A restaurant that took over one former Huntly bank is now planning to expand into another next door.
Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky (DTSW) bought the old Clydesdale building at the junction of The Square and Gordon Street last July, transforming it into The Bank Restaurant.
Since opening in March it has won scores of rave reviews, with the P&J praising its “mouthwatering” local produce.
Now, the whisky firm has its sights set on the adjoining Bank of Scotland building.
It was the town’s last bank when it shut last April, a decision met with dismay from locals left bruised by several closures.
Huntly hospitality trader to cash in on old Bank of Scotland
Now, blueprints submitted to Aberdeenshire Council reveal DSTW’s plans to breathe fresh life into it.
A new bar would be built, with the restaurant significantly expanding its floorspace inside.
The designs show how the old bank floor would provide space for four added four-seater tables and three with space for 10 diners.
There would also be new toilets and office space created.
It took eight months to refurbish the former Clydesdale to open it as a new town centre eatery.
If approved, it could take an equal effort to overhaul the old Bank of Scotland.
Plans for Huntly’s old Bank of Scotland could create jobs
A spokeswoman for the Huntly-based firm said the empty building has “wonderful potential”.
She said: “As a business, Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Ltd is passionate about Huntly.
“Working alongside the relevant bodies will allow us to create new jobs and investment in the town.
“The Bank of Scotland building has wonderful potential and we look forward to revealing more of our plans in the near future.”
And plans are on the table for old TSB as well
The latest development also comes after DTSW lodged plans to turn the former TSB nearby in The Square into a new whisky shop and tasting room.
The building has been empty since the TSB shut in 2020.
And the whisky firm purchased The Castle Hotel last May, which is planned to reopen in 2023.
You can see the plans to extend The Bank Restaurant here.
