A state-of-the-art housing development which is expected to have a major impact on the lives of older people has been officially opened.

The £5.3m Glencairn House development at Bill Smith Court, Stevenston, has been designed to specifically meet the needs of older residents, as well as showcasing an innovative district heating system.

Featuring 28 high-quality and accessible sheltered homes, the development was officially opened by North Ayrshire Provost Ian Clarkson alongside residents who have been enjoying their new surroundings since they first started to move in a few weeks ago.

Council leader Joe Cullinane hailed Glencairn House as an example of the authority's commitment to improving the lives of older residents.

He said: "This is an amazing facility which will allow our residents to live in high quality, sustainable and fully accessible properties

"In the past few years we have refurbished or redeveloped a number of complexes, including Robert W Service Court in Kilwinning, Montgomery Court in Kilbirnie, and Vennel Gardens in Irvine.

"We can now add Glencairn House to that list, with further sheltered housing developments under way at Canal Court in Saltcoats, Watt Court in Dalry, and at Dickson Court in Beith.

"The results of these transformations have been first class and the residents have given us hugely positive feedback on their new surroundings. We hope that residents at Glencairn House will be just as happy in their new surroundings."

Glencairn House replaces Afton and Caley Court and was funded by North Ayrshire Council, with the Scottish Government contributing £1.65m.

It features a landscaped courtyard with a mural made up of handprints from pupils from the neighbouring Glencairn Primary School, which shares the sustainable heating system.