THE owners of a Cumnock-based hotel group say it is a "privilege" to be taking over one of Ayrshire's most popular venues.

The RAD Hotel Group recently purchased the Brig o’ Doon House Hotel, in Alloway - the seventh property to come into the company's portfolio.

The famous wedding venue on the banks of the River Doon is widely revered by the local community for its close ties to Robert Burns.

After recently completing the purchase, and the future of the venue somewhat unclear, RAD owners Robert and Vivien Kyle are reassuring both staff and visitors of the Brig o' ‘Doon House Hotel that they will continue to build and nurture strong relationships with the local community and will be honouring all existing wedding bookings.

“It is a real privilege to take over from Bill and Cathy Costley,” said Mr and Mrs Kyle.

“Both of our businesses pride themselves on having strong family values and we hope this will ease the transition of ownership and protect the reputation and legacy of this beautiful hotel.

“With all our hotels, we are passionate about ensuring guest experience is top priority and this will be no different with The Brig o’ Doon.

"We have a wealth of experience and will be concentrating firstly on meeting all wedding couples and satisfying guests requirements as we go through the transition of acquiring such a remarkable venue.

“Investment and transitions to the venue will be done in keeping with the very essence and history of the hotel. We will also be supportive of the existing team during this transition and will announce further operational plans soon.

“We were recently reminded by a local piper - who at the age of 82 has visited many venues - that this type of opportunity only comes along once in a lifetime, so we couldn’t be more delighted that we are involved in this piece of Ayrshire history!

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our amazing team at RAD for their support over the last few years.

"Without them we would not be where we are and for this, we say a huge thank you!”

The RAD Hotel Group, which has its headquarters in Cumnock's Glaisnock Street, owns and operates the Royal Hotel in Cumnock, the Lochside House Hotel in New Cumnock, the Carlton in Prestwick, Dalmeny Park in Barrhead, Hetland Hall near Dumfries, and the Radstone in Larkhall.