Fears over future of famous Ayrshire inn

Nov 14 2008 by Edwin Lawrence

A VILLAGE inn is closed for business for the first time in its 130-year history.

And there are fears that Dalrymple’s Kirkton Inn may not re-open.

Around half-a-dozen staff, including a husband and wife, have lost their jobs.

And the couple who were leasing the pub were told to pack up and leave.

Kirkton Inn owners Scottish & Newcastle called time on Hamish Mackinnon and partner Vicki.

The couple had tried desperately to keep the business afloat. But they failed to generate enough business in a restaurant that just a few years ago welcomed Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Previous owner June Cameron built up an excellent turnover before selling to the brewery.

And Hamish Mackinnon was paying the brewers an estimated £5000 per month to lease the premises.

“That was before he paid any of his staff or any of his other bills,” said a villager.

It seems unthinkable the Kirkton Inn could stay closed, with the Open Championship returning to Turnberry next year.

It was Turnberry who regularly recommended the inn to star guests like the Douglases.

And it has also proved a popular destination for golfers, anglers, and race-goers.

Now some villagers believe it could be converted into flats.

But a statement from owners Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises was more positive.

A spokesman said: “We were notified without any prior warning that the lessees of the Kirkton Inn had become insolvent.

“Unfortunately this has resulted in the temporary closure of the premises whilst a new lessee is appointed.

“The Kirkton Inn is a popular and well-respected pub offering excellent food, accommodation and bars for the local community.”

The spokesman went on: “We hope to reopen it again as quickly as possible and apologise for any inconvenience caused by its closure.“