Shoppers heading to Ayr over the festive season will be able to take advantage of two hours' free parking.

South Ayrshire Council and the Ayrshire Roads Alliance have introduced the free scheme in all on-street pay and display parking bays and council car parks (Barns Crescent, Charlotte Street, and Kyle Street).

Councillor Bob Pollock, economic development portfolio holder at South Ayrshire Council, said: “Hopefully this gesture will encourage people into the town to do their Christmas shopping and then for the subsequent sales.

"This will be a welcome boost for retailers as they seek to make the most of the Christmas period.

"Parking limits still apply, so please stick to the two hour limit and then pay for any additional parking."

The scheme will run from Thursday, December 1 until Saturday, December 31.

Maximum stay limits will still apply.