Traces of asbestos were found within the soil whilst excavation work was taking place as part of the process to create a swimming pool at the school.

Further work is now required to remove the newly discovered contaminated soil, which will require a specialist contractor to be appointed.

A council spokesperson said: “Construction work at Ardrossan Community Campus continues at pace, to build a modern community facility which the town of Ardrossan and beyond so richly deserves.

“Work currently includes deep excavations to create trenches for drainage and utilities and for the six-lane 25 metre swimming pool.

“A known risk associated with this work, and one which has previously been reported, was the possibility of discovering more soil contaminants given the depth of excavations.

“North Ayrshire Council and contractor Morgan Sindall work to an agreed remediation strategy which follows strict health and safety legislation. This strategy involves rigorous testing of soil as it is excavated.

“During this deep excavation work, traces of asbestos were identified. Specialist asbestos contractors will be commissioned to remove the contaminated soil in accordance with health and safety protocols.”

Contractor Morgan Sindall Construction kick-started the construction process on the North Shore site earlier this year.

The new campus is the first and key phase of the Ardrossan Coastal plans, which will see the derelict site completely regenerated. As well as the state-of-the-art school campus - which will include secondary and primary schools, public library and swimming pool – the vision for the wider site also includes the provision of new housing and commercial uses.

The announcement followed what was believed to be the completion of remediation and enabling works by Sanctus Ltd and RJ McLeod, respectively.

These works have been subject to delays as a result of various periods of particularly adverse weather conditions since the project began.

North Ayrshire Council has yet to confirm whether the contaminants could further delay the project, but reassured the public that there are no wider safety risks.

A spokesperson added: “Air tests have been undertaken to provide confidence that there is no risk of airborne exposure.

“The campus team has robust processes in place to deal with such incidents, which ensure the safety of the construction workforce and the wider public.

“Once the deep excavation work is completed the 600mm stone capping layer will be replaced which will cover and seal the soil, and further reassurance air tests will be undertaken to ensure the health and safety of all future users of the site.”