A deal has been agreed for the construction of a new £25m school in Ayr.

South Ayrshire Council is preparing to move on site to get work under way after contractor Kier Construction was brought in to deliver the new Roman Catholic school.

Queen Margaret Academy, which will be built in the grounds of the existing school, will provide spaces for 800 young people.

Councillor Peter Henderson said: "We're committed to providing young people with the best possible start in life, and delivering a first-class education goes a long way to helping achieve that.

"By investing in this significant new building we're creating a base to transform the way young people are taught, with the replacement school a more flexible space in which to deliver lessons.

"The building and facilities will also be available for community use, which will help make the project an important local hub."

Managing director of Kier Construction's Scotland & north east England business Brian McQuade said: "As with all of our activity across Scotland, we will encourage the use of locally based suppliers and subcontractors, bringing economic growth in the area and providing employment and training opportunities for the people of Ayrshire."

The new school is expected to open in October 2019.