Forestry bosses have performed a dramatic U turn on a decision to axe an osprey viewing service.

For the last nine years visitors to Loch Doon, near Dalmellington, have been able to watch a live stream from cameras positioned close to the nest, beamed to screens in the nearby Roundhouse cafe.

However two of the bird cameras have recently been removed - and the last one was switched off two weeks ago as part of a cost saving measure by owners Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS).

Now the local authority, East Ayrshire Council, has agreed to take over the running of the cameras from the government agency.

The move is a result of several months negotiations between the two bodies, brokered by local independent councillor Drew Filson.

He added:"I have been working behind the scenes to get this sorted.

"The ospreys are a big draw for the area and attracts a lot of tourists.

"We have worked too hard over the years to promote them, then to lose the cameras.

"It is a great outcome and solution for everyone."

FLS have donated the cameras to East Ayrshire and new one s will be bought and installed by the council later this year. after the bids fly back to Africa for the winter.

It's also hoped to use the new cameras to do live streams to local schools and on YouTube.

Mr Filson added:"It is a win win for everyone.

"The birds are a big tourist attraction to the area, possibly the biggest in East Ayshire, and we can't afford to lose it."

Live footage of the ospreys is sent by webcam to the Roundhouse Cafe, which has two screens from where customers can watch the bids nesting, laying eggs and feeding their young.

Visitors number to the area have quadrupled in the last five years because of the ospreys.

Without the cameras the only way that the birds can be seen safely is by using binoculars and telescopes from special viewing platforms 800 yards away

Brian Meechan, who opened the Roundhouse 23 years ago, welcomed the U turn.

He added:"I am over the moon. The cameras are great for business and tourism as they bring thousands of visitors to the area every year.

"They allow people to watch the birds in their natural habitat, without disturbing them in their nest.

"It is also ideal way for children to learn about nature and brings a lot of visitors into the area.

"The potential for the area from the ospreys and the cameras is immense."

A spokesperson for Forestry and Land Scotland, added: “We are happy that the conversations with our partners in the area have proved successful and that the Loch Doon ospreys will continue to attract an audience.”