AN ANCIENT relic is to be restored to its former glory as part of ongoing restoration work to Irvine’s Townhouse.

The weathervane which has sat on the Townhouse spire for more than 150 years is being carefully and meticulously restored by experts before it is repositioned.

The weathervane which is in the shape of a ‘sloop’ - a sailing boat with a single mast and a fore and aft rig - is actually 629 years old and was originally positioned on top of the old Tollbooth in the town centre.

The Old Tollbooth was built in 1386, and was the seat of the local council, incorporating the council chambers, court room, prison cells and shops. But the building became seriously dilapidated and a new, Italian style building was proposed as a replacement.

This was what we now know as The Townhouse and the new facility was opened in 1862.

The Tollbooth was demolished but one remaining item was relocated onto the main tower of the Townhouse – The “sloop” - the original weathervane from the Tollbooth.

The sloop was widely credited as giving the Tollbooth and following on, the Townhouse a visual, gracious respect to recalling Irvine’s past glory as a major port.

Bosses at North Ayrshire Council say they are taking great care to ensure the sloop’s survival for many centuries to come.

A spokesman told the Times: “The weathervane was removed from the top of the Townhouse prior to the start of the restoration work as long term exposure to the elements had taken its toll and the piece was in poor condition.

“A conservation architect worked in partnership with Historic Scotland to ascertain the originality of the piece and through a scientific dating process, it was confirmed to be the original weathervane commissioned for the old Tollbooth.

“The piece is currently being sensitively reconstructed back into not only its original form, but restored to withstand the elements.

“We are aware that the timescale of the removal of the scaffolding does not match in with the readiness of the restoration works to the sloop however, once completed, it will be repositioned onto the top of the tower as it again graces the top of the Townhouse and returns as a feature of Irvine’s skyline for future generations.”