SOME 997 people are having an affair in South Ayrshire, according to a new report.

Released by The Infidelity Index, compiled by IllicitEncounters.com, figures displayed on mapped location data of its members against each area’s adult population find the most adulterous towns, and Ayr has the highest in the county with 318 people being linked to the website.

The figures also show Troon to have 230 people, Prestwick has 243, Girvan has 111 and Maybole has 95 and whilst this could be seen as moderately high, Irvine was shown to be the most adulterous town in Scotland, with 1782 people.

Christian Grant, spokesperson for IllicitEncounters.com, said: “Cheating has never been more popular in Scotland and there has been a strong surge since the independence vote four years ago, with a 20 per cent rise in numbers.

“A lot of Scots are trapped in unhappy marriages.

“They are sticking with their partners but seeking discreet excitement elsewhere.”