MSP SIOBHIAN Brown has welcomed the news that £121,800 has been granted for a brand-new water sports hub at Barassie Beach in Troon.

The funding, which comes from the Scottish Government and the National Lottery, will support the development of a state-of-the-art facility offering a range of exciting water-based activities and services for both locals and visitors.

The Troon Water Sports Hub will offer a variety of sporting opportunities, including kite surfing, paddle boarding, canoeing, and open water lessons.

Beyond promoting fitness and wellbeing, the facility will provide crucial water safety courses and cater to the cycling community with bike storage and repair services.

Ayr, Prestwick and Troon MSP Siobhian Brown said: “This investment is fantastic news for Troon and the wider South Ayrshire area.

"The new water sports hub at Barassie Beach will provide a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to engage in fun, active, and safe water-based activities.

"The facility will also promote health and wellbeing through its fitness classes and offer vital water safety courses that could save lives.

"In addition to the water sports, I’m pleased to see that the hub will cater to cyclists as well, adding a further dimension to what this amazing facility can offer.

“This investment highlights the Scottish Government’s commitment to enhance local sport facilities and boost our community’s growing passion for outdoor activities.

"I commend everyone involved in this project, who has worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality. It’s a true community success.”

Harry Risk, Troon Water Sports Hub secretary, said: “Receiving this funding from sportscotland will allow us now to progress the project to the final design and construction phase.

"We now have full planning permission, community asset transfer of the site and a 50-year lease in place with South Ayrshire Council. We plan to be opened in summer 2025.”