DOZENS of jobs are expected to be lost after a Greenock pub confirmed it will close its doors next month.
The Tail O’ The Bank is set to shut in October after a sale subject to contract was agreed.
It is understood the closure will result in significant job losses, though the exact number has not been confirmed.
A spokesperson for Greene King said: "As part of our pub estate strategy to set us up to deliver sustainable and profitable growth for the future, we have explored all options available to us regarding the future of the Tail O' The Bank.
"As a result of this process, we have agreed a sale subject to contract. The pub remains open and trading as usual at this time."
It is understood that Greene King are working with affected staff to identify job opportunities at other locations where possible.
The move comes after the building was listed for lease at more than £120,000 per year last month.
Commenting on the closure, Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan said: "First and foremost, my thoughts are with the staff and families affected at this time.
"This will be a very uncertain period, and I hope Greene King are true to their word in identifying opportunities at other pubs where possible and they will continue to support those affected; however, if these opportunities are not local, this may not be a viable option for many.
"At present, as we do not know the identity of the potential buyer, it is unclear what the new owner's plans for the site may be.
"However, I would hope that, where possible, the current staff would be offered employment opportunities, particularly if the venue continues to operate within the hospitality sector.
"No words from me, or anyone else, will offer much solace at such a difficult time, but I hope more details become available soon and that staff are given greater certainty about what the future may hold."
The announcement means the end of the pub’s operation at the waterfront site, which opened in February 2015 after a £2 million redevelopment of land that had previously been vacant.
The opening created 40 full-time and part-time jobs.
The closure of the pub and restaurant and accompanying job losses are the latest blow to Inverclyde's economy.
In recent years the area has seen around 1500 jobs lost in a crisis so profound that it has caught the attention of Scotland's First Minister John Swinney, who visited last month to discuss the issue with council leader Stephen McCabe.
