Military activity will increase in Ayrshire over the next ten days as Exercise Saxon Warrior 17 gets under way.

The exercise, which began on Monday, is delivered by the Joint Tactical Exercise Planning Staff (JTEPS) based at Faslane.

It will involve warships, submarines and aircraft from five nations, with the maritime and air activity focused on Scotland's coasts.

Prestwick Airport will likely play a role in the exercise, and see an increase in military aircraft at its base.

The USS George HW Bush, a 97,000-tonne Nimitz class aircraft carrier, is also taking part and will be operating in the waters around Scotland.

The aircraft carrier has 46 F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets on board, along with a number of additional fixed wing and rotary aircraft.

A spokesman for the Ardrossan Coastguard and Rescue Team advised boat owners to steer clear of the military vessels.

He said: "Mariners are also requested to remain clear of the aircraft carrier during periods of when it is launching and recovering aircraft.

"The vessel will display restricted in ability to manoeuvre shapes and/or lights during these operations.

"If you are planning on heading to the coast throughout the exercise to view the ships, please always take extra care and don't put yourself at risk to get a photograph."