A shut pub in the heart of Ayr’s night strip is on the verge of opening again under new management. 

The former McArthurs, which closed six years ago, will become home to The Buf later this month.

The Buf already operates a premises on Main Street Prestwick and is now expanding to Ayr. 

The newly launched boozer has been given permission to open late until 2.30am on the weekend of March 22 for opening celebrations.

Solicitor Brian Dunlop said the premises had been purchased by new owners and the business venture would  create 30 new jobs.

Speaking at last week’s South Ayrshire licensing board, he said: “These premises were formerly known as McArthurs and have been closed for many years.”

The council received no objections regarding The Buf plans for Arthur Street. 

Building work has been taking place on the site over the course of recent weeks. 

Councillor Siobhian Brown said: “I am really pleased The Buf are opening up in Ayr.”

She said night life had suffered in the town with people flocking to Prestwick instead.

South Ayrshire councillors approved a set of late opening 2.30am nights but turned down another couple of requests at the board meeting in County Buildings.

Firm Global Wine Distributors Ltd is behind the pub venture. 

In a report to the board, licensing standards officer Catrina Andrew said: “The premises have been closed for the past few years and have recently been taken over by a new operator who is also responsible for a premises in Prestwick.”

Currently the premises has a terminal hour of 12.30am on a Monday to Saturday and 12 midnight on a Sunday.

A social media statement from The Buff said: “Yes the rumours are true - we’re coming to Ayr.”

Arthur Street has been the site of a number of new night spots including Vinyl and Arthur Street Kitchen.

The street was formerly the home of Club De Mar, which operated for more than two decades.