Building work, which is set to transform Ayr's iconic 'pink buildings', is expected to begin after successful discussions were held with the property owners and the appointment of contractors to complete the works.

The 'pink buildings' sit at the gateway to Ayr town centre.

The construction works will be completed as part of a £2.5m Ayr Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) which is funded by South Ayrshire Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Historic Scotland and owner contributions.

The properties included in the THI are 1-3, 2-6 and 6A-10 New Bridge Street in Ayr and comprise a total of 12 flats and five shop premises.

Planned improvements for the project include:

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* Removal of the existing paintwork

* Repointing and stonework repairs to improve the external condition of the masonry and to prevent water penetration into the buildings

* Roof repairs and replacement, where required

* Renewal of downpipes and gutters to improve rainwater disposal

* Lime rendering to protect the walls of the buildings

* Limited structural repairs

* Window repairs and replacement, where required

ARPL Architects and contractors CBC will carry out the works using traditional methods and materials and in line with the best conservation practice to help preserve the history of the buildings and town.

Councillor Bill McIntosh, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: "I'm delighted we're finally at the stage when everything is in place for the actual physical works on the pink buildings to get started and my thanks to all the property owners involved in the lengthy discussions to get us to this point.

"While we recognise that things have taken longer than we would have liked, a huge amount of behind the scenes work has been undertaken since planning permission was granted a year ago and it was vital all of this was in place before we could progress."

The Ayr THI works are being managed by Ayr Renaissance on behalf of the Council.

On-site work on the project is expected to get underway next month and be completed before the end of 2014.

(JP)