A confused publican who brought a historic Angus bar back to life has admitted he is “stumped” by a litany of utility problems.
The B-listed Dalhousie Bar supplied Brechin residents with food and drink from 1879 until it became disused after 130 years as a hotel and pub.
Landlord Brian McCombie set up shop in the empty premises last year but was instantly landed with a £5,000 bill for two months’ electricity while the pub was empty.
And he has not received a gas bill since a new meter was installed last June.
Suppliers British Gas said they are keen to agree a “suitable way forward”.
He said: “It all started around June last year when I moved into the premises and found the gas meter had been removed.
“I eventually got a new meter fitted in December which I thought was the end of my problems however as of today’s date I have never been invoiced for any gas.
“I have phoned on several occasions asking to pay my gas bill but they say the meter that they fitted does not exist unbelievable!”
He has also been hit with a £5,000 bill for two months’ electricity, which has been reduced to just over £3,000 against his current usage of £450 for the same period.
A British Gas spokeswoman said: “Unfortunately we had set up Mr McCombie’s new meter incorrectly on our system, meaning he didn’t receive his gas bill when he should have in March this year.
“We’ve identified what happened and he’ll receive his bill next week.
“His electricity bill, which covers between June and August last year when he left us, is based on accurate meter readings.
“When business customers first move into a new property they are often put onto temporary rates before they agree a fixed-term contract. These rates can be higher than contract rates.”
Local hopes to turn the bar into a community hub were shelved last year, following an abortive attempt to turn the pub’s distinctive horseshoe bar into a bookmaker’s counter.
Ladbrokes’ plans looked to have been settled in November 2013, along with a long-running debate, but the betting marque encountered difficulties in adapting the bar’s antique interior.
In 1922, Prince Shimadzu of Japan stayed in the hotel for a week as he participated in a tour of Scottish salmon rivers.
The Courier reported: “Prince Shimadzu, the well-known Japanese lawn tennis player, has arrived at Brechin with his party, and is residing at the Dalhousie Hotel.
“He is fishing on the Earl of Southesk’s water on the South Esk … Salmon are plentiful, but the water is low.”