North Ayrshire Council Leader Councillor Willie Gibson has visited Millport to see the work of the Council and its partners on the island.

Councillor Gibson was joined by Chief Executive Elma Murray and Depute Leader Councillor Alan Hill during the visit to Council-run premises at Garrison House; Millport Pier; and the site of a new £2 million housing development for older people.

They also visited Lady Margaret Hospital and the University of London Marine Biological Station during the visit on Monday.

Garrison House was the first port of call where the Leader was shown the wide variety of services housed in the historic building – including the Council's local area office, library, Museum of the Cumbraes and health facilities.

The group then visited Millport Pier, which has suffered significant damage during recent severe weather. The Council budgets £46,000 per year to maintain both Millport Pier and Saltcoats Harbour. However, in recent years routine maintenance on the island's pier has cost around £110,000 per year.

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Another major Council project on the island will see the creation of 12 modern amenity houses for older people at Copeland Crescent. These houses will be designed to provide easier access to older people and be more eco-friendly and sustainable through improved insulation, triple glazing and heating. This improved efficiency will lead to lower bills for tenants.

This is the Council's first new-build homes designed specifically for older people and will showcase the innovations and designs that will feature in future projects.

The Leader and Chief Executive also visited Lady Margaret Hospital and the University of London Marine Biological Unit where they heard about the importance of each facility to Cumbrae and the partnership with North Ayrshire Council.

Councillor Willie Gibson said: "Island communities face unique issues given their relative isolation from the mainland.

"The Council understands these issues and is committed to supporting communities like Millport – as shown by our investment in the pier and Copeland Crescent.

"The successful refurbishment of Garrison House has been an extremely worthwhile investment and provides an excellent home for both Council and NHS services.

"The University Marine Biological Station and Lady Margaret Hospital are extremely important to the islanders and it is through our partnership with the NHS and the University that we continue to do as much as possible to support the people of Cumbrae."

(CD)