A historic pier in Largs, Ayrshire, has been officially reopened by the Princess Royal, following the completion of a £6m scheme to safeguard the long-term future of the structure.

Contractor George Leslie carried out refurbishment work on the 175-year-old pier on behalf of site owner Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMAL), which was working in partnership with ferry operators CalMac Ferries. The new pier will provide shelter to the town's slipway, overnight shelter for ferries operating on the route to the Isle of Cumbrae, as well as upgraded facilities for fishermen and other pier users.

Funded by CMAL, around 75 per cent of the project's costs were met by the Scottish Government as part of a pledge to maintain ferry services through the country that provide a link to isolated communities. Scottish transport minister Stewart Stevenson said: "The Scottish Government has invested £4m in this project, demonstrating our commitment to improving lifeline ferry services.

"This is a pier for the future, which will deliver a real economic boost for the local community, providing shelter to the slipway, berthing for local services and provide improved facilities for local fishermen and other pier users." Image: CMAL chair Grenville Johnston with the Princess Royal