LARGE parts of the Ayrshire coast could find themselves under serious threat of flooding in the coming decades because of global warming, scientists have warned.

Independent research group Climate Central has created a 'coastal risk screening tool', which shows what areas of land are projected to be below annual flood level in 2050. 

On the map, areas lower than the selected water level and with an unobstructed path to the water are shaded red. 

Using the tool, we have looked at areas of the Ayrshire coastline that, unless flood defence measures are put in place, are projected to be at risk of being below annual flood level in less than three decades' time...

Ayr, Prestwick and Troon

The tool shows that large areas of seafront along Ayr, Troon and Prestwick are expected to be below annual flooding levels by 2050. 

This includes much of the area along Ayr Beach, and a large area of land around Ayr Harbour too.

In Prestwick, much of the seafront golf club would be at risk, as well as areas of the promenade and holiday park. 

Further north, large parts of Troon town centre are below the annual flood level, alongside the popular harbour area.

Irvine Times:

Irvine and the Three Towns

In Irvine, areas at risk centre around the Bogside Flats SSSI and the beach park area that is popular with locals and visitors.

Land on the inside of the River Irvine near the Rivergate shopping centre is also shown as at risk from flooding in the future.

Much of Stevenson and the Ardeer area is shown to be badly impacted by flood levels in the future, with the threat area extending all the way to the Auchenharvie Driving Range.

The Ardrossan Harbour area is also noted as being below annual flood levels in 2050, including the nearby train station.

Irvine Times:

West Kilbride, Portencross and Hunterston

This area of coastline would be heavily impacted, with large parts of Portencross, including its famous castle, below annual flood levels in 2050. 

Large parts of Hunterston, including the busy jetty, are also expected to be below annual flood levels in around 30 years time.

Irvine Times:

Largs and Cumbrae

Key areas of Largs noted include the iconic Pencil monument and Largs Yacht Haven, which holds hundreds of vessels at any one time. 

The full length of the promenade would also be under threat, alongside the play park and boating pond at Aubery.

On Cumbrae, major sections of the coastline are said to be under threat, including the waterfront areas of Millport. 

However, the ongoing flood defence works on the island are preparing to defend the town against rising sea levels and future flooding.

Irvine Times:

To view the full map go here.