Her letter has highlighted premises in Maybole, Girvan and Dailly that have fallen into a state of neglect and disrepair.

It follows a continuing campaign in the Carrick Gazette and letters of complaint from constituents and Maybole Community Council, which has listed nine buildings alone that blight the town's landscape.

The MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley - short-listed to be the new leader of the Labour Group at the Scottish Parliament - believes that something needs to be done urgently to tackle the problem.

Ms Jamieson said: "This is an ongoing problem that I have raised with South Ayrshire Council before.

"I have seen at first hand the neglected state of buildings in Maybole, Girvan and Dailly, some of which represent a health and safety hazard. Indeed, some have been vandalised and set on fire.

"I have raised the problem as a matter of urgency with the council and I am demanding to know what, if any, action has been taken to address the issue."

She added: "Carrick is one of the most scenic areas in Scotland and we want to encourage tourism to help regenerate the district.

"I can only wonder at what visitors must think when they see the neglected condition of some of these buildings, some in prime locations in village and town high streets.

"Local authorities have the power to use enforcement orders to make owners keep their buildings safe, as well as wind and water-tight and there is nothing to stop South Ayrshire Council taking steps to tackle the problem.

"I would urge any constituent to contact me and let me know of any building in their area that is neglected so that I can continue to raise my concerns with the appropriate authorities."