The Coastguard Rescue Team was called out around 2.30am on Tuesday to reports of a yacht aground in Largs following the high winds from ex-Hurricane Ophelia.

The team battled extremely challenging weather conditions to ensure there were no persons in difficulty on board the Colvic 296 cabin cruiser, ironically called 'Breezin'.

Satisfied that no persons were in danger or in need of assistance, the team's attention then turned to the yacht itself.

A spokesman for Ardrossan Coastguard said: "The vessel appeared to have broken free from its floating mooring and the concern now was the yacht would refloat and be pulled out to sea with the next incoming tide.

Using free lines on the yacht, the team secured the vessel as best as possible to the shore. The team also dropped the vessel's anchor and dug it in to the beach in an attempt to further secure the vessel and avoid it being taken out to sea.

With the vessel now secure and no persons in need of assistance, the team has then stood down and returned to station."

The boat was re-floated on Tuesday morning.