Pleuchie’s Howff and Rob Roy Inn sold for Star Pubs & Bars
A TEN-bedroom hotel and live music venue has been sold to its existing tenant.
The Pleuchie’s Howff in Dumfries has been taken over by the Coulter family, which previously leased the red sandstone Star Pubs & Bars property.
The hotel and bar, whose name is from the Doric for ploughman’s meeting place, is located in the town’s Annan Road. The selling price has not been disclosed, but agent Colliers International marketed the property at offers over £250,000.
The Pleuchie’s Howff was one of two bars being sold on behalf of the pubco, which is part of Heineken UK.
The second – the historic Rob Roy Inn in the Stirlingshire village of Buchlyvie – was sold on behalf of Star Pubs & Bars to property developer Ross Aitken. Offers in excess of £225,000 were sought for the 1880s village pub and restaurant.
Paul Shiells, a director with selling agent Colliers International, said: “These two sales concluded a successful year, where we have seen a rise in the number of high profile licensed premises change hands, with values and demand also starting to rise.
“The Pleuchie’s Howff is one example of a highly regarded hostelry where the existing management team, in this case the Coulter family, has taken the opportunity to acquire the business and build on its earlier success.
“The Rob Roy Inn is a reflection of some of the challenges facing parts of Scotland’s rural licensed trade. Changes in lifestyles and attitudes towards drink driving have created a perfect storm, which could see further properties facing a change in use.”
