A STRANDED kayaker was described as "lucky" to have made it ashore in testing conditions on Wednesday evening.

Largs RNLI were requested to launch at 8.55pm on September 25 to assist on the east side of Little Cumbrae island.

The onboard searchlight and night vision goggles had to be employed to see if the casualty could be spotted onshore.

A few moments later the kayaker was spotted close to a small jetty that serves the island where he was found to be extremely tired and cold.

He had been trying to paddle back to shore since 6pm but could not make headway against the wind, and said his only choice was to make sure he landed on the island.

On arrival at Largs Yacht Haven, the lifeboat crew were met by members of Largs Coastguard Rescue Team who assisted in returning the casualty back to his car.

Hugh Douglas, Largs launch authority, said: "Tonight’s casualty was lucky to have made it to shore in the dark and windy conditions.

"We would always advise water users to ensure they have checked the weather before venturing out to enjoy our waters and also to have means of contacting the Coastguard if they do get into trouble.

"Thankfully, this call had a good outcome with the kayaker being returned to the mainland safe and well."