The owners of the historic Royal Hotel in Forfar have knocked on the head any rumours that the empty premises are to go under the hammer.
In June 2010, the town was rocked by the sudden closure of the 21-bed former coaching inn on Castle Street.
Its closure was described as a major blow to the town centre by local politicians and businesspeople. Around 20 full and part-time posts were lost.
The Royal is part of the portfolio of Oxford Hotels and Inns and in the wake of the closure a firm was appointed to seek a new leaseholder.
However, with no indications of a new occupier there has been local speculation that the hotel was about to be sold at auction a suggestion flatly denied by the owners.
A company spokeswoman said, “The Royal Hotel in Forfar is not being sold at auction. Oxford Hotels and Inns are still looking for a leaseholder for the hotel.”
