A historic pub will close after energy bills rose to £8000 a month. The last trading day for The Goth in Prestonpans, East Lothian, will be on January 1.
Business owners Michelle McLellan and Calum Wilson announced they would be shutting the boozer due to rising bills, having taken over in 2018. They received an email predicting £8000 bills which was the final straw.
Michelle said: “It’s mostly due to the rising cost of electricity. To be honest it’s all the bills in general. We have spoken to our staff and we are all committed to honouring all bookings until the end of the year.
“We would like to thank all our customers for their continued support over the past four years. Without your support, we would not have had some of the best times, memories and laughs as we have had – these will be fondly remembered.
“We also would like to thank the musicians for the amazing entertainment you have provided us and the customers with. A massive thank you to Gordon Prestoungrange, our landlord, for all his support, trust and faith in us to look after his building.
“Lastly we want to praise all our past and present staff for making our time here one of the best. Without you all this would not have been possible and for that we are truly grateful.”
The pub, also known as the Prestoungrange Gothenburg, was founded in 1908 to encourage moderate drinking among local miners.
One regular said on social media: “You have put so much effort into turning it around, and keeping going through the pandemic and now the crazy cost of living and energy.
“Well done for all that you’ve done there. You and your staff should feel very proud. What a loss.”
Another added: “I always thought it was one of the best pubs in East Lothian and how a proper pub should be run.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .