The Corner House Hotel one of the longest established in Montrose has closed its doors and will be placed on the open market.
The 14-bedroom business went into liquidation on Friday when the 12 staff were informed they would lose their jobs.
The closure follows the announcement two weeks ago that another Angus hotel, the 21-bedroom Royal in Forfar, had closed with the loss of 20 jobs.
The Corner House also has a dining room and function suite.
Rose Crawford, insolvency manager for Henderson Loggie, Dundee, said a combination of factors had caused the closure.
She said, “It took a hit when the smoking ban came into force, the current financial climate has not helped and the hotel lost some trade when the nearby bingo hall was converted into licensed premises.”
Local councillor Mark Salmond said, “It is disappointing at the start of the tourist season that Montrose has lost one of its longest established and most respected hotels.
“I hope a new owner can be found and that it can continue to be run as a hotel.”
Councillor David Fairweather, vice-convener of infrastructure services which includes economic development, said he knew the hotel well and was “stunned and saddened” to learn of its closure.
“I was there just two months ago and there was no indication that this was going to happen.
“Alistair and Irene Belford had maintained its high standard it was a well known and respected hotel with a marvellous reputation.
“I hope it can be bought quickly and staff re-employed.
“It is so disappointing that the doors at two Angus hotels have closed within weeks of each other.”
The Corner House was bought 12 years ago by a partnership that included the Belfords, who have run it since then.
They took over the hotel after Alistair had spent his 12 years in the army catering corps, and they had worked as stewards at several golf clubs including the Victoria Golf Club, Montrose, and the Royal Montrose.
The building dates back to 1760 and is older than the impressive Montrose steeple which stands next to it on the High Street.
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