The ongoing wait for progress on the Fairlie shore path could be nearing its conclusion, with works set to being on the south section before the end of the summer.
Sustrans, who have provided funding towards the ongoing project, have told the council that funding will be withdrawn to the project if construction does not get underway by August.
The new path along the shoreline, which can be used by pedestrians, wheelchairs, prams and cyclists, has already undergone three consultations, and was finally passed by councillors in early 2016. However, since then, progress has been slow, with only some short areas of the path having been tackled to date.
North Ayrshire Council awarded the contract for the design and procurement of the shore path to the United States company AECOM, considered to be the largest civil engineering consultancy in the western world.
As some very minor parts of the Fairlie path involve work below the level of spring tides the procurement process requires a licence to be obtained from Marine Scotland, the Scottish Government body which regulates most marine activities in Scotland’s seas. Without this consent work cannot start.
Speaking in the church newsletter about the situation, John Riddell said: “The licensing process can take some time with extensive consultation, including public consultation. Because of the experience of Fairlie Community Trust in obtaining consent for the length of the path which it proposed to construct between the north end of Ferry Row and Bay
Street, the Council and AECOM were well warned of the need for an early application to Marine Scotland if work on the path was to start as soon as funding was secured.
Despite that strong advice, and for reasons which are still unclear, AECOM did not submit the licence application until May 2017. Even assuming the necessary licence is
granted without objection, this delay means that work is unlikely to start on the top priority Ferry Row to Bay Street length before the autumn. A very disappointing situation.
After a licence is obtained and before any contract is let for this part of the path, adjoining householders will be able to view the final details for approval. Fairlie Community Trust will also review the details.
Mr Riddell stated that the area near Southannan Sands and north of Fairlie Burn to Craig Lynn sections will be completed first, but Fairlie Community Council chairman Rita Holmes voiced concerns about the loss of the daffodil-filled floral areas.
Mr Riddell responded that the flowers would be re-planted on the mound path area which has recently been upgraded.
He added the less controversial sections are being constructed first, and the Ferry Row section is yet to be drawn up in detail. 
Mr Riddell has also advised NAC not to start on the Bay Street steps section until the sailing season is over.