An Aberdeenshire town’s only pub could open its doors in the spring after plans were lodged for its revamp.
The Kintore Arms Inn will reopen under the new name The Square Bar and Lounge as soon as March, with locals last night heralding it “great for the community”.
The 19th-century watering hole has been closed since 2013, forcing punters to head to Inverurie and Blackburn for nights out.
Kintore man Steve MacDonald has taken on the lease of the pub – where he worked both as a kitchen porter and a barman 10 years ago.
He has lodged plans to Aberdeenshire Council to transform the pub from its current state into a trendy bar.
Earlier this year the B-listed building’s owners, Cater Corporation, announced the plans to reopen the inn as a bar and restaurant after previous proposals to turn it into a takeaway were opposed by the community.
The premises has been split into two by the firm and Mr MacDonald has agreed to take on the lease for the pub side and to transform it into a “vodka bar” style lounge and bar.
The other side of the building is still up for lease as a restaurant.
The 26-year-old oil worker will split his duties offshore with managing the business.
Mr MacDonald, who lives in Kintore, said he was overwhelmed with the public support so far.
He added: “There has been huge support from the locals, they are all very happy they are getting their pub back.
“It is something everybody has been moaning about, me included, we all have to jump on a bus down to Blackburn or up to Inverurie for a beer.
“The whole spirit of the thing was ripped out, a lot of the Christmas lights and so on was organised in the Kintore Arms.
“It is going to be completely different. We are going to do it very modern, but try and keep it traditional at the same time.”
The building was built in 1855.
Chairman of the Kintore and District Community Council, Brian Johnstone, said: “It is great he is going ahead with it and I think the addition of the cafe and wine bar at Midmill – if that goes
ahead that is good too.
“It is all good news, it is great for Kintore. It has not been there for ages.”