MILPORT'S businesses are getting a facelift as part of a £1.5 million project.

The makeover is part of Millport's Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) which aims to rejuvenate and preserve historical buildings on the island.

Locals may have already noticed changes to the streetscape, with Deep Sea Fish and Chicken Takeaway and Marina's Hairdressing already taking advantage of the scheme that provides new frontages.

A further 13 owners on the island have also expressed an interest, with work at four more businesses set to begin towards the end of the summer.

The project is jointly funded by Historic Environment Scotland and North Ayrshire Council and will run until March 2021.

Yildirim Guzelkabaagac, from Deep Sea Fish and Chicken Takeaway, said: "I would recommend this grant scheme to every shop owner in Millport.

"You get a beautifully done frontage for a great price, so you can invest more into your actual business.

"In these times when money is tight, every little helps."

Conservation repairs to two priority properties will also start around the same time, with another two to follow in the autumn.

The programme also runs a small grants scheme with four properties signed up already and three more interested in taking part.

Councillor Alex Gallagher, Cabinet Member for Economy, said: "Everyone knows the charms of Millport and Cumbrae.

"The council's investment in the Millport CARS scheme investment will help to reinvigorate Millport's seafront and make a positive and long-lasting contribution to the regeneration of the area, helping to boost the local economy and encourage private investment.

"We welcome the increased level of participation from local residents and businesses and we are looking forward to working with applicants to help them preserve their properties for the future.

"We would encourage anyone that might be interested in making an application for funding support to get in touch.”

By adopting proven traditional building techniques and avoiding unnecessary damage or replacement of sound historic fabric, the project aims to restore and conserve the historic built fabric and safeguard the historic environment of Millport for the future.

For more information on the project visit www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/MillportCARS