A WELL-known Saltcoats bar has gone up for sale for a cool £450,000.

The Victoria Bar, which has been in the Montgomerie family for over 50 years, has been a stable for regulars and visitors to Saltcoats due to the close proximity to Saltcoats Railway Station.

But current owners, former Kilmarnock FC Captain Raymond Montgomerie and his brother and local councillor Jim, will be hanging up their dish towels for the final time as they look to pass on the boozer.

And the building comes with ‘huge potential for development’ as there is a commercial unit next door and potential for domestic dwellings in the space above the pub.

The upper floor has previously had planning for two flats and the site is in a prime location for development should planning be granted.

Co-owner Jim explained the reasoning behind putting the Vic up for sale and said: “It has been in the family for 53 years and four generations of our family have worked in the pub.

“My brother and I asked our children if they wanted it so we could keep it in the family but Raymond’s three have their own careers and are doing well and my two are at university studying Law so they were not interested they have all chosen a different career path.

“We wanted them to have it but there you go. Raymond and I have our own interests outwith the pub that we want to pursue so it’s time for us to move on. It has played a massive part in our community in terms of jobs and people’s social lives. It has been a hub, a drop-in centre for over 50 years for people to meet and engage with each other. The face to face meetings we have all had over the years have created everlasting friendships.

“We are truly grateful to all our customers for their support over the years. I shouldn’t be using the word customer because if you drink in our pub you will know we are all family.”