THE economy of Saltcoats town centre could be in line for a major boost amid hints that the town's oldest pub may be on the verge of opening its doors once more.

The Windy Ha on Bradshaw Street has been closed since April last year.

However, a new Facebook page has been set up for the pub, which states it will be "reopening soon".

The page has no other info so far and there's no confirmation of who is behind the account, nor of who may be operating the premises if and when it does reopen.

But the prospect of a return for the Windy Ha - long famed for its now-removed horseshoe-shaped bar - is still sure to get plenty of locals excited.

The pub closed its doors more than nine months ago following the death of licensee Kevin Bruce, who had bought the business with his wife Lesley at the end of 2022.

However, it was not put up for sale.

The bar, long a mainstay in the town centre, first opened in 1733 and is believed by many people with a knowledge of local history to be the oldest in the town.

Others say that it can't lay claim to the title because of periods of closure over the years - with the Albion Bar on nearby Dockhead Street having been open continuously since 1867.

Both make the claim on their signage, but the real truth remains open to debate.

The rumours over the Windy Ha's future come after the owners of a much-loved local nightspot confirmed their reopening plans.

The Metro, in Hamilton Street, is due to reopen on Friday, January 26 - more than 13 years since it was last open to the public.

Tickets for the Metro's reopening night sold out in just a few hours.