TWO North Ayrshire projects have shared in national investment of £1.5 million in sporting infrastructure around Scotland.

Irvine Judo Club and a new skate park in Beith are two of 18 Scottish sports projects that will benefit from sportscotland's financial support.

The funding is through the national sports agency's Sport Facilities Fund and will see the projects share a total of £1,506,263 being given to schemes across the country.

The aim is to develop existing facilities or create a new home for sport and physical activity.

Irvine Judo Club received £142,000 to develop an extended dojo space, a new gym area and allow the club two replace existing changing areas with two gender neutral changing areas.

The club provides sessions for women and girls, girls self-defence classes and sessions for New Scots in the area.

Gordon Brawley, of Irvine Judo Club, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be awarded this funding by sportscotland, it means a great deal to the club.

"This will allow us to increase our capacity significantly.

"It will be of great benefit to the local community by allowing more people to participate our great sport of Judo.

"It will also allow us to continue our good work with Active Schools and the Lorreta Doyle Foundation which supports new Scots who are seeking refuge from war torn countries."

In Beith, the Beith Playpark Action Group received £50,000 towards a new skatepark which will be free, open all year and allow cycling, scootering and skating.

This added investment into community sports comes from the National Lottery players who contribute £30 million weekly to good causes UK-wide.

Kathryn Young, from Beith Playpark Action Group, said the plan for a new concrete skate park in Beith has been in the pipeline for a few years, calling it "fantastic" that funders are recognising the positive impact a new facility will have on the community.

She added: "Thanks to sportscotland we can now proceed with our plans to give children and young people in Beith a first class facility on their doorstep."

Forbes Dunlop, chief executive of sportscotland, said: "The aim of the Sports Facilities Fund is to support sustainable and inclusive projects with their ambitions of using sport and physical activity to enhance the lives of their local communities.

"This investment would not be possible without National Lottery players who continue to raise vital funding for sport across Scotland.

“The physical and mental health benefits of sport are well documented, but equally important is the ability to create a space where everyone is welcome to participate at their own level.

“Projects like those at Irvine Judo Club and in Beith not only create opportunities for people to take part in sport and physical activity but can also provide a place for communities to come together.”