THE owners of a much loved Kilwinning pub say it will “break their hearts” to sell up.

Owners of the Victoria Bar in Howgate, Margaret Bradford and partner Andy Auld, announced last week they have put the popular boozer up for sale.

The couple are selling the pub after almost three decades behind the bar, but have decided to retire and spend more time with their family.

Margaret told the Herald: “I have worked behind this bar for 30 years. I worked here as a barmaid before we eventually took it on to run 25 years ago. I was pregnant with my son, Drew, when I took it over and he’s 25 this year, so it’s all he’s ever known.

“It will break our hearts to part with it, but we need to think about ourselves too.”

The couple who are also parents to Martha and Natalie, suffered a heartbreaking loss when their life-long friend and fellow barmaid June Tudhope, passed away two years ago after a devastating battle with cancer.

Margaret says “It was very hard to go on without her there.

“It was like my right arm was cut off and to be honest, it just hasn’t been the same since.”

Margaret says she and Andy will miss their regular punters, who have been left shocked at the couple’s decision to sell the bar.