Retirement and promotions were the most common reasons for staff leaving East Ayrshire Council, but councillors acknowledged morale issues.

The distillery was backed for its 'very unique' approach to the trade.

“Hopefully they will get on to them, get to pay their licence fees before the deadline, because I’d hate to see any more licences suspended in the lead-up to Christmas.”

A key part of the proposed mitigation is a £100,000 contribution towards town centre improvements.