A MUCH-LOVED family-run pub in Dumbarton has been put up for lease - and a charity night is being held this week in memory of its fondly-remembered former landlord.

'For Lease' signs went up at the Waverley Bar in West Bridgend on Thursday.

The son of the late Scottish football legend Drew Busby, who ran the pub for decades, announced on Twitter that the family was one step closer to "closing this chapter" in their story. 

Drew, best known in Scottish football circles for his six-year spell playing for Hearts in the 1970s, had been the landlord of the Waverley Bar for decades before he sadly passed away following a period of illness at aged 74 in July last year.

Sharing the latest news on social media, Alan Busby said: "And it draws a little closer to closing this chapter. Lease sign up tonight.

"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 crackig opportunity for someone..."

 

 

After announcing the news one person said: "Best pub in Dumbarton by a country mile. Sad news this."

Another added: "I always meant to go back but unfortunately never got the chance. The last time I was there was for a game. We didn't make the game! Can't remember getting home to Edinburgh but do remember he bough us pizza.

"He was and always will be a Hearts legend."

Staff at the Waverley Bar will also be hosting a charity night tomorrow (January 27) in memory of Drew.

While he enjoyed a stellar professional career in the game, Busby is fondly remembered for his spell with the Vale, having spent three seasons with his local side after dropping to junior level in 1967.

In addition to his time with Hearts, Busby enjoyed spells with Airdrieonians (where he scored 43 goals in 93 league appearances), Morton, Queen of the South and Third Lanark.

In April 1967, he scored Third’s Lanark’s final goal before the club went bust.

Friday night's fund-raiser will feature live music from The Syd James Experience and Friends, and some great prizes up for grabs.

All proceeds will go to the Vale of Leven Oncology Unit, with donations taken at the door.

The only request is that people going to the event wear maroon if possible in tribute to Drew's spell with Hearts - even if it is only "yer keeks or socks".

To donate to the fund-raiser visit the GoFundMe page here.