The controversial method of extracting gas and oil from rock — known as fracking — has already raised temperatures at Largs Community Council.

The method, which has caused fierce protests in England, was raised at the community group’s last meeting — even though there is no suggestion at present that Largs could be seriously considered as a fracking area.

Community Councillor Ian Murdoch raised the subject by saying he had been at a few public meetings when fracking had been discussed.

He said: “The fracking map of Scotland covers the whole of Ayrshire and we need to be aware of that. The community council’s environmental committee should look at the situation because it’s very, very concerning.” Community Councillor Jim Perman pointed out there was no suggestion of fracking in Largs, but Mr Murdoch stressed that the map covered the whole of Ayrshire and it was best that the community council investigate the matter in case it come up in the future.

Community Councillor Margaret Wood asked “Where can we get the information from? We need to find out more about what might be involved”.

However, North Ayrshire Councillor Tom Marshall said it was “arrant nonsense” that the community group wanted to investigate the fracking issue.

“I don’t think they have the knowledge to do this — it’s slightly above their station in life. I know enough about geology to know that this is not a coalfield area. The committee do a good job but this is totally irrelevant and above their knowledge.” Cllr Murdoch said, however, that the fracking issues were “enough to make your hair curl” and had to be taken seriously.

Secretary George Douglas, who was acting chairman on the night, stressed he wanted the environment committee to look at the issue and determine how it may, or may not, affect Largs. This was agreed.

A map produced by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) identified Ayrshire, along with a large swathe of central Scotland, as having the potential for shale gas exploration.