North Ayrshire Council say that appropriate checks have taken place on the land where the popular Ferris wheel is set to reside in Largs.

The local authority has confirmed that it does not have any concerns in relation to the return of the popular attraction.

It comes after an issue was aired at a recent community council meeting over the natural state of the greenfield site next to Vanduara where the big wheel is set to be located.

During the meeting, councillor Ian Murdoch pointed out that an application had been made for the Ferris wheel to return to the esplanade after a two year absence.

Cllr Murdoch said: "I am concerned at the state of the ground and whether it is strong enough as it was used and closed off for the sea wall improvement works, the grass seeds had to be resown earlier this year.

"However, this is a matter for North Ayrshire Council officers to decide upon."

The News have contacted the local authority to find out what the latest state of play is in relation to the resown greenfield site in front of Vanduara.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “The application is for a temporary public entertainment licence and it is currently within the standard consultation process."

The News has been informed that the roads department have confirmed to North Ayrshire Council that the works carried out 'did not impact on the bearing-capacity of the area, which has previously been tested.'

Some disturbance to the re-established grass may be expected, however, the lease terms ensure this will be rectified upon removal of the wheel, the council say.

Calvin David Thomson has made the application for a temporary public licence for the entertainment fairground attraction.

The temporary public licence application was made on July 8.

The duration of the licence runs from August 12 until September 8 meaning that the Ferris wheel would also be in position for the full Viking Festival week which runs from August 31 until September 8.

It states on the application that the maximum number permitted to ride at any one time is 150.

The turf on this area of the esplanade was re-laid earlier this year following the £4.6m sea wall improvement and upgrade works which had taken up the site location for the Ferris wheel last year.

The 32-metre-tall wheel first came to the town in 2021 and was a hit with visitors, before returning in 2022 for a longer period.

The attraction was manufactured and purchased brand new in 2018 and has been made to the highest specifications by Technical Park, one of the largest manufacturers in the amusements industry.

The structure boasts an LED light show, which runs in different sequences.

It has 24 individual gondolas, seating up to six people per carriage, with each offering unobstructed 360 degree panoramic views, and includes disabled access on a specially made gondola.

The wheel has previously operated at Glasgow’s Christmas market, Portobello Beach near Edinburgh and at a wedding in Switzerland.