IRVINE songstress Eddi Reader says the Magnum helped kickstart her music career.

The ex-Fairground Attraction star performed at the Magnum with her band at the height of their popularity in 1989.

And she’s urging the council to keep providing space for young artists.

Eddi, who moved to Irvine from Glasgow in the late 1970s, said: “I moved to Irvine in stages because I was still in fourth year in Glasgow when my mum and dad shifted to, what we thought, was paradise.

“Our main holiday destination growing up was the Ayrshire coast and moving to such a pretty town like Irvine, complete with tinkling harbour and sparkling beach (it was the long hot summer of ‘76) - thrilled me.

“There was the new Magnum, the Harbour Arts Centre, Eglinton Folk Club - these three places provided me with support for any artistic activity I wanted to explore.

“Without all that support I don’t think I would have even thought I could have gone out into the world with a song to share. Thank God for it. 

“I hope the council remember to keep providing good spaces for our young sports people and young artistic people to blossom. Thank you, Magnum.”