A GROUND display by the Royal Marines at this weekend's Scottish Airshow has been given the green light after organisers reached a compromise with concerned police.

The approval came while organisers stressed that their priority was public safety.

Police Scotland were opposed to the marines being armed during the display at Low Green in Ayr on Saturday.

But a spokeswoman for South Ayrshire Council said the activities in the two-day event, which is expected to attract 50,000 spectators had now been "slightly revised".

It is understood there will now be no rapid gunfire and planned explosions have been scaled back.

The airshow and other parts of the ground-based entertainment programme were not part of the police objection.

The flying event on Saturday will take place over the sea while an exhibition of aircraft will be held the following day at Prestwick Airport.

The decision came as the Scottish Airshow asked supporters to share their message that the Saturday exercise "is a simulation and is safe".

The Airshow said: "They are coming to give a demonstration of a role we seldom see in the UK. The Marines have been engaged in keeping the UK interests safe by protecting shipping off Somalia and other countries off the coast of the Gulf and East Africa.

"We are very honoured to have the Royal Navy supporting the Scottish Airshow. It says a lot about how the UK Armed Forces support us and they are here because you are turning out in great numbers and supporting them and their charities who will be at the Low Green.

"As ever our priority is public safety and we have worked closely with the Marines and the police to understand how we can make their demonstration realistic and exciting but completely safe to watch."

They stressed that it was a "demonstration", and that no real bullets were used "even if it looks very dramatic".

The Airshow said: "There will be loud bangs and some explosions but they are professionally set and completely contained in the area of the

Marines.

"If you are watching from near or far and see or hear bangs and smoke do not be alarmed. This is a simulation and nobody will really get hurt.

"Tell the children to expect bangs and consider if you want them to watch a dramatic re-enactment of a real life armed conflict."

The organisers added: "At all times obey the instructions of the police, stewards and Scottish Airshow marshals. Stay in the safe zone and outside the area of the simulated battle.

"Be ready for bangs and don’t be alarmed. It is going to be exciting but safe to watch."

They said the whole exercise was controlled and can be stopped at anytime by the Royal Marine Commander.