Wick has been dealt another blow with the news that pub chain Wetherspoon is to close its branch in the town – threatening 30 jobs.
The Alexander Bain has been put on the open market in a “commercial decision” taken by the company.
It follows the announcement last month that Francis Street Club and Institute Limited, a social and sports club in the town, had been placed in liquidation.
The liquidation was the result of a decline in membership, rising costs and unsustainable cash flow problems, owners said. The club closed with six staff being made redundant.
Now the 30 Wetherspoon jobs are at risk.
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The pub giant said that if a buyer who would not require the staff was found, employees would be offered the chance to work at other Wetherspoon pubs.
Spokesman for Wetherspoon Eddie Gershon said: “We can confirm that The Alexander Bain in Wick has been put up for sale.
“We totally understand that our loyal customers and staff will be disappointed with this decision.
“However, Wetherspoon, does on occasion, put some of its pubs up for sale.
“It is a commercial decision taken by the company taken after long consideration.
“The pub will continue to trade as normal until a buyer is found.
“We have told our 30 members of staff that if the pub is sold and they do not transfer to the purchaser, then we would do everything we can to assist them, including offering relocation to other Wetherspoon pubs.”
There was surprise and disappointment from the local business community about the pub closure.
Trudy Morris, chief executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are surprised and disappointed to hear that it is being sold.
“We are however pleased to hear it will still continue to trade whilst it is being sold and we hope that it proves to be an attractive investment for somebody either locally or from outside the area.
“We are also pleased to hear of Wetherspoon’s commitment to help the staff in any transition. We will keep a watching brief in the meantime.”
The Alexander Bain sits in Market Place. Mr Bain was born on the outskirts of Wick in 1810.
He invented the electric clock and designed an electromagnetic means of transmitting images. A commemorative plaque on the council offices, next to the pub, records his considerable achievements.
