The public will be able to get a closer glimpse of basking sharks, seals, porpoises and dolphins thanks to a new venture.

Mike Cantlay, Chair of Visit Scotland, visited Largs Yacht Haven last week to help launch an exciting new sea wildlife explorer vessel on the Clyde.

'Sailfaris' will provide a unique opportunity for visitors to combine marine wildlife watching with learning to sail an ocean going yacht 'The Clyde Muirshiel Explorer'.

Options range from day trips, weekend breaks or longer residential cruises on the luxury 45 foot yacht. As well as the diverse bird life of the Firth of Clyde, visitors will be looking out for seals, porpoises and dolphins, and later in the season basking sharks.

The Regional Park's staff will be on board throughout to give expert information and advice. No previous experience is required so it's a fantastic opportunity for visitors to experience the area's stunning natural assets from a new perspective.

Mr Cantlay said: "I'm delighted to have been invited to come along and take part in the launch. The Year of Natural Scotland is all about getting as many people as possible out and about experiencing our amazing country for themselves. Scotland is blessed with some beautiful landscapes and wonderful wildlife, with the Firth of Clyde having each in abundance. I'm sure that the Sailfaris initiative will help to boost the region's natural tourism product at a rate of knots." Full story in this week's Largs News.