A CELEBRATION event is being organised in Millport for the long-awaited reopening of the promenade after major flood defence works in the town.

Offshore work on North Ayrshire Council's £48 million flood protection scheme is now complete, with the rest of the project "developing well".

And the reopening of the prom will be marked by a special event on Saturday, July 13, on the promenade opposite the Garrison.

 

The event will feature a sandcastle building competition, face painting, crafts and an exhibition of sea defence machinery - as well as a herd of alpacas.

The event runs from 1-4pm and is being run by the Isle of Cumbrae Tourist Association.

Major flood prevention works in Millport  (Image: North Ayrshire Council)

The completed offshore works include the installation of an offshore rock armour breakwater, which has created a calm area of water.

This part of the works is essential to allow a proposed marina, which is an Ayrshire Growth Deal project - to be constructed in the future.

Foreshore rockworks are also taking place on Clyde Street and at the junction of Crichton Street and Clyde Street, while concrete revetments - slopes that absorb wave energy to help reduce coastal erosion - are being created at Kelburn Street, Millburn Street and Clyde Street.

With climate change expected to increase the frequency and severity of flooding across Scotland, North Ayrshire Council says its financial input in the project illustrates its commitment to the environment and reducing risks to communities.

Onshore works around Glasgow Street are progressing well and include new benches, kerbing, surfacing works jetty repairs (including the jetty near the famous Crocodile Rock), promenade wall repairs, and repainting.

The main contractor for the flood protection work in Millport is Van Oord UK Ltd, with support from subsidiary Mackley Civil Engineering.

This project is being managed on behalf of the council by global professional services business Turner & Townsend, with support from the principal designer, Royal Haskoning DHV.

To read more about the flood prevention scheme, click here.