The Easter weekend is one of the best excuses — as if we need one — to get a chippy.
With the promise — hopefully — of a sun-kissed four-day weekend beckoning, fish and chips is the ideal accompaniment for the April holidays.
Whether it's that golden crunch of a freshly fried fish or a soft, perfectly cooked poke of chips doused in whatever sauce; the possibilities are endless.
And in Ayrshire, the region quite possibly has one of the strongest line ups of chippies in Scotland.
The area's award-winning and famous chip shops go hand-in-hand with Ayrshire's incredible coast.
So while it was impossible to name every outstanding chippy in the region, we've rounded up a few of the best fish and chip shops from across the area for you to enjoy this weekend or to head to when restrictions allow it.
East Ayrshire
Bonnyton Cafe - Kilmarnock
The pandemic has normalised queues outside takeaways and shops.
But the Bonnyton Cafe's food is so highly regarded that it had massive, snaking lines of people outside their store pre-covid.
The Bonnyton Road takeaway is also the highest-rated fish and chip shop on Trip Advisor in East Ayrshire.
The Plaice to Be - Kilmarnock
This takeaway has ranked among the best in the UK after netting a plaice in the Top 50 Fry Magazine Awards 2020.
The Stoneyhill Avenue eaterie was one of only two Ayrshire takeaways named on the prestigious list.
They've also earned a reputation for revolutionising the deep-fried game too in recent years.
Nello's - Cumnock
A firm favourite with locals and beyond, Nello's serves up classic fried fare.
The Townhead Street venue is renowned for its reasonable prices and top scran.
North Ayrshire
Cafe Palazzo - Ardrossan
This local favourite has only recently reopened from a two-month lockdown hiatus after Christmas.
Famous for fish and chips, the Glasgow Street shop also sells traditional ice-cream too.
Fish Works - Largs
The Fish Works is very much the new face of modern chip shops in Ayrshire and beyond.
Established in 2017, its sleek layout is matched with a contemporary and forward-thinking menu.
And the promenade venue has scooped several top awards to back up the hype.
Marco's Fish and Chips - Irvine
Marco Edge knows a thing or two about empires.
The local businessman owns the eponymously named chip shop along with Enzo's on Ayr Road.
The entrepreneur is also the man behind Vanilla Joe's ice-cream.
South Ayrshire
Forehill Cafe - Ayr
Nominated for The Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award in 2016 and then Fish and Chip Shop of the Year in 2018, it's not hard to see why this place is raved about.
Famous for its homemade steak pie which goes down a treat with the legions of loyal followers.
Sandy's Cafe - Prestwick
One of Ayrshire's longest standing chippies, this has been a favourite with regulars in Prestwick and far beyond for many a year.
Lockdown restrictions haven't dampened the enthusiasm of punters, with queues snaking along the town's Main Street for a piece of the action.
Wee Hurrie - Troon
Probably the most famous fish and chip shop in Ayrshire, this takeaway attracts punters from all over Scotland.
Located at the harbour in Troon, the setting adds to the authenticity of this local legend.
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
