Ambitious plans have been lodged to make Fairlie Castle into an environmentally friendly four bedroomed home including a double garage.

Mr Billy Kirkwood of RDK Construction, purchased the castle around ten years ago, and has told the 'News' that that development will have solar panels, ground source heating and bring 'the old part of the castle in with the new'. The restoration bid may also feature as part of a television programme. The castle itself will be restored to its 'original look'.

A new contemporary take of a 'Scottish long house' building at one of the sides of the castle will also be built as part of the overall project and drops down half a level.

Billy said: "We had previous consent which has since lapsed for a building at the back. We never progressed it and we were in a situation where there is an opportunity to do something a bit better, more in keeping with original style. Ultimately I want to restore it and live in it. It will be a low energy house with ground source heat pumping and high insulted walls, utilising alternative energy to heat air space and provide hot water. We are designing the building to high specification but we are keeping its historical character. The tower is not going anywhere! We are adjoining the old castle with a glass strip that will join the two parts together. It will be a four bedroom house with two good sized bedrooms in the tower and two in the contemporary wing." Full story in this week's Largs and Millport News.