A top Ayrshire resturant chain is set to shut its hotels until coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

The Gailes Hotel and Spa, The Waterside and Old Loans Inn will stay shut until the current travel ban is lifted - with chain SimpsInns stating its other venues will remain open.  

The Gailes will also still remain open on Christmas Day for customers who have booked and assured any expired vouchers will remain valid.

Owners Karen and Malcolm Simpson thanked customers for their understanding but said the latest restrictions left them with no option.

A statement said: "Unfortunately, due to the current restrictions, we have taken the decision to keep our SimpsInns hotels closed until such times as the travel ban has been lifted. Although we have tried to remain open and operate responsibly, the latest restrictions mean we are left with no option but to temporarily close the three hotels; The Gailes Hotel & Spa, The Waterside and Old Loans Inn

"The Gailes Hotel will be open on Christmas Day for customers who have booked to enjoy the most special time of the year with us. We are also pleased to confirm that GG’s Coffee Shop & Sports Lounge, Si! Spa at The Gailes, the gym and leisure club at Gailes Golf:Leisure, the Toptracer Driving Range and Si Bar:Restaurant will all remain open.

"We realise this news will affect not only our valued customers, but also our suppliers and our amazing SimpsInns team. We would like to thank you all for your continued support and understanding at this time.

"For anyone with gift vouchers to use and are worried about expiry dates, all vouchers will remain valid to use with expiry dates extended. Be assured that should current restrictions continue further into 2021, we will extend the validity period on all vouchers to ensure everyone can enjoy their gifts.

"In the meantime, we hope you all have a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"