OWNERS of an Ayr pub are toasting to being recognised in three award categories ahead of an industry awards night.
The Smoking Goat is up for three gongs - the most of any business in Ayrshire - at the Scottish Entertainment and Hospitality awards.
The popular Academy Street bar is competing in the Best Burger, Best Independent Bar, and Best Pub categories.
There are seven businesses from the area competing for a total of 12 awards at this year's finals, having been voted through by members of the public.
Smoking Goat boss David Storrie said praised the venue's hard-working staff and loyal customers.
He said: "We are delighted to be nominated for these awards. It’s down to the hard work of my staff and team.
"Especially being closed three months after opening a new business with Covid.
"We have made a lot of changes to the Goat to make it one of the best eating and drinking places Ayr has to offer.
"Special thanks goes to our customers for their continued loyal support of the venue."
Nanny Mary's, also from Ayr, is up for Best Burger and Best Takeaway.
Nanny Mary's was started in memory of the Harte family's beloved mum and Nanny whom they sadly lost on March 30, 2017.
A statement from the Harte family reads: "It means so much to us because our business is so close to our heart. When someone passes you always want to do what you can to make them proud and for our small family run business to achieve something so grand is honestly just so amazing.
"For us to reach the finals is honestly a beautiful show of support from our amazing local community.
"We really really want to thank each and every one of our followers and customers who continue to support us and our journey, and everyone who voted for us to be here today as a finalist in the awards.
"We also want to take a minute to say a huge well done to each and every other business who has put work into doing what they love and have been named a finalist in their perspective category/categories."
3idiots Ayr has been nominated in the Best Indian Takeaway category.
And the Lido, Prestwick, makes up South Ayrshire's final representative, in the Best Family Restaurant category.
North Ayrshire has three business in the running for awards.
The R and A Sports Bar and Restaurant is up for Best Independent Bar and Best Sports Bar.
Rosemary and Alex, from the R and A, had this to say to their suporters: "We would just like to thank all our wonderful customers who voted for us once again.
"After such a difficult two years and being previous winners, it’s a great moral boost for our staff who have been with us during this time and will celebrate with us in Glasgow on May 5.
"Good luck to all the other finalists."
Kilbirnie business Anaya's will be competeing against 3idiots in the Best Indian Takeaway category and against Nanny Mary's in the Best Takeaway category
While Crofters, on the Isle of Arran, is up for Best Gastro Pub.
The finals are taking place on May 5 in the doubletree by Hilton, on Cambridge Street in Glasgow. There are 18 categories in total.
Judging is completed in two ways, depending on the category that the venue has been listed for.
Some venues will receive a site visit from a judge who will sample the food and complete a report on their visit and some venues will be required to complete a questionnaire.
A panel of industry specialist judges will then choose who the winners are.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here