The new North Ayrshire Council Leader Joe Cullinane recently visited the Field Studies Council in Millport to find out about the ongoing success of the facility.

He was joined by local councillor and Cabinet member for Economy Alex Gallagher as well as the head of service for connected communities, Audrey Sutton.

All three were impressed with the expansion and improvements at the centre, as well as the positive impact it has on the North Ayrshire area.

FSC Millport has finished the most recent phase of redevelopment work following vital funding support from organisations including North Ayrshire Council.

During the latest improvements the centre has upgraded its learning and meeting spaces, enhanced and enlarged the capacity of the centre including offering 65 en-suite bedrooms as well as the on-site Robertson Museum and Aquarium and nearby Keppel Pier which has also undergone improvements.

The FSC also looks towards sustainability for the future with the installation of a biomass district heating scheme included to further reduce carbon emissions

Daniel Moncrieff said: "We have an intake of between 3-4000 young people and adults every year, and they come and take a residential course with us - we work with primary schools in North Ayrshire and beyond, right up to university students who get the opportunity to study the special environments in this part of North Ayrshire."

North Ayrshire Economy chairman Alex Gallagher praised the staff at the centre, and said: "The benefits are tremendous. I have seen great progress over the last couple of years, and it is fantastic to see. Four years ago, the marine station was looking at closure, and now we are looking at expansion and it is great. It brings a lot of people on to the island, they spend time and money, and invest on this island."

Audrey Sutton said: "We have been really lucky to have the partnership with the FSC. The added value is that the staff promote the tourism industry. They work with the tourism working group and their contribution to the wider economy has had many benefits which go beyond what you see with the building, and the activities which happen there. It has had a much wider impact."