Arbroath’s pub trade may be set for a boost, with two bars in line for new owners.
Liquidator CS Corporate Solutions has confirmed the Central Bar in Brothock Bridge had been leased to a “prospective purchaser” and the Newgate Inn in West Newgate is likely to be sold soon.
Both previously belonged to Aberdeen firm Arbrothock Bar Company, but were passed to the control of CS after the firm ran into difficulty with tax bills.
A court order saw the company “wound up” and the liquidator was ordered to get the best price for the remaining parts of the pubs.
The lifeline for them comes amid rumours that the Crown Inn on West Abbeygate could be set to reopen after more than a year.
Once one of the most popular watering-holes in the town, it shut suddenly in March last year, leaving a note to customers in the window thanking them for their support.
The Newgate has been shut for several months and it is likely the building will be sold at auction, with locals hoping it remains a pub.
Liquidator Charles Sands of CS said: “The Newgate is being repossessed and will be in the control of its secure creditors Commercial First, and it will be up to them how they go about dealing with it.
“The Central has continued to run until a buyer can be found, and has now been rented out to a prospective purchaser.
“Both premises continued to incur a trading loss while under our control.”Pubs neededthe Angus branch of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association last year appealed for residents to support the region’s pubs following closure of the two bars.
Recent years have painted a mixed picture for the Arbroath pub scene, with some faring better than others.
The Victoria Bar in the Westport closed its doors around the turn of the year, but in contrast the Cliffburn Hotel has re-opened, been fully refurbished and is looking to build up a strong customer base.
Councillor David Fairweather said it was important to have a selection of licensed premises in any town, both for residents and visitors.
He said: “If we are going to see more pubs opening up then that is great news for Arbroath.”
Meanwhile Arbroath’s Pubwatch scheme, aimed at making the town safer at nights, has enjoyed early success, with 16 premises signing up to get involved.
The initiative sees staff at bars, pubs and clubs communicate to deter violence and anti-social behaviour.
Regular meetings have been held with police to discuss ideas and provide feedback.
Information on those behaving in an aggressive or threatening manner is quickly passed around in a bid to stop them gaining access to any of the pubs.
Drinkers involved in violent, criminal or anti-social behaviour behaviour will be dealt with by the police and banned from all Pubwatch locations.