The premises of an established St Andrews eatery could be taken over by pub giant Wetherspoon.
Littlejohns in Market Street closed its doors at the end of last year, having been a popular spot for residents and visitors to the town for decade.
The company has another branch in Aberdeen, which is still open for business.
Wetherspoon confirmed it was interested in opening a pub in St Andrews, and The Courier understands the firm has identified the Littlejohns premises as a potential site.
Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: ”Wetherspoon is enjoying great success in Scotland, and St Andrews is a town that we are interested in.”
The news was not welcomed by Fife Licensed Trade Association, who fear Wetherspoon will undercut other licensed premises with bargain booze.
Sandy Haxton from the association said: ”As far as we’re concerned, this brings the supermarket concept on to a trade side.
”It’s hard enough as it is. It’s very difficult just now, not just because of the time of year but because we are being squeezed from all sides.
”This is not going to help, particularly with the number of licensees already in St Andrews,” he said. ”Littlejohns was a restaurant and this is going to a public house. It will have an effect.”