A POPULAR Ayrshire marriage venue is closing down because the owner is “fed up with weddings”.

Moorpark House Hotel in Kilbirnie is to close at the end of August.

The owners have been given planning permission to convert the stately Victorian property into a residential institution.

Graham Conrathe, owner of Moorpark House Hotel and master of ceremonies, told the Herald that he hadn’t decided what type of residential institution the property will be.

He said: “My wife and I are fed up with weddings.

“We’re closing the hotel after the end of August.

“All weddings booked after August 31 have been contacted and refunded. Until then it’s my house.”

Councillor Anthea Dickson said that the plans had been mentioned at a recent meeting of Kilbirnie and Glengarnock Community Council.

She said: “It was discussed at the K&GCC meeting and people were quite pragmatic that in these difficult financial times, unfortunately trade is very difficult in the hotel industry.

“Further, Moorpark House has had a very varied use over the years.

“We will need to wait and see who comes forward and to what use they – old or new owners – propose to put forward for the beautiful house and grounds.”