A £1m refurbishment of the Ayr Viaduct has been completed in time for the 140th anniversary of the bridge's construction.

Work on the four-span, 110 metre long structure which crosses the River Ayr was needed to address issues with both the masonry and the metal work on the walkway.

Vegetation was cleared from the structure and spot repairs were made in the sandstone masonry at over 70 points on the bridge.

The metal work on the pedestrian walkway was also repaired and strengthened, and the whole floor was replaced.

The six month project means the structure will not need any maintenance for over a decade.

Route delivery director for Network Rail, Matthew Spence, said: "We have now completed work to repair and refurbish Ayr Viaduct ahead of the busy tourist season in the town and to coincide with the 140th anniversary of the bridge's construction.

"The refurbished bridge is at an important entry point to the town of Ayr and we are confident that it now presents a great first impression for those visiting the town or for people who use the railway on a daily basis.

"We take seriously our responsibility to maintain and preserve these historic structures, not just for the safe and efficient operation of the railway, but also how they look in their setting for those travelling on the railway or visitors to the area enjoying the views.

"Working on these Victorian structures gives you great respect for those who built them more than a century ago and we hope that our work on their bridge does justice to the legacy that we have been left by the Victorian railway pioneers."