A NUMBER of Ayr businesses have been shortlisted for the prestigious Scottish Italian Awards.

The awards celebrate the best of Italian businesses throughout the country, with a glittering ceremony to crown the winners taking place later this year.

Aldente in Ayr's Prestwick Road has picked up four nominations: Best Family Run Business, Best Pasta Chef, Best Restaurant in the West and Best Trattoria.

A spokesperson said: "A massive thank you to everyone who has supported us and voted.

"Your love for authentic Italian food and our family values keeps us going!"

Renaldo's Old Fashioned Ices, fresh from picking up the Best Dessert Shop gong at the Ayrshire regional edition of Scotland's Business Awards, has also been shortlisted.

It has been named as a finalist in the Best Family Run Business and Best Gelateria/Dessert categories.

The Pizzaiolo, which operates a restaurant and a takeaway in the town, is up for two categories in Best Pizza and Best Pizzeria.

Elsewhere, Dinos on Maybole Road is in the running for Best Fish and Chips, and Cecchini's is up for Best Family Run Business.

The gala final will take place on Sunday, December 1 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Glasgow.