It is usually a common sight on the Clyde, but this year, coal ships at Hunterston have been a rarity.

But last week, the 'Equator Prosper' from Columbia arrived at the Peel Ports terminal, the first of its kind since December, although a cable layer had also been based at the terminal in recent months.

A Peel Ports spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a coal vessel arrived at Hunterston last week and left on Saturday. The terminal at Hunterston is still very much operational with further vessels planned to arrive."

During a Fairlie Community Council meeting in June, it was reported that Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson had raised the future situation of the overall PeelPorts facility with Economy Minister Keith Brown and North Ayrshire Council chief executive Elma Murray.

With far fewer coal ships coming to these shores in future, there was the likelihood that it could be a 'renewable energy' or environmental based development, it was reported at the meeting, with Fairlie Community Council seeking the opportunity to be consulted on the site's future plans.

Peel Ports Group have been in discussion with a number of organisations, including Scottish Enterprise, to explore alternative uses for the terminal, which is suitable for the import and export of a wide range of bulk solids and liquid products and offshore decommissioning.

It offers an 92 acres of land capable of development for a number of uses including potential dry dock use and quay extension, with a significant rail infrastructure and connectivity and capability for fast vessel discharge, which give options for a number of potential uses.