A 3D golf simulator will be one of the surprise features in a new boutique hotel in West Kilbride, which is set to open in Spring 2017.

Construction work is currently underway at the former Merrick Hotel in Seamill, and businessman David McCulloch is hoping that the new facility will be a boon for golfing enthusiasts. With golf playing a major part in the Ayrshire tourism drive, it is hoped that the new development will attract golfers at home and further afield.

The nine bedroom hotel will a 60 cover restaurant with views over the rooftops to the Isle of Arran, and six bedrooms in the top level with be kitted out with a balcony to take advantage of the stunning views over the Clyde estuary.

David. who lives in Seamill, said: "It is an exciting concept and the golf simulator has 25 different golf courses from all round the world, even including St Andrew's famous old course.

"I am a golfer at West Kilbride at the amount of times during the winter that tee-off times are cancelled, having an alternative simulation means you have indoors comforts and beat the weather. It will have the right atmosphere and mood lighting, and saves people having to battle the elements outside and you can get proper feedback about how to improve your game from changing your technique to your swing. If the greens outside are frosty, people can come and hire the simulator for a few hours, and allows for a maximum of four players at any one time, and you hit the ball towards the screen with normal golf clubs and balls.

"The graphics nowadays are fantastic, and in the likes of the St Andrew's options, you have the old course hotel, the beach, the fairway, railings and everything. When teh ball is struck, it simulates to within a yard exactly how that ball would have flown when you hit the drive.

"The computer then recalibrates for your second shot to the green, and then it takes account of the putting too. The screen is four and a half metres wide and three metres high."

David McCulloch, who is also behind the new padel tennis courts at Stevenston Industrial Estate, said he has had a positive reaction to providing more indoor sporting facilities in the North Ayrshire area.

He added that the hotel would also have a children's play activity area, and there would also be live musical entertainment at weekends.

RDK Construction, who have built many properties in the Largs and Fairlie area, including the Millennium Court housing next to Barrfields, have been assigned to carry out the construction of the innovative project. Planning permission for the 3D golf simulator and hotel project has already been granted by North Ayrshire Council.