IRVINE’S MSP hopes Arran Brewery will still invest in her constituency - after they pulled the plug on a sake brewery for Dreghorn.

Ruth Maguire says she will work with the company to support any new investment elsewhere in Cunninghame South following Arran Brewery’s decision to scrap their plans citing repeated theft and vandalism.

The Times exclusively revealed how the Arran Brewery board decided to drop their Dreghorn proposals - which included plans for 30 new jobs - after a further spate of damage and theft worth thousands of pounds.

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.

But Ms Maguire, the MSP for Cunninghame South, said she is keen to work with Arran Brewery to keep the investment in her constituency.

Speaking this week, she said: “It is deeply disappointing that Arran Brewery have been put in a position where they felt the need to take this decision. 

“The sake brewery at Dreghorn was a unique and interesting proposition for the area and the 30 jobs would have been very welcome.

“I am pleased that North Ayrshire Council will continue to work with the company to support its development within North Ayrshire and I hope that an alternative site within Cunninghame South can be found.

“I will be writing to both the council and Arran Brewery to offer my assistance in that endeavour.”

Mr Michaluk said last week: “The board have reluctantly decided to pull out of the site and relocate the project.

“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.”

The Times approached Central Ayrshire MP Philippa Whitford for a comment but she did not respond to our request.