A full switch on event of this year's Christmas lights will not take place, the council has confirmed.

Council bosses confirmed the news was due to traffic restrictions following the fire at Ayr Station Hotel.

A curtailed version of the switch on, as well as a festive family fun day, will take place instead.

A South Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “A full switch on event is not possible this year due to the temporary restrictions in place on Station Bridge and the subsequent traffic diversions.

Read More: South Ayrshire Festive Family Fun day for Christmas

"A switch on event would have required the High Street to close for long periods to set-up and run the event.

“We have arranged a much shorter road closure at the bottom of the high street which is less disruptive and will allow the Festive Family Fun event to take place at the Cutty Sark Centre/ Ayr Town Hall/ Grain Exchange.

“We are also arranging for some lights to be switched on at the Cutty Sark Centre during this event.”