A VILLAGE pub is saying cheers to the beers once again after confirming it was to re-open after the further easing of lockdown restrictions.

The Auld Hoose, located in Forth Street, Kincardine, announced this week that they would open its doors once again from last Wednesday with pubs now able to do so as part of the Scottish Government's Covid–19 route-map.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced last Thursday that Scotland had moved into phase three of its four-phase plan, and within that, indoor hospitality, such as bars and restaurants, were allowed to open once more – with physical distancing rules in place – from July 15.

Outdoor beer gardens had been allowed to open on July 6 but the Auld Hoose has had to wait until now to invite customers back.

In revealing the news on Facebook, they said: "We are delighted to announce our re-opening. We are looking forward to welcoming back our loyal and supportive customers.

"Card payment will be taken as before as well as cash. No price rise will be put in place on re-opening.

"Social distancing and new entry and exit protocols will be in place.

"We are looking forward to seeing you all again in a safe and harmonious space."

The announcement comes after it was reported last month that the landlords of the pub had lodged plans with Fife Council that would see it converted into a house.

Stirling Brewery Ltd submitted an application to transform the premises, listed as a category 'B' building in 1972, into a three-bedroom dwelling house, citing the need to find "alternative, financially-viable uses" for the bar.

Whilst highlighting the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, as well as the smoking ban and reduced drink-drive limits on wet-led, licensed premises such as the Auld Hoose, they stressed that the proposal was simply to safeguard the building's future, and made it clear that it was their priority that the pub returned to viability.

In a statement, they said: "This move was fully discussed with the tenant, and he is fully aware of the landlords' planning application, and the reasons behind this move.

"The tenant will be given every opportunity, within realistic time limitation, to reopen and operate the business and failing that, the landlords will exhaust all potential avenues in order to retain the property as a pub, prior to the consideration of actioning the conversion (subject to planning)."