A popular north-east hotel has gone into administration.
The White Horse Inn on Old Road in Balmedie has served up seasonal local produce to both passing motorists and local diners since it opened in 1975.
It was refurbished in late 2o14 with the interiors redesigned to turn it into beach themed establishment.
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Alexander Iain Fraser and Thomas Campbell MacLennan of FRP Advisory LLP have been appointed as joint administrators.
A spokesman from the hotel refused to comment on the reasons behind the move.
He said: “We are open, business as usual, and people are still welcome to come along.”
However, other restaurant owners in the area said businesses in the region had been affected by the new AWPR route making it more difficult for passing trade to stop off at shops and restaurants.
The completion of the fully dualled A90 Balmedie to Tipperty stretch has slightly altered access to the village, with motorists taken under the road instead of turning right across the southbound traffic.
For other businesses in the area however, it is not as simple.
Mandy Davidson, owner of the Cock and Bull in Balmedie, said they were still “inundated with calls” from lost and exasperated customers.
She said: “People are calling us all the time for directions.
“It seems to mostly affect people coming from the north, such as Peterhead and Ellon.
“We had an old couple last week who had finally made it to us after trying three times and getting lost each time.
“It is definitely affecting both of us, and other businesses such as The White Horse Inn.”
Customers were shocked by the news of the busy pub going into administration.
Neil Powers, the founder of a not-for-profit organisation set up to courier medical equipment, said the hotel had helped the charity over the past two years.
He said: “Ewan and all the staff at The Whitehorse Inn have supported North East Rider Volunteers Scotland Blood Bikes since we formed in 2016 with free use of their function room for our meetings.
“We will post for help in supporting you on our media pages, so sorry to hear this very sad news.”
