It was a special chapter for the Field Studies Council at Millport as the first sod of turf was cut to mark the next stage of investment in the marine science and environment base for students.

Following financial input from North Ayrshire Council, the Scottish Government, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the centre will be transformed over the coming months to faciltate the expansion of the centre.

The turf cutting marked phase one of the project with work expected to be finished in the middle of May.

A new accommodation building with 32 twin ensuite rooms, a 150 seat lecture theatre and teaching laboratory/teaching room will be built, while a car park and access roads will also be constructed.

Also included in the work will be an environmentally friendly Biomass District Heating system, which will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the centre.

The total cost of phase one will cost just over £3 million and North Ayrshire Council have supplied half of the funds.

Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet member for community and culture, said: "It is a fantastic facility which brings students from across the country. So, as a council, we were delighted to offer our support to these investment proposals. It will enhance the educational needs of the students and help boost the profile of an institution which already has an excellent reputation.

"Given how close the Station came to closure, this marks the culmination of all the hard work by NAC and partners. We hope that this momentum will be continued by the approval of funding bids for investment in Millport Town Centre in January."

The funding package provides the centre with a secure long-term future after a difficult recent past.

The University Marine Biological Station had previously been run by the University of London before they pulled out last year forcing the much admired facility to temporarily close.

But the Field Studies Council, who had been asked to advise on possible business models, stepped in and acquired the site at the start of 2014.

Rob Lucas, Field Studies Council chief executive said: "Our planned developments at FSC Millport have taken a big step forward thanks to the support of NAC, Higlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government. We are working hard to develop the centre into the leading site for marine and outdoor education, and these facilities will help us to attract more university and school students as well as providing facilities for a suite of professional development courses."

MSP Angela Constance, Cabinet secretary for education and lifelong learning said: "I am pleased the Scottish Government could assist with the funding and redevelopment of the Field Studies Council following the re-opening of the campus last year. I am confident the new facilities will priovde a fantastic modern environment for students, staff and visitors."

Kerrien Grant, Head of Strenghtening Communities for Highlands and Islands Enterprise said: "It is great to see work start on the new built at FSC Millport. We congratulate all those who have worked so hard to get the project to this stage, and look forward to seeing this sustainable centre taking shape."