Spring is around the corner, the days are getting lighter and dare we say it, the sun is also making an appearance.
Our thoughts as always turn to the outdoors and enjoying reconnecting with nature and that, coupled with the sunshine, usually means a trip to the beach.
While Barassie, Irvine, Troon and Saltcoats may be the first names on people's lips when heading to the coast from Glasgow, there is another less well-known gem that's only 45 minutes from Glasgow that might be ideal for stretching your legs and avoiding the crowds.
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Seamill beach lies just north of the better-known one at Ardrossan, stretching along the coast at West Kilbride and offering plenty of options for dining with both the Waterside and Seamill Hydro hotels nearby.
One of the best places to take your dog for a peaceful walk or to entertain the kids with plenty of rock pools when the tide is out (remember to take your buckets and nets), it's ideal for whiling away a memorable afternoon together.
However, where it really comes into its own is the fact that on a clear sunny day, the views stretch all the way to the Isle of Arran and down the Firth of Clyde.
And keep an eye out for the famous pudding-shaped Ailsa Craig, which is one of Ayrshire's most famous landmarks.
And though early afternoon is the best time to go to get the sunshine, we would be remiss if we didn't tell you that this is one of the best places on the Ayrshire coast to enjoy breathtaking views of the sun setting.
Watch on as the waning light changes the colours of the water from aquamarine to shimmering gold and the skies vibrant hues of red and orange as the sun dips behind the not-too-far-off peaks of Arran.
It really is an incredible place to be.
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