Boating and sailing enthusiasts will be welcomed back to Cumbrae this year after it was confirmed visitor moorings will be available.

North Ayrshire Council has agreed a three-year contract with North West Marine to install, maintain and repair the visitor moorings off the shores of Millport.

The moorings will be available from Easter throughout the sailing season until October, with visitors welcome to berth for up to three nights.

For longer stays, visitor berthing is available at Lamlash and at Largs Yacht Haven, Fairlie Quay Marina, and Clyde Marina in Ardrossan. 

The council’s visitor moorings are blue hippo-type buoys and can be used on a first come, first-served basis.

Boats must weigh no more than 15 tonnes to berth on a mooring, and visitors are responsible for ensuring that their vessel is suitably moored and does not interfere with other moorings or vessels.

Local boats, dinghies and other marine craft are asked to leave the moorings free for visiting and cruising boats. 

Councillor Tony Gurney said: “This is really great news for our island communities who rely so much on tourism over the warmer months.

“It’s really important that we are welcoming, and that visiting boats and cruising charters have the option to stay rather than to move on elsewhere.

“We have some of the best views and coastlines in the country and our islands are always a popular destination for sailing and boating enthusiasts.

“We are sure they will be delighted that they will have the opportunity to leave their boat in a safe and secure spot so they can relax and explore what our islands have to offer.”