Friends and colleagues paid tribute to the late publican of the Windy Ha in Saltcoats this week with a pool tournament in his memory.
Kevin and Lesley Bruce bought the bar at the end of 2022, but Kevin died suddenly in March 2023.
As he was the licensee, the Windy Ha closed for some time before reopening in February under new management - and finally getting a full drinks licence approved last week.
The pool tournament, on the anniversary of Kevin's death, was held to raise funds for a plaque inside the pub to remember him and it will become an annual event.
In a post on their Facebook page, the Windy Ha team said: "Thank you to everyone who joined us last night to start off the Windy Ha's new annual tradition in memory of our late publican Kevin Bruce.
"We as a team were delighted to host this event. we send our thoughts out to Lesley, Zoe, Jordan and all the family as we mark a year on from the passing of Kevin.
"Congratulations to Greg McGivern who is the first person to be on the Kevin Bruce Memorial shield. This will be in the pub above Kevin's seat for all to see when joining us."
In an Facebook post before the pool tournament, Saltcoats Loyal RSC said: "Wednesday marks a year since the passing of Kevin Bruce, a beloved member of the club and publican of Loyal HQ.
"Our members will be taking part in a pool tournament which will raise the funds to enshrine Kevin’s name in a plaque inside the pub alone with playing for a memorial shield which we will continue as an annual tradition.
"As always, our members extend our best wishes and support to Lesley, Zoe and Jordan and the rest of the family. Let’s raise a glass to our absent friend.”
Local couple Sean Conaghan and Paige Loye are the new pair behind the Windy Ha and have plenty of plans in store for the historic venue.
The Windy Ha is considered by many to be the oldest pub in Saltcoats, having first opened in 1733.
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