A PUB thought to be the oldest in Saltcoats has closed its doors.

The Windy Ha in the town has been forced to shut, for now, following the death of one of its owners.

Kevin and Lesley Bruce bought the bar in Saltcoats at the end of 2022, but Kevin died suddenly last month.

And due to Kevin's position as the licence holder - the pub has been forced to close.

The Herald understands it is unlikely be put up for sale - though it could take months for a new licence holder to be put in place.

The Windy Ha is considered by many to be the oldest pub in Saltcoats, having first opened in 1733.

Famous for its old horseshoe bar, which no longer remains, it is one of Saltcoats' most famous and most popular bars over the years.

However, not all agree that the Bradshaw Street venue is the town's longest standing establishment - as it has closed for periods of time on a few occasions over the years.

The Albion Bar, just down the road on Dockhead Street, also stakes a claim to be the oldest pub in town - as it has remained open ever since it first started trading in 1867.

Both make the claim on their signage, but the real truth remains open to debate.