Ambitious multi-million pound plans aimed at the re-birth of Girvan as an attractive seaside resort have been revealed to the Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Andy Hill, during an important fact-delivering session at the Council's Headquarters.

The Council leader has been briefed on extensive development proposals being drawn up by Girvan Community Developments Ltd - a local, community led and driven organisation - in conjunction with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Scotland (RSPB).

And Councillor Hill was introduced to an award-winning design team which has been lined up for the project.

RSPB Scotland and Girvan Community Developments Ltd share a vision for a £10 million state of the art conservation and community development in Girvan - The Ailsa Craig Centre - incorporating the redevelopment of the Girvan Beach Pavilion.

This multi-million pound project - which it is hoped will attract funds from the Big Lottery Living Landmark Fund - will see views of the spectacular seabirds of the Clyde's RSPB Ailsa Craig nature reserve beamed across 12 miles of open sea by the latest live-camera technology to a purpose-built wildlife interpretation and community facility on the harbour side.

The development of the Girvan site would result in an estimated 40,000 visitors a year flocking to the area to enjoy the wildlife - including the popular puffin - through observation points, camera systems and cruises around Ailsa Craig island.

The centre would also host a restaurant, theatre, cinema, crèche and indoor bowling facility for South Ayrshire residents.

It was explained to Councillor Hill that RSPB Scotland and Girvan Community Developments Ltd envisage that the stunning centre and its facilities will act as an international visitor attraction boosting tourism in south west Scotland and across the country as a whole, providing an inspirational gateway to exploring the area's natural and cultural heritage.

The Centre will be an innovative site providing a unique chance for visitors to learn about Ailsa Craig and the surrounding area while enjoying a wide range of facilities.

And it was explained that the Ailsa Craig Centre will be the focal point in Girvan and South Ayrshire for a range of social, employment and regeneration activities. The centre will be an engine of change, driving the regeneration and inclusion agenda for the area, and harnessing the strengths of the local community.

Following the meeting, Councillor Hill said: "The concept for the re-birth of Girvan is an outstanding and ambitious one. The work being undertaken by Girvan Community Developments Ltd is wholeheartedly appreciated, and I would offer them every encouragement with the project that they are working towards.

"The enthusiasm for the project is plain to see, and I have been delighted to meet with the various parties involved in the planning work which is underway.

"South Ayrshire Council has demonstrated support for their vision by agreeing to make appropriate land available, and by providing staff to support the preparatory work. This included our officers helping carry out a major survey of local residents to find out what services and facilities they wanted if the old Beach Pavilion could be renovated. We also carried out a technical assessment of the old Beach Pavilion which showed that it would be more cost effective to demolish it, and build something new in its place."

And Councillor Hill pointed out: "Any further decisions on future commitment will obviously be a matter for the Council as a whole to take."

Girvan Community Developments Ltd is a Company Limited by Guarantee with Charitable Recognition in Scotland. The organisation's vision is 'working together towards a brighter future for the economy, community and heritage of our area'. Their adopted mission is 'to be a dynamic charitable company that works in partnership to develop and deliver viable community initiatives'.

The impetus for Girvan Community Developments Ltd dates from mid 2002, when the Community Council elections for that year identified major issues across the community were revitalisation of the area, the lack of local facilities and the need for a focal point for a range of community activities.

In late 2002 with the support of South Ayrshire Council, a working group was formed to research the needs and aspirations of the local community.

More than 40,000 pairs of these striking birds breed here every year, which makes Ailsa Craig the third most important site in the UK for gannets after St Kilda and Bass Rock.

As well as gannets, Ailsa Craig is home to various other seabirds including guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, lesser black-backed gulls and puffins, and the waters around the island are frequented by seals, common dolphins, minke whales and basking sharks. It is also home to slow worms, which grow unusually large on the island, probably because they do not suffer from predators.

November 2005