A BRAND new tourism route championing Cumbrae as a top destination, has been officially launched by Formula One presenter, Lee McKenzie.

The Coig is the latest Scottish tourism bid to drive people to Ayrshire and the Clyde.

Gaelic for five, The Coig is a series of five tourist routes covering Ayrshire, Arran, Bute and Cumbrae, offering people an exciting way to explore the unique coast and countryside on their doorstep.

It was launched by Formula One presenter Lee McKenzie on Tuesday.

Lee, herself an Ayrshire lass, is one of the most recognised faces on the nation’s TV screens and says she is proud to be the face of the campaign.

She says she hopes to reinvigorate people’s interest in Largs and Cumbrae as a top choice for outdoor adventure, healthy activity and fun, family days out.

She said: “I was born and raised in this area and it holds so many happy memories for me.

"Each route has been specially designed to showcase the outstanding natural beauty, history, heritage, food and drink, as well as the wide range of outdoor and family activities on offer."

Visitors will be able follow a choice of paths as part of a day trip from Glasgow or Edinburgh, or as a longer staycation experience.

Local Councillor and Cabinet Member for Economy, Alex Gallagher said: "Cumbrae will make up a key part of this route and will showcase the best that Ayrshire and the Clyde has to offer.

"It is a similar idea to the North Coast 500 which has drove thousands of people to explore Scotland.

"There has been great investment in to this project and the development of an app which will make it a really interactive experience.

"People will be able to pick what they are interested in whether it be food, history or heritage and will then be guided to routes suitable to what they are looking for.

“The Coig is a fantastic initiative which will support our local businesses and communities by helping to boost visitor numbers into our towns and villages.

"This campaign will put Ayrshire on the map both nationally and internationally, showcasing the beauty and diversity of our countryside, coast and islands."

The regional tourism leadership group for The Coig is made up of key tourism industry representatives from both the public and private sector and members of national tourism organisations.

The group has now set out its plans and how to best maximise this new development to add value to local businesses, visitors and rural communities.