The ward was created following the Fifth Statutory Reviews of Electoral Arrangements ahead of the 2017 Scottish local elections.

Saltcoats was one of three new wards created in North Ayrshire as the total number of councillors was increased to more evenly balance electoral parity in the region.

The ward centered around the town of Saltcoats in the southwest of the council area and included part of Ardrossan.

The review coincided with the introduction of the Scottish Elections (Reform) Act 2020 which allowed for the creation of five-member wards.

The proposals for North Ayrshire were subsequently approved by the Scottish Parliament and the ward was abolished in 2022.