With the current heatwave, there is only one thing that will help us get our sugar fix and cool us down at the same time - ice cream.

Whether you're heading for a stroll along Saltcoats beach, making a pitstop on your way to Ayr or passing through the towns and villages of East Ayrshire, it is hard to resist one of the many dessert shops and ice cream parlours along the way.

And with July being National Ice Cream month, what better time to pick up a double nugget or scoff a 99? If you're looking for the best places to go, we've got you covered...

Vanilla Joe's, Irvine

Irvine Times:

Specialising in artisan gelato and fresh fruit sorbets made fresh every day, Vanilla's Joe is undoubtedly a firm favourite among those in Irvine and beyond as one of the best places to go for a sweet treat. With flavours ranging from fresh raspberry and passionfruit to cookies and cream, you'll be spoiled for choice for what to enjoy first. The parlour is located on Montgomery Street.

The Ice Cream Factory, Troon

Irvine Times:

Situated on West Portland Street, The Ice Cream Factory produces delicious-looking, fresh handcrafted gelato which is sure to get your tastebuds tingling. You only need to take a look at their Facebook page to see the amount of different scoops on offer. The shop even offers ice cream van hire as a quirky addition to any birthday party or special occasion. Very cool!

Woody's Ice Cream, Mauchline

Irvine Times:

Woody’s Ice Cream Parlour and Dessert Bar opened in Mauchline in 2018 and it has been a huge success since. Customers have the option of 16 rotational delicious flavours and can sit in or takeaway. The shop's latest creation in time for the hot weather is the coconut and pineapple sorbet which they say is like 'eating a Piña Colada out of a tub'. We're in!

Café​ Palazzo, Ardrossan

Irvine Times:

Before setting up your deck chair on South Beach, make sure to swing by Café Palazzo on Glasgow Street for a really authentic ice cream experience. Café Palazzo is famed for the dessert, and it is not hard to see why. Nutella and biscoff is the latest flavour on offer, and coupled with a strong cappuccino, you are sure to be set up for the day.

Renaldo's, Ayr

Irvine Times:

Using fresh milk locally sourced from Mossgiel Farm, and priding themselves on a 'coo to cone' ethos, Renaldo's is definitely one of the places to head if you are spending your day out in Ayr. Whether you're an old fashioned vanilla type of person, or prefer to go more adventurous with your scoop, this ice cream shop pretty much caters for all tastes.

Brady's Fish & Chip Shop, Drongan

Irvine Times:

Brady's only opened their dessert counter a few months ago, but it has made a big impression on locals since. From super cotton candy to bubblegum, this is definitely the place for those with a keen sweet tooth, and even if ice cream isn't your thing, look for the wide selection of milkshakes, sundaes and waffles on display. It is the only ice cream shop in the village so if you are passing through, give it a try.

Shells Scoops & Shakes, Saltcoats and Irvine

Irvine Times:

Perhaps one of the most creative ice cream shops included in the list, Shells is a great place to stop by if you are on the hunt for good homemade ice cream. The shop seems to always be experimenting with new flavours and takes on the traditional dessert, such as offering flavours like Dubai Dreams and Turkish Delight. Fancy trying something new? Get yourself along.

What The Scoop, Ayr

Irvine Times:

With a large selection of ice cold treats on offer, this dessert parlour, which is in the running to become Scotland's top takeaway as part of the British Takeaway Awards less than a year after opening its doors, should not be missed. If you are passing by on foot, it is situated on Content Street in Wallacetown, but if you are elsewhere in Ayr, order from their website and enjoy your ice cream in comfort. Enjoy!

Chocstop, Cumnock 

Irvine Times:

In Cumnock and dreaming of mouth-watering ice cream? ChocStop is the place to go. This dessert parlour offers customers a wide range of desserts and ice cream, from chocolate fudge to a classic cone with flake. Choose one or four scoops, it's really up to you, but perhaps leave some room to try out their sundaes and milkshakes, too...

Geraldo's, Largs

Irvine Times:

When people think of Ayrshire and ice cream, they automatically think of Largs. The seaside town is no stranger to locals and visitors flocking to get their ice cream fix as soon as weather is good, and Geraldo's is an extremely popular spot frequented by both. The artisan ice cream is delish in all flavours so get yourself down before the sun disappears!