A CONTROVERSIAL plan for a biomass plant in the forestry above Lamlash on Arran has been scrapped.

The developers of the proposed wood fired power plant at the Dyemill have said they will not be proceeding with the project after persistent opposition from a "section of the community" led them to walk away.

It marks the end of an often bitter two-year fight since Northern Energy Development Ltd (NEDL) first submitted their application for a biomass plant to North Ayrshire Council in June 2012.

It attracted huge controversy and more than 700 objections have been made to the two applications.

Opposition came from a wide range of the community and politicians of all persuasions.

The Arran Energy Action Group was also set up to argue the case against the plans, although, controversially, Arran Community Council backed the proposal.

Objectors believed the plant would hit the vital tourism trade on the island.