THE "pink" gateway to a historic town will undergo a £2.5 million refurbishment after planning permission was granted for the project.

The work on the buildings In New Bridge Street, Ayr, will include repointing, painting and replacement stonework, gates and gutters.

The Ayr Townscape Heritage Initiative, funded by South Ayrshire Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund, will start in spring and is expected to take 18 months. Councillor Peter Convery, far left, said it would give the "landmark buildings the chance to shine" and would be sympathetic to the conservation status of the local area.