Arran Brewery is to open a high-class bar in the Ayrshire unemployment blackspot of Kilbirnie.

It will refurbish the former Bowers bar and rename it the Weavers in honour of the town's historic connection with the weaving industry.

Gerald Michaluk, managing director, said: "We want to expand the number of bars we operate and as we have found a very high quality pool of labour in North Ayrshire and we want to play a small part in the rejuvenation of the area, we are on the lookout for further local opportunities that will build our business and release the huge talents we have found in the people of North Ayrshire".