Millport's floral Clyde mascot monument has returned to the mainland after a busy summer on the island.

The future of the Clyde monument is unclear, as the Council say they are looking at a 'sustainable replacement', Local groups across North Ayrshire are enjoying renewed status following the Queen’s Baton Relay, following extensive planning from North Ayrshire Council’s Team for the 2014 games who were tasked with shining the spotlight on community talent as 126 baton bearers lit up the hopes and dreams of 23,000 onlookers along North Ayrshire’s 58 miles of the baton route.

Grounds maintenance staff from North Ayrshire Council crafted a Clyde mascot from an array of colourful plants and creativity. It was situated on Millport before the Games begun and remains there today, albeit weather-beaten and worn.

A spokeswoman for NAC explained: “The Millport community is very keen for Clyde to remain on the island to continue inspiring 2014 legacy activities. However, in its current state it is unsustainable. Therefore, one of the North Ayrshire 2014 Games Team is working with the Community Council to establish a sustainable alternative.

“It is hoped that students from the Scottish Boat Building Academy in Irvine’s Maritime Museum will help build this alternative to the 2014 Games’ mascot.” In a bid to strengthen the 2014 legacy, North Ayrshire Council recruited a legacy graduate as part of its graduate programme.

The 2014 Legacy graduate has been working with community groups before, during and after the baton relay events. The council recruited a total of 19 graduates who are employed for one year.

Councillor Alan Hill, cabinet member for Community, Culture, Policy and Service, summed up the legacy activities and broad community engagement which took place aross North Ayrshire. “So many community groups helped bring the QBR to life. The level of community engagement was quite remarkable and is already paving the way for sustainable legacy benefits. We have received encouraging feedback from some of the community groups who enjoyed renewed opportunities resulting from the QBR and it’s feedback like this that reinforces our legacy work.”