A historic town hall has been reopened following a £3.77 million refurbishment programme in North Ayrshire.

The Saltcoats Town Hall was officially unveiled by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her mother, Provost Joan Sturgeon, on 14 March.

The building has undergone an extensive redevelopment, allowing it to act as council offices as well as an events and conference centre.

Funding for the project was secured from the joint Scottish Government and COSLA Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (£1.1m) and £125,000 from Historic Scotland.

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In addition, the council committed over £2.5m towards the scheme.

After unveiling a plaque to mark the building's reopening, Ms Sturgeon said: "I am delighted to be officially re-opening this familiar North Ayrshire landmark that is now more than 190 years old. The £3.77 million restoration project has brought this building back to life and created not only a great place to work but also a beautiful surrounding for a special occasion.

"Local people were at the heart of this project, which, with the financial support from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, will help to regenerate the spaces around them.

"Not only do projects, like this one transform town centres, but they stimulate economic growth, and support and create jobs throughout Scotland."

(LM/JP)