PRIME Minister Theresa May today (Thursday) announced her commitment to the Ayrshire Growth Deal in a visit to South Ayrshire. 

The Conservative Party Leader was in Ayr this morning and released a statement confirming that the government would be 'opening talks' over a growth deal for North, South and East Ayrshire. 

It read: "It is my mission to deliver a Brexit deal that works for Scotland and the whole of the UK, and today I've been speaking to workers here in Ayr about what our departure from the EU means to them. 

"I am determined that the Brexit we pursue is one that strengthens the bonds that unite us - because I believe ours is the world's most successful union. Scotland - with its diverse sectors ranging from wool, salmon and whisky production, to world-leading universities, tech hubs and cultural institutions - is such a significant contributor to our United Kingdom. I want to see it prosper as we forge a new role for ourselves in the world. 

"That's why we're continuing to back Scotland and I am pleased today to announce we are opening talks over a new Ayrshire Growth Deal that should significantly boost the local economy and opportunities for people here." 

SNP MP for Central Ayrshire Dr Philippa Whitford, has long argued the case for the Ayrshire Growth Deal and along with colleagues from Kilmarnock and Loudon, North Ayrshire and Arran and Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, has called on the Conservative Government to commit to it since 2015.