LOCALS are celebrating today as a popular pub in Skelmorlie is set to re-open under new owners.

The Eglinton Bar has been shut for the last five months and villagers are delighted that it will be up and running again.

Oweners Nicola and Frank O'Neill, who are from Wemyss Bay, have revamped the premises ready for serving the regulars.

Nicola, 46, who is the sub-postmistress at the Village Store across the road, said: "I think the locals have missed it. We're looking forward to opening it up and getting up and running."

She and Frank have run the shop for two-and-a-half years.

Mum-of-two Nicola said: "It's the only pub in the village and we're hoping to be opened by the weekend. We've had a lot of positive feedback.

"It's a close-knit community, the people are nice, we've revamped the pub, freshened it up.

"It's somewhere where people can come and have a quiet drink. We also have music nights on Thursdays where local musicians play.

"It's a community hub."

Kenny Stewart, 62, a retired Ministry of Defence police officer, can't wait to have a pint in his local again.

He said: "It's brilliant news. The pub is the hub of the village. It always has been in the past.

"There's a bit of buzz about the place about it re-opening.

"It's a close-knot community with a population of 2,100. Everyone knows everyone.

"I think what Frank and Nicola are doing is great for the village."