The future of the iconic fishing vessel MVF Watchful in South Harbour Street in Ayr has been confirmed. 

South Ayrshire councillors have approved proposals for the removal of the former fishing vessel from the dry dock at the site.

The vessel is in a deteriorating condition, and would cost a substantial amount to restore. 

The removal of The Watchful will allow the council to move forward with its ambitious Ayr Esplanade Improvement Strategy.

The strategy includes improved infrastructure for water sports, refurbishment of existing artworks and a new maritime heritage installation. 

Councillor Martin Kilbride, the authority's portfolio holder for buildings and environment, said: "The council has engaged with a number of community bodies around plans to restore The Watchful, however none of these have come to fruition. 

"The best option is to remove the vessel and move forward with our plans to revamp the esplanade area." 

The council's cabinet approved the Watchful's removal on March 12 after hearing that a public survey on the boat's future had attracted 91 responses - 44 in favour of demolition, 24 against and 24 neutral.

A report by SAC officials asked the cabinet to approve the recommendation that the boat be removed and scrapped.

Demolition will cost around £5,500, with the money to be taken from the authority's 'promenade and shorefront improvement' budget.

In the report to the cabinet, Tom Burns, service lead for asset management and community asset transfer, said: “A small number of community bodies have expressed an interest in MVF Watchful as a heritage or restoration project over the years.

“However, none of these have come to fruition as a community asset transfer or any other purchase, lease, or management agreement.

 “There is a risk that removal and scrapping will be viewed negatively by some members of the community who are opposed to the proposal.

“Results from the Common Good Consultation indicate, however, the majority of respondents support the proposal to remove the boat to enable improvements to the area.

“Many of the representations that are against the proposal focus on the loss of The Watchful as a memorial to fisherman. This could be mitigated by proposals for a new maritime heritage installation contained in the Ayr Esplanade Strategy.”

Mr Burns concluded his report with a warning that a decision to leave the boat in place could leave the Ayr common good fund liable for increasing maintenance costs in future years.

Built at Port Seton in East Lothian in 1955, the Watchful was decommissioned at Campbeltown in 1995 and has been sat in the dry dock space for more than 20 years.