Significant progress has been made on the proposed development of shared school campuses and educational facilities in Maybole and Prestwick.

South Ayrshire councillors backed the proposals, subject to funding being agreed.

The proposals outline a new campus in Maybole to be built in the grounds of Carrick Academy, with plans to be open for August 2021.

Cairn Primary School and Gardenrose Primary School will merge to become a completely new school located at the new campus. The Early Years' Centres for both these schools will also merge.

St Cuthbert's Primary School will also continue to operate as a stand-alone school, located on the Maybole campus.

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In Prestwick, Glenburn Primary School and St Ninian's Primary School will share a new campus to be built in the grounds of one of the existing schools.

Opening at the start of the 2021/22 school session, the new campus will also include an Early Learning Centre, merging the existing centres at Glenburn and St Ninian's.

Both campuses could also feature outdoor classroom facilities, multi-use games halls, social areas for play and even allotments.

A lengthy consultation process was undertaken showcasing a majority support for the two campuses.

Councillor William Grant, Lifelong Learning Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "These campuses are set to completely transform learning in Maybole and Prestwick as we look to provide children with the best possible start in life.

"Now the proposals have been agreed, the design stage can start which is an opportunity to address issues expressed during the consultation such as parking, play areas and public access.

"The consultation with everyone involved at the schools and the wider communities will continue over the coming months as the designs begin to take shape."

(CM/MH)