Two beaches in South Ayrshire have been rated as "poor" for water quality by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa).

Heads of Ayr and Ayr South Beach were both given the classification.

Millport Bay and Largs Pencil were both rated excellent, while Maidens, Culzean and Seamil were rated good.

The other five beaches along the coast, Girvan, Prestwick, Irvine, Troon and Saltcoats/Ardrossan, were rated as sufficient.

Calum McPhail, from Sepa's environmental quality unit, said: "While many bathing waters in Ayrshire have met the tight EU water quality standards, we understand that the local community will be disappointed, as we are, that Heads of Ayr and Ayr (South Beach) have been rated as having a 'poor' classification.

"It is important to remember that a 'poor' classification does not necessarily mean that water quality is continually poor.

"These are still fantastic beaches to visit, and we are working with the Scottish Government and our key partner organisations to help all bathing waters to avoid 'poor' classifications."