THE campaign to save Millport Town Hall has taken a huge step forward after council bosses finally agree to hand over ownership of the building.

Officials have agreed in principle to an asset transfer which will see the historic building handed over from the council-controlled common good fund to the Millport Town Hall Charity.

The group hoping to save the building and transform it in to a community hub - but say they will have to raise £3million to transform the landmark.

A number of funding options for the project have already been identified and applied, including a bid to secure £500k from the Scottish Government's Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.

This will have to be achieved if the asset transfer is to go ahead, as well as the agreed £220k funding from North Ayrshire Council's Community Investment Fund.

Chair of Trustees of the Millport Town Hall project Angie McCallum, pictured, explained: "We are delighted that North Ayrshire have agreed, in principle, to the transfer of the building to our charity.

"The Community Empowerment Act has enabled communities to stand up and take charge of their assets which, given the current financial climate, is the only way to safeguard their future and longevity.

"The political and economic landscape is extremely challenging at the present time for fundraising.

"We are working daily in our application to many funders. Competition is fierce and funds are closing around us so time is of the essence.

"Given the dedication of the team and our many supporters, both on our beautiful island and further afield, we will maintain the enthusiasm to keep going and would like to thank everyone who has supported us."

If successful, the space will be capable of accommodating a variety of activities such as exhibitions, ticketed events and community lets, as well as acting as a community centre, heritage hub and arts and culture venue.

Over £10k has already been raised within Cumbrae, with a crowdfunding appeal under way after a high-profile launch by actor Bill Paterson last month.

Councillor Louise McPhater, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "The Millport Town Hall project could bring significant social and economic benefits to the island, providing a much-needed community facility that will benefit the whole place.

"We are thrilled to be able to hand over this historic building to the group in principle and hope that this move will help to provide leverage towards securing the full funding package required."