More than just a walking and cycle path, it is expected that the ten-mile route will encourage active travelling to work, become a new tourist destination, improve health and wellbeing, and connect communities feeding into a wider active travel network.

Set to will begin at Ayr Esplanade, the proposed route has still to be decided so people will be invited to view initial plans and provide their feedback.

The drop-in sessions will take place at:

• Prestwick Community Centre on Caerlaverock Road on Saturday 25 March from 11am until 2pm
• The Citadel Leisure Centre, South Harbour Street, Ayr on Thursday 30 March from 5pm until 8pm
• Walker Hall, South Beach, Troon on Tuesday 4 April from 5pm until 8pm

An online event will also be held on Wednesday 19 April from 6pm until 7pm and people can register at www.theayrshirelink.com.

Primary six pupils Amy, Ruby, Nico and Leon from Heathfield primary school joined visual communications students Lewis Dunbar, Kenzie Millen and Elina Suberte from Ayrshire College, alongside Rory MacColl from the Active Travel Hub, David Manson, special project officer from Ayrshire Roads Alliance and Councillor Bob Pollock, South Ayrshire Council to launch the new project.

Councillor Bob Pollock, economic development portfolio holder for South Ayrshire Council said: “This 10-mile multi-use path would give active travel in South Ayrshire a huge boost. At present anyone walking, running, or wheeling between Ayr and Barassie does so on a mixture of paths, pavements and roads which is far from ideal. It’s vital that the views of locals are taken into consideration to determine a suitable route, so I would encourage people to get involved with the consultation process and have their say.”

The Ayrshire College students named the new route, The Ayrshire Link, and will be working on the project over the coming months to design new branding.

David Manson, special project officer at the Ayrshire Roads Alliance, added: “Active travel is not just about improving wellbeing but also how we make every day journeys as easy and accessible as possible. This can help improve the sustainability of our neighbourhoods and spaces to create economic and social value.

“Ayrshire’s scenery is renowned and a terrific asset for all to see and enjoy and The Ayrshire Link will encourage visitors to come and spend time in the area and enjoy what we have to offer.”

The project is being co-ordinated by Ayrshire Roads Alliance in collaboration with Sweco.

Following a period of consultation, the design team will produce detailed proposals for submission to South Ayrshire Council for planning.  If successful, it is anticipated that work will start in 2025 and take two to three years to complete.