AN AYR restaurant has made a profound protest against lockdown restrictions which forced them to close last week.

The Fox and Willow joined fellow hospitality venues impacted by the tough measures across the central belt by taking a photo of all 27 members of staff.

The family owned business shared the picture with the caption “27 Jobs, 27 Incomes, 27 Families.

Co-owner Lauren told the Advertiser: “We wanted to create a statement picture. Something simple, but powerful.

“This isn’t just a business, this is 27 people whose lives have been put into a state of uncertainty.

“Our staff need answers, we can’t provide them as we are also wondering what’s going on, why it’s happened and what is coming next.”

“The reaction from social media is amazing. The power of Facebook is incredible and the support through comments, likes and shares, has been so appreciated and shows we are not alone in thinking Nicola Sturgeon’s decision to close hospitality (in part), has no logic to it and has left so many people confused. “Again, we are overwhelmed by the attention that picture received but it’s exactly what we wanted to show the impact this decision has had on hospitality in general & not just the fox & willow. It was for us and for everyone else.”