Final phase of work on Fairlie coastal path set to begin

The project will provide visitors with complete access along the seafront once it is completed later this year.

It has been 10 years since councillors in the North Coast agreed to the coastal path to be built.

Following three public consultations, the first section involved resurfacing work between the south car park and Craiglyn, which was competed around four years ago.

Work on the north section between Bay Street and Ferry Row took place two years ago and was praised by long term campaigners of the project for providing significant width for prams, pushchairs, wheelchairs and bikes to use.

The remaining central section is anticipated to be begin work on Monday January 29 and the construction work is set to last 20 weeks.

Funding for the project has been secured from Sustrans via a grant from Transport Scotland. 

The construction of the path will be completed in sections.

Fairlie seafront as it currently looks where next stage of path will be constructed (Image: Newsquest)

The section of the coastal path being worked on will be considered an active works site, with movement of materials, plant and machinery and will be closed for safety reasons. 

Advanced warning and diversion signing will be in place.

The works will tie into the southern section of phase two immediately north of Ferry Row and run south to tie into the northern extent of the phase one works; a distance of 390m.

The character, design, materials used, and path widths are consistent with phase two - the previous works north of Ferry Row. 

Independent councillor Ian Murdoch announced the starting date for the construction work during Fairlie Community Council's January meeting.

He said: "I am delighted that the final phase is being carried out and that a date has been given for the next phase of the project, and I am looking forward to seeing it completed so that access can be gained from one end of Fairlie seafront to the other.

"The neighbourhood notifications have now gone out, I am delighted it is getting started, and how it help and assist with access along the shorefront of Fairlie."

North Ayrshire Council have been contacted for comment.