A BYPASS for Maybole is on track with a contractor expected to be named this month.

Peter Mason chairs the Maybole Bypass Committee and, along with Helen Whitefield, David Kiltie and Bill McCubbin. He visited Holyrood last week to meet Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity.

Mr Mason said: “I was delighted to receive an invitation for myself and other members of Maybole Bypass Committee to meet with Mr Matheson in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, December 7.

“He was well-aware of what has been happening regarding the Maybole Bypass to the extent he knew all about the proprietary work which has commenced before the bypass starts. We received assurances that the contract for the bypass will be signed this month and it will then be down to the contractor to announce the official start date.

“We also met with the Maybole Bypass project manager who gave assurances that he will be consulting with us during the whole project.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson said: “I was delighted to meet with the Maybole Bypass Committee this week, who have tirelessly campaigned for a bypass around the town of Maybole, and confirm to them that the project remains on track with a contract expected to be awarded for construction this month.”

Former Town and District Councillor Bill McCubbin added: "Having been involved for many years with others in trying to convince various people of the vital need for a bypass for our town, the meeting with the Transport Minister signified the "end of the road" for all of us involved, via the Maybole Bypass Committee, in this endeavour. It was a meeting full of positivity regarding the "new road" and I feel sure that the completion of this will serve to make Maybole a pleasure to live in. With the intended improvements to the High Street and elsewhere, the town will deserve the title of Capital of Carrick".