One of Ayrshire's biggest hotel groups will close its venues this Monday in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The RAD Group, which operates three hotels in the region and another three throughout Scotland, announced its decision this afternoon.
Bosses said the temporary move comes in "unprecedented times" and follows the government move to close all schools.
The company operates popular venues like the Carlton in Prestwick and Royal Hotel in Cumnock along with the Lochside Hotel and Spa.
In a statement, they said: "This decision has not been made lightly as we realise that for some customers this is the only chance they get to meet a friendly face, chat with family and friends and socialise.
"We also realise that booking an event or wedding does not just take days but can take years of arranging with not only the venue but all the connected valuable suppliers and for this not go ahead is distressing and devastating for everyone involved.
"We are also devastated to be delivering this news and that is why we have had difficulty in reaching the decision to suspend our trading."
RAD chiefs said the Covid-19 virus was "threatening our health and livelihoods" but have pledged: "We will not be beaten, only a little put down and when you are down the only way is up."
