Three mysterious loud bangs from Hunterston were heard in Largs and Fairlie during Thursday afternoon.
Residents took to social media questioning what was going on. 
Resident Craig Scott contacted the 'News' to say: "We were at the Pencil and everyone jumped out of their skin. When they heard two explosions followed by another two five minutes later." 
Zoe Maclean of Fairlie contacted the 'News' and said: "The police on the street say it was equipment being blown up at the coal yard." 
A police officer said at Largs Community Council on Thursday evening: "The explosions took place at Hunterston and they were planned. It was nothing to be worried about."
Councillors stated that it should have been well broadcast prior to the incidents to prevent alarm. 
A spokesperson for Peel Ports said, “A planned and controlled explosion took place last Thursday at Hunterston PARC (Port and Resource Centre) as part of ongoing work to dismantle equipment at the site which is no longer utilised.
"We apologise for any alarm caused.”