Dumbarton’s iconic Waverley pub is looking for a new landlord, as it hit the market last week.
The much-loved West Bridgend venue had been run for decades by Hearts and Vale of Leven football icon Drew Busby, who passed away aged 74 in July last year.
Busby - nicknamed Buzzbomb - was regarded as one of the greatest players ever to wear the maroon of Hearts, the navy of Vale of Leven and the diamond of Airdrie. Drew also had his name in the Scottish football history books as the scorer of Third Lanark’s final goal. In a game against Dumbarton in 1967.
Posting on social media, Drew’s son Alan said: “And it draws a little closer to closing this chapter.
“The lease sign went up tonight (January 25).
“It’s been such a part of our family for so long, so much of it screams my dad. I’m sad it’s ending, but I need it to be over. A cracking opportunity for someone.”
The news was met with sadness from regulars.
Carolynn Bowman said: “It is the end of an era. I cried yesterday walking past when I saw the sign.”
Fraser Currie commented: “My favourite place in the world. Best wishes with everything in the future Alan.”
Following Hearts’ shock relegation in 1977 football legend Busby played a key role in returning the club to the top flight, before leaving following a second relegation in 1979 to try his hand in Canada with Toronto Blizzard.
After two seasons in Canada, Drew played for Greenock Morton and became player-manager of Queen of the South before moving into the licensed trade when he took over The Waverley in Dumbarton.
He is a member of the Hall of Fame at both Airdrieonians and Hearts, and was voted as one of the Edinburgh club’s most popular players of all time by fans.
