An historic Scottish pub that was mentioned in Sir Walter Scott’s novel Rob Roy has closed, 200 years after first opening.
The Carbeth Inn in Blanefield has been put up for sale by owners Greene King as a 'going concern' after shutting its doors for the final time on Sunday.
The manager of the inn broke the news in a post on Facebook, telling customers: “Unfortunately this week marks the end of an era for ‘The Carbeth Inn’. We are deeply saddened by this but we would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the last two years and made it a fantastic time.”
The announcement came as a shock to customers of the pub, which was first established in 1816.
Jacqui Hughes said: “I’m heartbroken. We made lots of friends here and we’ll miss you all dearly.”
Angus Brown said: “What a shame. I used to walk there with my grandfather for a ‘wee dram’ from Strathblane when I was about seven-years-old. That was 40 years ago. I had great times in there with friends as well.”
Stacey McElhinney said: “I am devastated to hear this. I have very fond memories of coming here over the years, from my parents bringing me when I was a child to coming out on summers days with friends and bringing my own son.”
The pub was a favourite among bikers and members of the Carbeth hutters, a community originally created for returning soldiers from World War I in 1918.
However, it has struggled over the past decade.
A post on the pub’s website said: “It is a pub that almost everyone in the West of Scotland will have at least one fond memory of, but sadly a pub that has struggled more than others as the industry has nosedived over the past decade.
“Everyone who has visited The Carbeth Inn feels passionate about how it should be, yet it struggles to attract anyone beyond the local the local hutters or passers-by during the wet and cloudy days that dominate out Scottish climate.”
Greene King said the decision to sell the historic inn had been difficult.
A Greene King spokesperson said: “As a leading pub operator and brewer, we are committed to running high quality community pubs. To be able to continue to invest in our core estate, from time to time we have to make the difficult decision to sell pubs. After careful consideration, we have decided to place the Carbeth Inn on the market and it is up for sale as a going concern for hospitality use. We have received interest which we are looking to progress.”
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