Contractor W I & A Gilbert – who completed the earlier phases of work – have started the final part of construction. This will create an accessible path from the car park in the south to Bay Street / Jetty Road.

The coastal path improves access to the beach and along the coastline, connecting to the previous phases which have proved extremely popular. The latest phase will continue south from the existing path near Ferry Row for approximately 390 metres.

Funding for this project has been secured from the Scottish Government and administered through Sustrans Scotland’s Network Development Fund.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for Green Environment and Economy, said: “We are absolutely delighted that work on the final phase of the Fairlie Coastal Path has started – we are sure it is going to be a massive asset to the local community and to people walking, wheeling, cycling and visiting the area.

“It will provide safer, traffic-free access along our coastline and be a wonderful spot for people to take in our scenery and enjoy the outdoors.

“We are committed to providing active travel routes and means for people to easily get out and about and this is another example of that.

“With any development of this nature, there will be a degree of disruption and, as always, we appreciate the patience of residents during the construction phase. We are sure the path will be a great local asset when work is complete.”

Rhodri Thomas, senior network development manager at Sustrans, added: “We are pleased to see work start on the final phase of the Fairlie Coastal Path project.

“We hope that it will be a well-loved space that makes it easier and safer for everyone to make healthier and more sustainable choices for their everyday journeys”.