All eyes are on the future of Irvine's oldest pub which has remained closed since the first lockdown.

And it looks like good news for the Ship Inn as photographs posted on social media reveal the closed pub has received a refit.

Aspire Windows and Home Improvements posted a teaser of the boozer's new windows which were fitted just before Christmas. 

Rumours had been flying about the future of the harbourside venue for most of 2021. 

The popular pub had been listed for sale several times over the past five years. However, the Ship Inn has been taken down from Christie & Co back in August and a source has suggested, like the Kings Arms in Irvine, it has been taken over by the council.

However, when the Times approached North Ayrshire Council, they said that they didn’t know anything about it and perhaps people were confusing the regeneration plans for the area’s harbourside.

Irvine’s oldest pub has remained closed after the sudden loss of one of its owners last summer.

‘The Ship’ – as it is affectionately known locally - has been run by Murray brothers Jamie and Christopher who took over the reins from dad, Iain in 2003.

The sad news of the sudden death of Jamie Murray was announced on The Ship Inn Facebook page last July, around the same time as pubs across Irvine were getting set to reopen their doors to the public after the first lockdown.

At the time, a statement from brother Christopher Murray to all the pub’s customers said: “Due to the sudden and unexpected loss of my brother and business partner The Ship Inn will remain closed until further notice.

“As we try to navigate these unprecedented times we will be looking at the future of the business and what that now means for the family.

“We hope our customers can understand and respect any decisions that we make as we try to move forward.”

The pub dates back to 1567 when it was a Customs House, before becoming a licensed hostelry in 1754.

It was known for being dog-friendly and is fondly missed by locals and tourists alike, a favourite stop after a long cycle or a trip down the beach.

Do you know anything about the future of The Ship Inn? Get in touch with editorial@irvinetimes.com.