Elena Whitham MSP has welcomed £99,000 in Scottish Government funding for the Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan.

The plan will aim to improve understanding of coastal erosion and help prepare for future risks.

The Carrick, Cumnock, and Doon Valley MSP has praised the announcement, which will see over £1million invested across 10 projects aimed at tackling coastal erosion.

The Scottish Government’s Coastal Change Adaptation Programme seeks to future-proof coastal communities and share learning across local authorities.

The funding, which is part of £12m committed for coastal change adaptation during the course of the current Parliament, adds to the £106,000 that South Ayrshire received during 2023-24.

Ms Whitham said: "As a society, we must do everything we can to combat the growing threat of climate change.

"Part of this includes protecting our precious coastal communities like the ones we are fortunate to have in South Ayrshire.

"That is why I am pleased the Scottish Government is investing to understand the threat of coastal erosion and what can be done to protect the homes, natural environment, and infrastructure on our shores.

"This funding will be instrumental for communities like Ballantrae, who are already working to prepare for rising sea levels and climate change."