Portland Arms, Lybster To Close. Again.

I wrote in May about the welcome return of the old coaching inn, the Portland Arms in Lybster. Now, the John o’ Groat Journal is reporting that after fewer than three months, the leaseholder, Andrew Bowles has announced that the doors will close on 24 September.

JoG reader, Donald Miller left the comment:

Mr Bowles has a long history of this even before coming to Caithness of taking over such businesses and then jumping ship after a very short period of time. I hope everyone associated with this latest foray has been paid.

Whilst I cannot speak for this, it is true that Bowles should have been aware that the leaseholder immediately prior to him had lasted only three months despite being reported to have had extensive experience in the hotelier industry. It raises the question of whether or not an adequate business plan was lodged.