A public consultation has been launched over plans to sell off the former Kilwinning Police Station.

The station, which has been closed for some years, is one of a number of police offices across Scotland which could  be put on the market.

Now Police Scotland is asking for local opinion on the proposal to sell the Main Street office.

In their consultation document, they said: "Police Scotland, like all public services, must use our resources effectively to deliver excellent services that the people of Scotland can rely on.

"This means that we have to carefully consider the appropriateness of maintaining some buildings that are not required.

"The Kilwinning site has been vacant for a period of time. 

"The site then has been considered in the wider estate transformation for disposal as the service considers its functionality, safety, adaptability, and sustainability to meet the changing public expectations and the changing nature of policing."

Among the other police stations earmarked for closure in the plan is Greenock's - which is causing major controversy in the Inverclyde town.

Force chiefs have refused to say whether another base has been identified, stating only that a 'police presence' will remain in the Greenock area.

In their Kilwinning office consultation, Police Scotland added: "Police will still be accessible in the local area and the public will still get a response by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency, reporting incidents or crime to us online or speaking to police officers on the street in the local area."

It adds: "A potential for a Community Asset Transfer has been considered locally.

"If your community group wants to make an asset transfer request, full guidance can be found on our website."

The Kilwinning consultation can be found at: https://www.scotland.police.uk/spa-media/eoka1cs5/estate-strategy-interactive-a4-2019-3527-19-ar-3.pdf