AN AYR pub in a former bank vault is hoping to win the title of Kopparberg Independent Bar of the Year.

The Smoking Goat, on Academy Street has set its sites on first prize after making it to the finals of the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards.

Manager Melissa Evans said: "Working here for the last year and half has been a labour of love. I first heard about the award a week or two ago when I came back from holiday.

"We were told we were in the final by a letter of congratulations. We thought it was fake and a hoax. We did not enter at all, at least not that I am aware of.

"Obviously being in hospitality I am assuming it was one of our customers that entered us into the competition."

The Smoking Goat opened in December 2014 and Melissa has been running it since February 2015.

Melissa added: "I had another job but the owner kept messaging me asking me to run it so I thought, why not, I have never run a bar before. It was going to be a big challenge as it was something I had never done before.

"But it was the best thing I ever did."

The pub is up against three others in Glasgow including Bloc.

Melissa continued: "I know it is going to be a tough competition. Just to be nominated is just amazing because we had no idea about it. Fourth place would be great for us anyway. The other nominees have been up and running for longer.

"Expect nothing and you might be pleasantly surprised is what I have learnt. It is great that a small little bar in Ayr has no much support. The owner is just a pleasure to work for.

"To be honest I think we are all still in shock about it. I am quite excited about it."

This year's awards have a Brazilian theme to celebrate Rio hosting the Olympic Games. The glitzy bash takes place on Tuesday, August 16 at Glasgow's Hilton Hotel.