Strikes that would affect Ayrshire commuters may be averted as Stagecoach have made a 'significantly improved' pay offer to workers after industrial action was threatened.

Stagecoach West Scotland say they have held positive talks today (October 21) with trade union Unite on a pay deal covering employees in Ayr, Kilmarnock, Ardrossan, Dumfries, Stranraer and Arran.

Stagecoach workers were set to down tools later this month over the lack of progress on a pay offer, with Unite the union confirming earlier this week that members had voted for strike action.

The workers, including drivers, engineering staff, administrative workers, and cleaners were set to walk out at the end of this month, potentially causing travel chaos.

However, Stagecoach hope that this might now be avoided, as they say they've now made an offer to the union that satisfies their demands.

The new pay proposals put forward by Stagecoach are to be voted on by employees on Monday, October 25.

Fiona Doherty, Managing Director of Stagecoach West Scotland said: “We have had positive discussions today with Unite and are pleased that the union will be strongly recommending that its members accept our new offer.

"Throughout our discussions, our priority has been to protect jobs, ensure our people who keep our communities connected are properly rewarded, and secure the long-term future of bus networks in west Scotland."

Siobhan McCready, Unite industrial officer, said: "Positive talks have resulted in a significantly improved pay offer by Stagecoach West of Scotland which has been recommended for acceptance by Unite.

"Members will cast their vote in a ballot next week to determine if they will accept the offer, and if they do then the threat of industrial action is over."