The first phase of a £600,000 restoration project in South Ayrshire is now complete.

The iconic Belleisle Conservatory is currently undergoing a refurbishment and improvement programme.

Charity Belleisle Conservatory Ltd (BCLtd) and the council, supported with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), have been working together on the project.

The main contractor for the project is Richardson and Starling, with ARPL as the architects.

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Almost £500,000 – including over £92,000 raised by BCLtd – has been invested to make the conservatory wind and watertight.

Phase one of works included timber replacement/repairs, new double-glazing, new lighting and venting system, refurbishment of the heating system, and repainting the structure.

The next phase of works will include the re-laying and refurbishment of the historic tiled floor, improved disability access and interpretation works.

Works are expected to be complete in spring 2016.

Councillor John McDowall said: "It's quite hard to remember just how poor a condition the conservatory was in when you see it like this and, while there's more work to be done, I have no doubt the conservatory will be a major draw when it fully reopens next year."

(LM/CD)