LOCAL businesses in Kirkoswald fear that road closures on the A77 between Girvan and Turnberry will affect the Burns an' a' that Festival.

Scotland TranServ have informed drivers the road will be closed from Friday, May 13 to Monday, May 16 to carry out structural maintenance works from Little Hill to Burnside Farm.

Kirkoswald's Whisky Experience and Whisky Shop have had to cancel some of their events as a result including guided tours of Kirkoswald which would highlight Burns' connection with the village.

Caryn Inglis, marketing manager, of the Whisky Experience, said: "Any weekend where the road is closed will affect local business. This is the worst news for us and we have had no notification.

"All the information we have received has been second hand. South Ayrshire Council only asked us to organise the event a few months ago and a lot of preparation has gone into it.

"Other costs have been involved including hiring extra staff but to hear that the road has been closed means we have had to scale back.

"There will be a diversion via Dailly Road but this will prevent people who are not local from coming to the area."

The Shop will still continue with their gin tasting session on Friday evening before the road closes at 8pm."

Duncan Stewart, resident of Kirkoswald who has recently started a fused glass business also intended to open specially for the festival.

He said: "Everything we have been told has all come second hand. I find it strange that Barr and Barhill community council were informed of the road closure but Kirkoswald, Maidens and Turnberry were not.

"Various local people have spoken to TranServ. Drivers will end up on the back road from Girvan to Maidens so so businesses will miss out on the passing trade who will not know they are open. It is just bad timing."

Advanced warning signs will also be in place on the approach to the works to inform road users that these roadworks are taking place.

Andy Fraser, operating company representative, Scotland TranServ said: "This maintenance scheme will ensure that the A77 remains in good condition for local residents and over 7,800 road users who use this route each day.

"To ensure minimal disruption, the work has been programmed to be carried out over the shortest period of time possible however would urge road users to leave plenty of time for diversion routes, particularly those heading for the ferry ports."

Road users can obtain live journey planning information by visiting Traffic Scotland’s website (www.trafficscotland.org) or Twitter feed (@trafficscotland).