Marine tourism and boosting transport networks have been highlighted as opportunities for a new funding boost for our area.

The Ayrshire Growth Deal is 'vitally important' to the economy of the North Coast and Cumbraes.

That is the opinion of the ward's two SNP councillors, following the news that the strategic business case for the project has now been submitted to both the Scottish and UK Governments. The deal is an unprecedented collaboration initiative between the local government authorities of North Ayrshire, East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire, which is designed to stimulate the local economy and improve the wellbeing and prosperity of all who live within the area.

Responding to news of the business case's submission, SNP Councillor Grace McLean stated: “I am delighted to see continued progress being made on the Ayrshire Growth Deal. Once approved, this vitally important project will allow us to substantially invest in our local infrastructure, and it will be important that the community is a full participant in taking it forward. The opportunities here in the north coast are immense, with marine tourism a major area that we can develop, for example. In addition there are many other ambitious initiatives within the deal to improve our digital infrastructure and transport networks. Its core aim is to achieve all of this through inclusive growth, to benefit everyone who lives and works in the county – an exciting vision for our future which I hope the whole community will rally behind, should the requested funding be granted.”

Councillor Alan Hill, shadow finance spokesperson for the SNP on North Ayrshire Council, added: “Whilst in administration at North Ayrshire Council the SNP was proud to have participated in the establishment of the joint framework partnership behind the Ayrshire Growth Deal. We remain fully behind all efforts to secure the £350 million of funding that will be required from both the Scottish and UK Governments to deliver on its aims. Whilst the Scottish Government has already committed to work with all three councils to make the deal work, it was disappointing that Chancellor Phillip Hammond was unable to commit his support in the autumn statement as had been hoped. Nevertheless, the business case for the project speaks for itself, and I am hopeful that we will receive more positive news from the UK Government at the spring budget.”