IT is the end of an era as a family-run Cowdenbeath pub has now closed its doors.

The final pints have been poured at the Dunvegan Bar as its owners revealed the sad news yesterday (Thursday).

Its closure was not unexpected as the Times told you in December that June and Ewan Ross were being forced to pull the shutters down on the Broad Street venue due to soaring running costs.

The pair made the decision after being faced with a seven-fold rise in their electricity bill to £43,500 a year, rocketing from the £6,500 sum they previously paid.

June had told us that the pub would continue to trade throughout the New Year period, but would then be sold and later transformed into flats.

Taking to social media to inform customers this week, they said: "It has finally happened.

"We shut our doors for the last time at close of business last night (Wednesday).

"We are deeply sorry that we did not give our customers more notice but it was outwith our control with regards to complications with the legalities of the sale.

"We want to thank each and every one of you for your loyal support, custom and friendship over the years we have run the 'Sunny Dunny'.

"We hope the good times and banter we have had will remain with you all.

"We wish you all the very best in life and hope to see you when we are out and about.

"A huge thank you to everyone that came in and wished us well and to say goodbye.

"Lots of love as we will miss you all."

An application for a change of use, to turn the premises into two flats, had already been agreed by Fife Council in late November.

June told the Times in December that she felt terrible for "taking the pub away" from their loyal and understanding customers, but there was nothing they could do.

She explained: “We’ve had it for 12 years. I own the pub with my husband Ewan, who is the chef.

“It’s my job, livelihood and house, all in one fell swoop.

“I’ve got somebody interested in buying it so I’ll need to go and get a house now.

“We’ve got to take the chance to get out while we can as it’s only going to get worse.

“I’m lucky we’re in the position that someone wants to buy it, what are the other pubs going to do?

“I’d like to say sorry to all our customers.

“It’s been their pub for the last 40 years, many had their first drink here and I’d like to thank them for giving us such great support.

“Even during the pandemic, when they had to sit outside in the pub garden in the freezing cold, they did so much for us.”