AYRSHIRE'S pubs and restaruants have reacted to an effective lockdown that will see them shut for TWO weeks. 

Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday that all licensed premises will have to close from Firday, October 9 at 6pm for 16 days. 

The new tough measures will be felt across Ayrshire and Arran with our health board one of five across the 'central belt' who are facing stricter restrictions than the rest of Scotland.

On the whole this has been a devastating blow for the hospitality industry with many venues just finding their feet after a gruelling three month closure in the spring.

Recent restrictions on a number of households able to meet up also put a dent in the plans of some popular spots, as did the 10pm curfew which was imposed. 

We have taken a look at some of the reactions right across Ayrshire, with the impact being felt in Cumnock, Ayr, Irvine, Ardrossan and elsewhere in the county. 

South Ayrshire  

An Ayr pub had already taken the decision to close their doors after the 10pm curfew was introduced two weeks ago. 

The Buf in Ayr shut after that announcement but now their Prestwick chain will also have to close for two weeks. 

To say we are heartbroken is an understatement. We know the governments decision, helps in the country’s fight against...

Posted by The Fox & Willow on Wednesday, 7 October 2020

Elsewhere, the Fox and Willow restaurant in Ayr summed up how we're all feeling. 

In an emotional post their Allan and Lauren wrote they were "heartbroken...gutted, and our heads are a mess".

The popular dinning spot ran a successful take away during the spring lockdown and have hinted of taking that approach again. 

Earlier today Kenny Blair managing director of Buzzworks hit out at the latest restrictions brought in. 

The hospitality chain has four venues in South Ayrshire. 

East Ayrshire

Venues in the Cumnock area are all gearing up for another lockdown. 

Last month the Market Inn in Auchinleck closed whilst NHS contact tracing took place.

READ MORE: This Auchinleck pub is closed after positive coronavirus tests - contacts being traced

The area boasts an array of cosy pubs and hotels set in the Ayrshire countryside. 

One such place, The Failford Inn called COVID a "curse" as they announced their closure from Friday onwards. 

The curse of coronavirus has struck again...🙁 Due to the latest announcement by the FM we will once again be closed for...

Posted by Failford Inn on Wednesday, 7 October 2020

The Royal Hotel in Cumnock told guests they can still eat at the restaurant with no alcohol served but non-guests will be able to buy take-away food. 

Wedding and funerals at the hotel are still able to go ahead as planned within restrictions. 

North Ayrshire 

Venues in North Ayrshire are preparing to close on Friday for two weeks. 

A restaurant and pub in Dreghorn The Brae said they have been overwhelmed with messages of support and phone calls after the restrictions were announced. 

Owners Emma, Iain and all the team at the restaurant thanked customers for their support in a heartfelt message as they vowed to bounce back. 

So here we go again. As of Friday at 6pm we will be closed for a further 16 days 🤞 We have been overwhelmed once again...

Posted by The Brae Dreghorn on Wednesday, 7 October 2020

The effects of COVID are also being felt by our island communities. 

On the Isle of Arran a pub in a quite simply stunning setting have told how they risk losing stock over the next 16 days. 

The Pierhead Tavern in Lamlash said they close with "great sadness". 

It is with great sadness that we have to close our premises again after the Scottish Government announcement today. As...

Posted by The Pierhead Tavern on Wednesday, 7 October 2020

They say they will continue to offer takeaway food during another difficult lockdown for the island. 

READ MORE: Ayrshire in effective coronavirus lockdown along with central belt​