AN AWARD-WINNING Dunfermline town-centre pub is facing an uncertain future after its doors closed unexpectedly last week.

Customers of the Commercial Inn, Douglas Street, were left shocked after a notice on its entrance was placed last Wednesday advising that it would not open "due to unforeseen circumstances".

It's understood that the bar had been shut from the previous day.

A security door, which appears to have been put in place by Lancashire-based company Secure Empty Property, who describe themselves as "vacant property specialists" who can "ensure your vacant property or void property is safe and secure", has been put in place.

The note that was attached to the building read: "Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the pub will be closed today".

It remains unclear whether the closure will be temporary or permanent, the latter of which has been suggested on social media.

There also been unconfirmed suggestions that the business' owner has been unwell and, despite our attempts, the Press has, so far, been unable to make contact with the Commercial's proprietors for clarification.

A popular haunt for fans of real ale, its reputation as one of the Kingdom's best pubs for pouring the perfect pint has been enhanced with award successes on no less than five separate occasions.

In 1998, the Commercial was named as the CAMRA (The Campaign For Real Ale) Fife Pub of the Year, and went on to be presented with the accolade again in 2005, 2006, 2008 and, most recently, in 2014.

Following the latter win, the pub was also feted as one the county's best later that year, when it was named as runner-up in the CAMRA Scottish Pub of the Year, placing second only to The Steam Packet Inn, at Isle of Whithorn, in Dumfries and Galloway.