A voluntary-run tourism information centre faces an uncertain future.

Volunteers have announced that the Largs and Millport Information Bureau, based next to the station entrance, looks set to close at the end of this month

The bureau, which was established in 2002, receives no funding from North Ayrshire Council, Visitscotland or other official bodies. It has managed to survive so far only on advertising revenue and donations. It is the only tourism information centre in town after VisitScotland axed their own facility several years ago.

Volunteer Shelagh Doyle said: "Despite some very generous donations, the bureau cannot afford to meet its running costs any longer, and the difficult decision was made to close.

The bureau needs long term sustainable funding. The bureau has been run all these years solely by volunteers, many of whom have been there for years.

"Even in these days of the internet there is still a big demand for the services of the bureau and this year to date we have had close to 7000 visitors.

"We have visitors from all over the world as well as day trippers, locals and people moving to the area. In the past we have set up an information point at the marina for large sailing events, the bureau had a stall at the recent FoodFest and also had become the focal point for the kiddies’ treasure hunt on Yuletide night.

"The volunteers have helped visitors with accommodation and transport enquiries, with information on events and local attractions, directions, where to buy items. The Bureau also carries information on local clubs, classes and activities.

"For a town that exists mainly on tourism it will be a great loss when the bureau closes."

Community councillor Drew Cochrane said: "It will be a major loss if this long established information and tourist bureau is closed to the public. It has a rotating staff of volunteers who help local people and visitors all year round.

"It provides a window to the world of Largs and district for thousands of holidaymakers and visitors. As a town centre base, promoting local businesses I would hope that the BID and Explore Largs organisation might consider helping to fund it.

"Kelburn Windfarm Trust has allocated its grants for this year but perhaps some other local fund can help to save the bureau which, I believe, needs £5000 a year."

Mr Cochrane added that he would bring the volunteers' predicament to the attention of the community council.