IRVINE'S oldest pub is set to return next year as owner's have confirmed an official opening date.

The Ship Inn in Irvine has remained closed since the death of one of its owners, Jamie Murray, in July 2020.

The popular pub had been listed for sale several times over the past five years.

However, the Ship Inn hasn't been listed for sale since August 2021 - though the identity of the owner remains a mystery.

There have been several rumours of a re-opening since it's closure after new windows were installed in the venue in December of 2021 and updated signage has been on display since June of this year.

And now locals know they can look forward to the venues return in January 2023 after owners made an announcement on social media today, November 25.

It simply read: "The Ship Ayrshire | Returning January 2023 #scottishgastropub #failwemaysailwemust #thisstormwillpass."

And hundreds of locals are getting excited by the news.

One ecstatic punter commented: "Hopefully lives up to the name. Was a great pub and restaurant. Proofs in the pudding……pardon the pun."

While another added: "I'm sure it will be worth the wait!! Can't wait to get back and see and taste all new things with some memories of the old."

The restaurant come bar will return under the name "The Ship" which it has often been known as locally.

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