A FORMER pub in Renton used to shoot scenes for the remake of the classic film 'Whisky Galore' has been put up for auction.
The Central Bar in Main Street was the setting for some scenes in the 2016 version of Compton Mackenzie's 1947 novel, starring Gregor Fisher and Eddie Izzard.
Central Bar is now up for grabs
A fixture in the centre of the village since the 1890s, the Central Bar has been a well-loved watering hole for many locals since then.
But after the coronavirus pandemic devastated the hospitality industry, with most pubs completely closed – or open only on a very restricted basis – since last March, the bar is now being advertised for sale by auction as a "development opportunity".
Central Bar is now up for grabs
Although the property listing on s1homes.com describes it as "a two bedroom flat for sale", the detailed description says the premises comprise "a non-trading public house on the ground floor fronting the main street and, on the upper level accessed from the rear, two one-bedroom flats with tenants in situ".
The listing says the pub area "has planning permission pending" from West Dunbartonshire Council for conversion from commercial to residential use.
Central Bar is now up for grabs
The listing adds: "The convenient location, along with the tourist demand for Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, would make this development suitable for long term rental as well as offering great potential as a holiday rental or serviced accommodation unit.
"In addition, the land to the rear of the property extends to approximately 200 square metres and, with easy access from the main street, this could be suitable for further development subject, of course, to the necessary planning consents.
Central Bar is now up for grabs
"Not only does the development offer strong end value potential, but what makes this unique is that there is income in excess of £10,000 p.a. being produced from the tenanted flats whilst the development is taking place on the lower level."
The modern-day version of Whisky Galore!, like both Mackenzie's novel and the original big-screen movie, told a fictionalised version of the Second World War incident in which the SS Politician – renamed 'SS Cabinet Minister' in both films – ran aground on the Hebridean island of Eriskay while bound for Jamaica and New Orleans.
Central Bar is now up for grabs
On board were 28,000 cases of malt whisky – plundered by many islanders at a time when whisky supplies were strictly rationed – as well as £3 million worth of Jamaican banknotes.
Mackenzie co-wrote the screenplay of the original 1949 comedy, which was produced by Ealing Studios and directed by Alexander Mackendrick, and which starred Basil Radford, Bruce Seton, Joan Greenwood and Gordon Jackson.
Central Bar is now up for grabs
The 2016 version which was partly filmed in the Central Bar was directed by Gillies MacKinnon and as well as starring Fisher and Izzard, also featured Sean Biggerstaff and Naomi Battrick, though it was less well received by critics than the original.
Glasgow firm National Property Auctions is advertising a guide price for the property of £149,500.
Click here for full details.
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