Largs has featured second in Scotland for a 'best value' seaside destinations - and even features above the likes of Bournemouth and Brighton in the UK listings.

The study, carried out by Independent Cottages, shows Largs in 25th place for best value coastal day out in the UK, with Portobello Beach the tops in Scotland, with a 23rd position.

Other Scottish coastal destinations to appear on the list include Ayr, Helensburgh, Nairn, Oban, and Dunbar, at 29, 46, 49, 52, and 58 respectively on the UK-wide ranking.

The survey was based on the average price of a fish and chips, the average price of a single scoop of ice cream, and the average cost of a rental property when deciding their ranking.

For Largs - the statistics came in - Price of fish and chips - £11.95; ice cream - £2.50; average rental price per night £154.

Number one in the UK survey was Hythe with fish and chips £8.75, ice cream £2.10 and average rental price per night £110.

By comparison, North Berwick features 68th in UK with average fish and chips price was £16.95, ice cream £2.50, and average rental price per night £283.

North Ayrshire came in ninth place in best value counties for UK seaside destinations, with the only other Scottish region in the top ten being Midlothian which featured in seventh spot.

Independent councillor Ian Murdoch said: "I am delighted with any survey which puts Largs on top or near the top when it comes to best value.

"Tourism is our biggest industry and employer and we have one of the best promenades in existence as far as I am concerned with the best views.

"I am not entirely surprised by the survey as we have a lot to offer and on Mother's Day the town was very busy and the seafront car park was full.

"I expect next weekend to be very busy too and as far as I am concerned this is now the start of the busy tourism season.

"Anything which brings more people to the area has got to be a good thing, and the added bonus is that Millport and the Isle of Cumbrae also offers great value."

Conservative councillor Tom Marshall said: "This is an excellent result for Largs - there is no doubt about it.

"It is a boost for businesses and encourages more day visitors and longer stay.

"In recent years more accommodation has become available for longer stays and the council have been trying to set up a tourism forum which is targeting spending money on improving tourism all over North Ayrshire.

"It is good that Independent Cottages have recognised that Largs represents good value for money and is a very attractive draw with its scenery looking across to the islands."

Independent Cottages CEO Matt Fox commented: "The cost of living crisis is continuing to encourage people to tighten their pursestrings and many will be looking for where they can get the best value for money when it comes to holidays this year.

"Luckily, when it comes to the seaside, we really are spoilt for choice in Britain as it’s home to so many wonderful destinations that can offer a wonderful coastal getaway for every need and budget."

The company, which offers a wide selection of self catering holiday accommodation around the UK, say demand for 'staycations' have remained high after the pandemic due to the cost of living crisis, with enquiries for bookings this coming summer looking to be up around 22% on last year. Their website is here