You don't need to go 20,000 leagues under the sea to enjoy the wonders of the ocean thanks to refurbished aquarium on Cumbrae.

The popular visitor attraction - Robertson Aquarium at the Field Studies Centre - is newly refurbished and open to the public.

You can enjoy the marvels of the sea including prawns, crabs, urchins and a range of other creatures, with interesting facts.

And the good news is that there is a quick turnaround with new underseas visitors coming on board every few weeks in the sustainable facility.

It is part of the Robertson museum at FSC Millport and offers you the chance to see the creatures that live under the Clyde close up as well learning about the exciting marine history of the Clyde.

You can also learn about past explorers and shipwrecks in the local area. The new aquarium is also uniquely sustainable, returning every creature to the wild after just three weeks and replacing them with new animals from the local waters. This additionally means there is always something new and exciting to see if you decide to return for a second visit.

Each tank has a unique blend of different species to see and learn about. By just sitting and watching a single tank for ten minutes you can closely study the behaviours of the fascinating creatures that inhabit the local waters.

Each tank also has a description of the species along with a drawing so you can match the species name to individuals within the tank. There are also fascinating facts to learn which are clearly signposted.

The aquarium has activities for children to become more engaged with what they are seeing and a shop to buy both refreshments and souvenirs. Both the museum and aquarium are open 10am-4pm daily.

The Field Studies Council began operating in Millport in January 2014, and since then over £4.3m has been invested in the site, with support from North Ayrshire Council and highlands and Islands Enterprise.

The impressive viewing tanks featured in stage two of the re-development of the Field Studies Centre, which was undertaken by Irvine firm, McLaughlin Construction.

Phase 2 of the large-scale project resulted in the redevelopment of existing accommodation buildings as well as the on-site Robertson Museum and aquarium.

Previous work included new teaching and accommodation blocks, improved common room and recreation spaces and the installation of a biomass boiler.