A FAST food entrepreneur has won an auction to buy the former Morris's Restaurant in Largs.

Kadir Turbun, who owns fast food establishments in Barrhead and Parkhead in Glasgow, has snapped up the seafront property and spoke to the News this week about his plans for the building.

Kadir, who grew up in Marmaris in Turkey, says he believes that the town is well served for food and drink providers and is instead looking to convert the ex-Seafood Cafe into luxury short-stay apartments.

With Domino's having cooled their interest in the property, the businessman snapped up the Gallowgate Street eaterie for £160,000.

Speaking to the News, Kadir said he hoped to begin work soon to transform the building.

He added: "I have two shops and employ 20 odd people and felt that Largs was an ideal spot to purchase property for a different venture.

"I spotted the building was for sale and was intrigued. I contacted the agents and made my offer.

"I have been based in Barrhead for 16 years - in the hospitality business you have to be there at all times and I am already very busy with our two operations, so there was no way of expanding that

"I am looking at providing luxury residential flats to rent them out as either bed and breakfast or short term stays.

"My plan is to make it residential. There are already enough places in Largs to eat and Nardini's is close by, as well as many other high quality establishments in the area. I don't want to further saturate that market."

Kadir is hoping the two-bedroom apartments will be ready for May 2021 and is currently drawing up designs and applying for planning permissions.

He added: "It is a beautiful area and we will be hoping to have balconies on the property so people can enjoy the wonderful views." Kadir has enjoyed lunch with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also carries out entrepreneurial talks to school children after his business success.

He said: "I am really looking forward to this. I am interesting in taking over the other derelict properties on the seafront and developing them too. I would like to put out an appeal to anybody who is interesting in selling up to let me know. "It is such a shame for the local area that these properties have been left derelict but I am hoping that I can provide a positive change and enhance Largs seafront.

"I am more than willing to buy out the neighbouring properties. It is tragic that they have been left to lie empty. I'm willing to give them a new lease of life."

Morris's Restaurant used to be The Royal Hotel until the 1980s when it was taken over former hotel employee Gordon Scott, who carried it on as a restaurant for over 30 years. It briefly became Morris's Seafood restaurant with a new blue aquatic style frontage to replace the more familiar green colour. It closed in November and has been vacant ever since.

Kadir, who is pictured with wife Mary, said: "I think my plan is now the best thing for the overall building as you don't know when the business climate will improve in the current situation."

To get in touch with Kadir regarding neighbouring vacant properties, please email kadir2048@googlemail.com