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The "no-take zone" bans fishing in a small area of Lamlash Bay.

Conservationists from the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (Coast) lobbied ministers for the marine reserve.

Chairman Howard Wood described the regeneration project as exciting. He added: "The island community is delighted with the announcement."

Coast believes the ban will help protect the local fish and shellfish populations as well as the maerl seaweed beds.

The conservation organisation has argued that if the area is allowed to return to its natural state, fish and lobster will become twice as abundant and the number of species will increase by a third.