Local MSP Kenny Gibson has hit out at 'unsightly' littering of the Haylie Brae - and now wants to see it eradicated for good through a new scheme.

The SNP member for Cunninghame North has gained assurances from North Ayrshire Council that the key route into Largs will be thoroughly cleaned up.

However, now he also wants NAC and the Scottish Government to pilot a scheme called "Adopt A Road" in a bid to tackle the littering on a more regular basis so that tourists are not put off coming back to the local area.

He said: 'In recent weeks I have been shocked at the increased and unsightly littering and despoilation of so many roads in North Ayrshire, not least the Haylie Brae which is particularly unsightly.

'It does little to improve the image of a county that relies on tourism for much of its income.

'To this end, I spoke to John Currie, Council Head of Cleansing. I am pleased that the Haylie Brae will be comprehensively cleared of rubbish.' On the "Adopt A Road" initiative, Mr Gibson said that it had been implemented with great success in Canada, and argued for its piloting here.

Under such a scheme, individuals, companies and voluntary groups take responsibility for a length of road, from one junction to the next.

While no money changes hands, the sponsor agrees to keep the sponsored road free of litter and reasonably clean, contacting their local authority to uplift any refuse gathered.

The scheme recognises sponsors through the provision of signs on the sponsored road designed, provided and erected by their local authority.

Mr Gibson added that he hoped residents would also "Adopt A Beach" - a similar scheme - in the local area.

He said: 'Some beaches, such as at Meigle Bay and Seamill are already adopted, but I am keen to seek volunteers who will adopt other beaches in my constituency.

'This involves the collection of beach litter every three months and carrying out surveys of the type of litter washed ashore.'