PLANS for Scotland's first sake brewery in Dreghorn have officially been abandoned - costing the village 30 new jobs.

The board of Arran Brewery have voted to pull out of the project at the former Dreghorn Primary School after the site was repeatedly targeted by thieves and vandals.

And the boss of the site claims the building has been targeted yet again this week.

Last week, the Times exclusive told how Arran Brewery Managing Director, Gerald Michaluk, was making plans to leave the site because of security concerns.

On Monday, June 27, two casks of ale were allegedly stolen from a parked vehicle with police also receiving a report of a large window being smashed.

Mr Michaluk also claimed last week that £5,000 worth of "heartbreaking" damage was caused at the site as well as a number of expensive beer glasses being stolen.

Police say no arrests have been made in connection with any of the reported incidents and enquiries are still ongoing.

As a result of the incessant crime, Arran Brewery's board last week voted to walk away from the project for good.

The news comes as a major blow to Dreghorn with plans for around 30 new jobs, a £150,000 bottling site, visitor centre and brewing school now scrapped.

Speaking exclusively to the Times, Mr Michaluk said: "The board have reluctantly decided to pull out of the site and relocate the project.

"Since Monday, we have had a further two attacks with a large window being broken, and two casks of ale stolen from a parked vehicle.

"In addition lead has again vanished from the roof letting water pour into the building during the recent heavy downpours."

He added: "Short of 24/7 manned security, and given the chisels and screwdrivers being carried by the perpetrators, I would fear for the safety of a single person.

"Therefore there would need to be more than one guard, a prohibitive cost. 

"As a result the board feels we need to consider more secure alternative sites.

"I personally feel it is time for a zero tolerance strategy towards this kind of crime as without it we are setting these people up for a life of crime and we are all suffering the consequences of years of accepting this kind of thing as the norm in North Ayrshire."

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “We have been in touch with Arran Brewery today to offer our support and will continue to work with the company to support its development within North Ayrshire.”