SIX arrests took place yesterday after some 1500 youths descended on Troon Beach amid the hottest May holiday weekend in a quarter century.

Around 50 officers from the Ayrshire Police Division were deployed to the town, working alongside the British Transport Police, Scottish Ambulance Service and ScotRail as part of the multi-agency Ayrshire Safer Shores Initiative.

This was brought into force due to the drunken behaviour of young people over the past couple of years.

It is understood that six crimes were reported and those arrested were mostly young people.

Chief Inspector Gary I’Anson, South Ayrshire Area Commander, explained: “We have had several young people come from Paisley Gilmour Street and Glasgow Central today (Monday, May 28) – some are drunk, and a lot of alcohol has been surrendered at various points.

“We are expecting around 1,500 young people to be here, and we now have 50 officers involved. We have local officers and other officers from around Ayrshire.

“We also have the Red Cross on the ground, along with BTP and ScotRail behind the scenes, with the Scottish Ambulance Service and the NHS.

“So far we have had one arrest with one disturbance but the majority of them are here for a good time.

“We knew it was coming and we are ready – I know that our colleagues from Glasgow and Paisley have been really busy and we’ve got our officers that started early this morning that will be staying on to make sure we get all the people here safely to the train station and safely home.”

With the good weather to continue throughout the week, the Safer Shore Initiative is expected to continue.

Chief Inspector Gary I’Anson, added: “Our Safer Shores Initiative is now fully underway, and I would appeal to everyone, particularly young people, to be considerate and make safe and positive choices so that you can have a great day out with your friends and get back home safely.

“With the good weather set to continue this week we will have additional officers on patrol and deployed with partners to welcome visitors.”