Forfar’s historic Royal Hotel has been put up for sale at auction, four years after its doors closed.
The three-storey Castle Street hotel was closed suddenly in June 2010, leading to the loss of around 20 full and part-time staff.
Owners Oxford Hotels and Inns said it was selling the property after being unsuccessful at finding a new tenant.
The auction has raised hopes that new owners will undertake refurbishments and reopen the hotel, which can trace its roots to the 1700s when it was a coaching inn.
Bids will start at £200,000 plus VAT at the SVA Property Auctions sale in Edinburgh on Wednesday.
The sale schedule states the property “requires a combination of refurbishment and refitting”.
Alistair Letham, a director of Colliers International, which is promoting the sale, said “for sale” boards had been attracting attention.
He added: “There have been a number of people enquiring about the building and there have been a number of viewings this week.”
Forfar councillor Glennis Middleton said she was hopeful the auction would lead to the hotel reopening and providing “much needed” accommodation.
She said: “It’s a matter of some regret that the Royal Hotel has been closed for so long.
“It has become something of an eyesore. The front of the hotel is looking more than a bit tired, it looks absolutely exhausted with greenery growing from it.
“It looks neglected and it’s not what anyone would like to see in the centre of their town.
“I would be delighted if it was to change hands and the new owners see fit to bring back a hotel to the town which would attract tourists and visitors into the town.
“These changes are much needed and would be very much welcomed by the whole community.”