SCOT Squad star Grado has thrown his weight behind a campaign to save a lifeline ferry service and 165 jobs in an Ayrshire town.

North Ayrshire Council is fighting to hold on to Arran ferry, which has sailed from Ardrossan for almost 200 years, after port bosses in Troon, South Ayrshire, told Transport Scotland they could do a better job.

Local people in Ardrossan launched a #SaveOurFerry campaign, urging people to write to Transport Minister Humza Yousaf, after Troon announced a bid to poach the Arran and Campbeltown ferry services down the coast.

Now Grado, who plays PC Hugh McKirdy in the hit BBC One comedy show and is an Insane Fight Club wrestler, has given his support by sending his letter to Yousaf.

In a twist on his well-known catchphrase, "It's yersel", Grado said: “It’s yer sail! And it’s oor sail. It’s oor ferry and we need to keep it in Ardrossan. Ardrossan is the fastest way to get to Arran.

“That’s going to slam islanders and visitors right in the pocket. Prices will rise for everyone as costs for local businesses will go up.”

The panto star, who lives in the nearby town of Stevenson, said he had a great affection for his local area and Arran because he had been visiting the island since he was a child.

Grado added: “I’ve been going there since I was a wean and still get the same buzz I did when I was young and was getting the ferry from Ardrossan.

"When I heard aboot the #SaveOurFerry campaign, I was right up for showing support.”

More than three and a half thousand people have written to Mr Yousaf to tell him Ardrossan offers the shortest, fastest and cheapest route to Brodick and Campbeltown. He will make a decision on the Scottish Government’s preferred option by the spring.

North Ayrshire Council leader Joe Cullinane said the loss of the ferry would be a disaster for the seaside town.

He claims the move could result in the loss of 165 jobs and £4.4 million in wages.