A new partnership that vowed to maximise the potential of North Ayrshire’s glorious coastal resources recently celebrated its first anniversary.

And that union between North Ayrshire Council and Crown Estate Scotland is already having an impact 12 months on.

Last summer, the two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) – a formal commitment – to identify opportunities for regeneration and investment in the area.

Over the last year, a number of key early objectives have been met. These include:

•Appointment of a Marine Tourism Development Officer to advance key project activity and enable community and partner engagement

•Supporting Ayrshire Growth Deal projects – Crown Estate Scotland have become a key stakeholder and participant across major Ayrshire Growth Deal investments bringing resources and expertise

•Exploring models of investment to support key projects

•Development of community and marine funding bids

This week the two parties met at the Harbourside for a tour of the area and further discussions about how they could attract investment into the area and work together.

Councillor Joe Cullinane, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “It is now over a year since we signed the MOU and also over a year since we launched our Community Wealth Building Strategy.

“A key part of Community Wealth Building is working with partner organisations to maximise our expertise and resources to the benefit of our communities.

“We have put some really important building blocks in place and will continue to develop ideas for our stunning coastline and marine resources - which will allow these assets to flourish and benefit our coastal communities and economy.”

Amanda Bryan, Crown Estate Scotland Chair, said: “Over the past year we have been able to build on our joint commitment with North Ayrshire Council to explore opportunities for delivering sustainable economic benefit in the region.

“It is only the start though, and we are looking forward to continuing to look for ways in which we can make the most of those opportunities alongside North Ayrshire Council and its communities.”