Scotland with his 1995 book 'It's a Bad Thing Whisky, Especially Bad Whisky' shortlisted for the Andre Simon Memorial Fund Book Awards.

Watch ‘Ardeer - In the Shadow of the World's Largest Explosives Factory’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGO9hor4-DQ.