Concerned councillors have called for action after a report revealed that the Ayrshire Growth Deal (AGD) is experiencing some delays.

And one elected member warned that there could be a "serious risk" of some projects failing.

A ‘realistic’ review of the risks that could affect the success of the programme have been highlighted in a new report revealed at the Ayrshire economic partnership board on Friday.

Previously, only issues relating to the impact of the pandemic and Brexit had been considered sufficiently worrying to be given a ‘red rag’ risk assessment.

But a ‘wholesale review’ of the AGD risk register has seen concerns ramped up over the nuts and bolts of the programme which promised to invest £250 million over 10 years – bringing with it £300m in private investment and creating 7,000 jobs – when it was signed by the three Ayrshire local authorities and the UK and Scottish governments in 2020.

Projects include the development of aerospace and space industries around Prestwick Airport; the creation of a manufacturing and engineering park in Kilmarnock and the Great Harbour Development in Irvine.

There are also a number of pan-Ayrshire projects around community wealth building and the environment.

Troon councillor Bob Pollock warned: “We are seeing significant overrun costs in several projects and unless we can get that resolved, we are at serious risk of some of these failing.”

Girvan and South Carrick Councillor Peter Henderson added: “The only comment I would make is that we need to start communicating to the public what is being achieved and manage expectation.

“Where we have got success we must publicise it, where we have changes these must be publicised too.”

North Ayrshire councillor Tony Gurney said: “We are underplaying the risks that we have.

“The likelihood is that we have projects we can’t do in terms of our original scope and with the impact of inflation.

“I wonder if it is worth having a look at these in deciding whether we are realistic enough in terms of our scoring.”

Meanwhile, Alastair Dobson, from Taste of Arran, added: “There’s a launch of the Ayrshire economic strategy on June 19 so it would be good to get some really positive communications that all members of the partnership can play into this.

“There are things happening. We want people to see that the projects make a positive difference to them and their communities.”

The report revealed that a review had been carried out “in the context of significant external environmental challenges such as the legacy of the Covid and Brexit, and the ongoing Ukraine war, which combined have contributed to increased cost pressures that have impacted upon the development and delivery of projects and the programme as a whole”.

It adds that the individual project risks had also been taken into account.

The report states there is an increased likelihood of failure to achieve the programme objectives within budget; failure to provide accurate budget projections; inability to draw down all of the potential funding available; insufficient resources and delays to project development.

Delays are expected in the majority of projects which are currently still being developed. Business case delays range from six months to 30 months, with the majority around the 18-month mark.