'Gems among the rocks', Saltcoats

A series of exciting and innovative coastal beacons is being developed along Irvine Bay’s beaches and seafront, providing points of interest and drawing local people and visitors to the waterside in this popular area of Scotland.

The first of these beacons is 'Gems among the rocks' which has been incorporated into a £2 million sea defences project constructed by North Ayrshire Council at Saltcoats Quay. White marble rocks have been placed among the black boulders which are lit up at night. The white and black rock represents the salt and coal from Saltcoats historic origins of salt panning and coal mining.

An additional phase of work to introduce lighting on to Saltcoats pier was completed in 2011. The lighting highlights the red brick pillars on the pier wall and the historic harbour master's house. The pier is a historic and iconic structure and lighting it up at night draws attention to it and celebrates this part of Saltcoats' history. Scotland's first female sea captain set sail from this North Ayrshire pier and a large fleet of ships used to sail to Ireland and the Americas.

Other coastal beacons are proposed as part of the coastal park, which is designed to make the most of our amazing natural resources. The beacons will be designed to increase interest in the area and change perceptions - helping the economic and cultural rennaissance of Irvine Bay.