The Village Inn in Fairlie has closed with immediate effect, the owners have said.

A Facebook message appeared on the pub's social media page on Tuesday afternoon alerting the public to the closure, and thanking loyal customers.

Speaking to the 'News', owner John Corrigan said: "I have decided to close down the Village Inn just now, and re-evaluate it. I am looking at doing a refurb, and open it up again in the Spring.

"The plan is to re-assess it and looking at providing a new offer for the customers who come to the Village Inn."

The Bay Street bar and restaurant was re-opened by Mr Corrigan in December 2008, after it has been closed for three years, and is one of the oldest pubs in the local area, with adverts appearing in the Largs and Millport News for the establishment going back to the 1870s.

It was the only existing pub in Fairlie following the closure of the Kelburn Hotel around fifteen years ago.

The Village Inn has won Craft Beer awards over recent years from CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) and also hosted real ale festivals, and has even hosted the Fairlie Gala Festival in the past. The bar also has a number of Fife boatyard connections, including a sign recognising the historic links on the front of the premises.