A POPULAR Kilwinning bar is to be sold as the owners set out their retirement plans.

Margaret and Andy Bradford have been operating the Victoria Bar on Howgate for pretty much all of their near 30-year married life.

And as they prepare to mark the milestone later this year, they have decided the time has come to move away from the pub.

The couple's daughter Martha announce that the Vic would be going onto the market in an emotional social media post at the end of last week.

While it will be the second time that Margaret and Andy have considered moving on in recent years - this time it is for certain.

Martha explained: "A few years ago, my parents decided to put the pub on the market, but mum being mum quickly had a change of heart and decided not to sell.

"It’s hard to let go of something that you’ve such a huge emotional connection too!

"Health and happiness should always be the number one priority! They both deserve to now finally retire, enjoy some family time, and focus on their health.

"We’ve sat with the idea for a long time of keeping the Vic in the family, but it’s really too much of a commitment!

"Thirty years they’ve had this pub, so many incredible memories over the years - strangers who became friends, friends who became family!

"As a family it feels as though we’re losing a loved one but priorities change in life. Memories that will surely last a lifetime!"

Martha also paid homage to her parents, particularly her mother, for the legacy they will leave behind when they depart the Victoria Bar.

She added: "I know I can speak on behalf of my brother and sister and say, we are all so very proud of what they’ve achieved in their 30 years at the Vic.

"I’ve never met a more hardworking person than that of our mother.

"She never stops, always there for everyone and puts everyone else before her own needs! She’s sacrificed so much, they both have."

At this early stage, viewings have already been arranged for the bar as it prepares for a new future in the town.

Those taking on the premises will not only take on the bar but also the upstairs space which includes six bedrooms, an office, kitchen, living room, bathroom and shower room.

Anyone interested in the property can contact Martha Jane Bradford directly on Facebook at facebook.com/martha.templeton.7777 to make arrangements.

The bar is expected to operate as usual until stated otherwise.