A free emergency information scheme that has proved popular throughout Ayrshire is being relaunched by the Rotary Club of Hunterston.

The 'Message in a Bottle' project is designed to assist anyone who feels vulnerable while living at home.

It provides emergency services with a contact name and details of medication being used when they are called.

Bottles will be available from libraries in Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston in an initiative which is supported by the NHS, Police, Fire, and Ambulance Services.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: The Rotary Club of Hunterston

Emergency services have been briefed on the scheme and will be on the lookout for Green Cross stickers when entering premises, and will be able to use the information contained therein.

Originally launched five years ago, the 'Message in a Bottle' project proved a huge success. Further discussions with users of the bottles and local emergency services have already taken place for the relaunch, which will be implemented and managed by Rotary Club of Hunterston.

Alec Blair, president of Hunterston Rotary Club, said: "It is important, especially at this time of year, that assistance provided by our medical and emergency services, often the first to arrive at a possible emergency situation - particularly involving elderly or infirm people in the community - have accurate information.

"The bottles contain important information on the medication which vulnerable people are taking and this is vital for first responders attending those in need of immediate attention, possibly in an emergency situation."