AYR’S popular Airshow has been axed after a quarter of a million worth of council funding was pulled.

The much-loved event was set to return this year after taking a break in 2019, with aeroplanes booked and ready for take-off.

But last week the future of the Airshow was in doubt as it was plunged into crisis during a turbulent set of days which left organisers fearing the worst after South Ayrshire Council terminated its funding pledge of £250,000.

Furious organisers of the Scottish International Airshow (TSIA) said the showpiece event at The Low Green could ‘only work’ with the council’s backing.

On Sunday, February 23 they revealed that the Airshow would be axed.

A spokesperson for TSIA said: “South Ayrshire Council have withdrawn the funding and "in kind" support of the 2020 Scottish International Airshow in Ayr.

“We now have no choice but to cancel all the aircraft and displays booked for the 2020 Airshow.”

“We have to cancel hundreds of hotel rooms and dozens of sub-contractors who would have brought significant economic and tourism benefits to Ayrshire once again. We will be contacting everyone who has bought pitches or tickets and arranging refunds.”

Read more on the fall out in this weeks Ayr Advertiser.