Work has begun the long-awaited new £31.2m bypass in Dalry.

Transport minister Humza Yousaf marked the start of the project after a local campaign for the route which began more than 60 years ago.

The stretch of the A737 is set to change significantly with the new bypass and two new roundabouts.

The new road will carry traffic over the River Garnock and the Glasgow to Ayr railway line.

The route is expected to be complete and available to road users by the end of 2019.

Mr Yousaf said: "I am delighted to be here at Dalry today to mark the start of the first of two major investments on the A737 to improve this key route in the south west of Scotland.

"Delivery of the scheme will help strengthen the economy for the local communities by providing improved journey times as well reducing the demand placed upon the current road by long-distance road users.

"The Scottish Government is committed to having a safer and more efficient transport network and the start of work today is another step forward to delivering this for the people of Scotland."