DUTY free at Prestwick Airport is set to undergo a revamp which will increase the space to more than 5000 square feet.

The refurbishment is part of efforts to "reposition" the taxpayer-owned airport and make it more appealing to travellers.

Funding for the improvement, part of a wider overhaul of the terminal building, was announced by then Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last summer.

The work, which will be completed by the end of May, will increase the square footage of the store by 15% to around 5027sq ft to create "a premium airport shopping experience".

The makeover includes an expanded fashion, fragrance and cosmetic departments, an improved technology range, new promotional areas and improved lighting and flooring as well as modern fixtures and fittings.

Graeme Sweenie, chief commercial officer at the airport, said: "Our aim is to bring a fresh look and feel to the airport and make Duty Free more inviting and interesting for our customers. Our team here is working closely with operators Nuance to deliver a great-looking store and provide the products our customers most want to see."

Paul Donaldson, UK general manager for duty free operator, Nuance, said they had also signed a long-term contract with the airport extending beyond 2020 as a sign of their confidence in the airport's "longer-term strategy for growth".

The airport is currently served by only one passenger airline, Ryanair, with as few as one flight operating on some weekdays during the current winter schedule.

The Scottish Government bought Prestwick Airport for £1 in 2013 after previous owner, Infratile, failed to find a commercial buyer.

Ministers have so far invested or budgeted £25m for running costs and improvements.

However, a report by public spending watchdog Audit Scotland sparked controversy last week when it emerged that ministers expected the cost to taxpayers to reach £40m by 2021 - before eventually returning to profitability.