A POPULAR Dumbarton pub has closed its doors at short notice citing the current economic crisis as making the business "no longer viable".

The Boatyard Bar and Grill - also known as the Waterside Inn - announced on its Facebook page that last Friday, November 25 was its last day of trading.

In the post, the management admitted the rising cost of prices due to the cost of living crisis, from everything like energy bills to stock purchases, made the business an "unworkable environment".

It read: "Due to the ridiculously ever-increasing expenses, greedy energy companies and the amount of money our government demands from small businesses for tax, VAT, bills etc is quite frankly astronomical and it has created an unworkable environment and a business that is no longer viable for our company.

"These expenses are the reason businesses do not survive and are closing down left, right and centre.

"The rise of tax, gas, electricity, wages, Co2, alcohol, stock etc has all had an impact on our business."

However, the owners of the well-known pub say they hope re-open again in a "few months" but that all events lined up over the festive period had been cancelled and anyone who had already purchased tickets would receive a full refund.

The post added: "We’re heartbroken it’s come to this but the lack of vital funds coming in through custom and lack of government support in regards to non-domestic rates, gas, electricity etc have forced us to close our doors for the foreseeable future."

The revelation had readers on Facebook expressing their sadness at the closure.

One wrote: "So sad to read this..such heartbreaking circumstances I'm seeing everywhere but hey good luck to you all x"

Another said: "Really gutted to hear this, the decline in business since covid & lockdown is horrendous.

"Have fond memories of this place always bouncing every weekend, walked in about two months ago with friends and we were the only ones there. Was about 9pm on a Saturday. Was really sad to see."

Anyone looking for a refund on tickets for any planned events at the pub is asked to email Riversidetaverns@gmail.com with details such as booking name, what event was booked, how many tickets purchased and bank details for a refund.