PORT operator Associated British Ports is expanding the Port of Ayr with the acquisition of more than three acres of commercial property.

The London-based company – whose Scottish ports at Ayr and Troon handled 250 ships carrying in excess of 400,000 tonnes of cargo in 2015 – said the site had room for expansion with additional office and warehouse units available for rent.

“This property will provide the Port of Ayr with a mix of industrial space for local businesses as well as a range of flexibly-sized office units on York Street, all of which are within close proximity to the port,” said Stuart Cresswell, port manager for Ayr and current president of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.

ABP said it had invested over £3.7m into the Port of Ayr over the last four years, including the construction of the Ailsa Craig terminal, which is used to handle imports including including wheat and malt for Scotland’s whisky distilling industry.