PLANS for a new bypass have taken a step forward as ground investigation work is scheduled to begin in Maybole, Ayrshire.

Transport Scotland has appointed the WYG Group to collect vital technical information for the project between now and April.

Although most will be conducted off-road, some work will affect traffic on the existing A77.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "We are about to get important ground investigation work under way, giving us the detailed information needed to progress the draft orders this year.