The recent flood protection exhibitions in Millport attracted strong interest with over 300 islanders attending to view options for the new scheme.

Support was shown towards moving the breakwater for a new flood protection scheme out to sea in order to avoid the visual impact of having rock armoury installed at the wooden section of Millport Pier.

Many homes and businesses in Millport are at risk of flooding from the sea, say NAC, unless new flood prevention measures are brought in.

During a recent NAC consultation, various options were presented to the public, but a number of islanders, including licensed charter boat owner Ross Goldie, have suggested moving the breakwater out to sea - a move which has been backed by some members of Cumbrae Community Council.

It has been suggested by Mr Goldie that a lagoon could be formed allowing possibilities for developing watersports, pontoons, and landing stages, with potential for new employment and business opportunities to bring economic benefits to the island.

He added: "It's good that we are getting all sorts of input and constructive differing opinions from interested parties and I'm sure if we can get an offshore breakwater of some efficient design then that will be a more effective and a better solution than the proposed lines of concrete shown on the NAC plans with regard to flood defences, in terms of visual impact and helping the island economy by providing calm and safe water conditions for visiting craft , watersports , beach users, and families."

Community councillor Sharon Hagen said: "The good news is that the council are away to look at our proposals of having the breakwater at sea as this seemed to be the general consensus of the people who went to the workshops.

"They are taken away our ideas and suggestions to carrying out some engineering for the breakwater to establish wave heights and of course protection for the town. We just need to wait patiently to await their findings."

North Ayrshire councillor Tom Marshall attended the consultation, and told the 'News' that he believed the idea to place the breakwater out at sea had merit.

The finalised flood protection scheme design will need to be approved by both North Ayrshire Council and the Scottish Government to secure funding.

Cllr. Marshall said: "I attended the public presentation on Thursday and it was well received by local residents who took the opportunity to fill in the comments form. I believe there were over 300 people who attended on the three separate days, and there was obviously a wide range of views on the proposed scheme. I trust that North Ayrshire Council will take into account these views and amend the scheme where possible to reflect the wishes of the community.

"The idea to put the breakwater out to the south west of the pier had a lot of support, the difficulty with the current proposal to remove the wooden pier and replace it with rock armour was not viewed favourably by the people I spoke to."

Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson, who also attended the exhibition, said: "What is clear is that there were a variety of opinions amongst those attending - some opposed the proposals, others saw room for improvement and others were optimistic about the proposals as they are.

"Although it is ultimately a matter for North Ayrshire Council, I am keen to represent the views of the community.

"Given the above, it is too early to ascertain what the majority view is and local residents as well as I will require further information before a position can be taken. It would therefore be helpful if those seeking assistance contact me directly."