Rosyth is about to say a fond farewell to the landlord and landlady of The Gothenburg Hotel as it’s now under new ownership.

Robert and Janet Vickers have run the establishment for the last six years but will hand it over to new tenants in the New Year.

Robert told the Press: “It was outwith our control. Unfortunately, the owner of the building died earlier in the year and his family have been selling off their estate.

“We’ve spent £160,000 over the last six years and I would say it needs the same amount spent on it again just to bring it to a reasonable standard and we’re not in a position to spend that type of money anymore.

“It has been on the market but there hasn’t been a lot of interest so this came right out of the blue for us to discover it has been sold.

“It’s a bit of a shock for both us and our staff.”

It’s unclear who will be taking over the tenancy but the building has been bought by a local property business.

Robert and Janet will still be in charge into the New Year to honour bookings. They believe the hotel and bar part of the business will continue as it is under new management but the Ghillies restaurant may change.

“The response from the community has been overwhelming,” Robert added.

“It’s an emotional time for us.

“But, hopefully, the grand old lady that is the Gothenburg will continue.

“In 2021, she will be 100-years-old so it would have been nice to be here for her birthday but it’s not meant to be.

“When we took it on I knew it would be quite an undertaking, my wife didn’t, but after a few months, she could see it was a mammoth task!

“It needs a lot of TLC and we wish the new owners well.

“It’s been a great experience.

“We’ve made a lot of friends and met some great people.”