THE boss of EasyJet Holidays has thrown his weight behind the Save Millport Town Hall campaign.

Newly appointed chief executive Garry Wilson has offered to be a patron for the cause, saying he believes the building to be 'an important asset to Millport'.

The new CEO has an affinity to the island having renovated one of its historic buildings into a home.

He said: “I have been aware of the town hall discussions over the past year and I am fully supportive that the building is much more than just an events hall.

“It is a central and vital part of the Millport community and to lose it would be an enormous blow to the island and its people.

“It is also, in my opinion, a real beacon for change which could and should encourage the fight to save and grow other essential elements of island life, like the harbour and other essential services.”

Mr Wilson met the Friends of Millport Town Hall group during a recent local event to promote the island's many businesses and initiatives.

The campaigners had a stall in the Garrison Marquee, showing how far the town hall project has progressed and encouraging people to come forward with ideas and opinions.

Friends of Millport Town Hall member Angie McCallum said: “We are of course absolutely delighted by Mr Wilson's offer.

“The campaign to restore and rejuvenate the town hall continues, with Cumbrae Community Development Company, Cumbrae Community Council and the Isle of Cumbrae Tourist Association coming together to demonstrate a 'Millport is stronger together' front.

“The residents are suffering from a lack of fit for purpose large community space and their Christmas pantomime and WW1 theatre production have both had to be cancelled.

“A community needs and deserves a proper hall and events space to bring them together.

“Our town hall already exists - and the community is prepared to take it on as long as the feasibility study demonstrates a viable and sustainable future.”