The bar – which was run by Gibson Beattie for the past few years – shut its doors for the last time on Saturday, June 20 to the surprise of the local community. John Rapallini, owner of the Clyde Bar on West Clyde Street, said he was saddened to hear of the sudden closure but stressed it was a symptom of the tough financial climate.

He said: “It’s just a sign of the way things are going just now.

“We have seen other bars around here close down, times are hard.

“Gibson is a good landlord and very experienced, he knows his stuff, it’s just a sign of the times.” A regular customer at the Argyll Bar said he had noticed the bar becoming quieter over the past few years. He added: “I just think they couldn’t afford to run it any more. He just wasn’t getting the same kind of customers he used to get.” Mr Beattie – known as Gibby – lives in Helensburgh with wife and took over the lease from the Pincher family a few years ago.

The Argyll Bar is the latest in a number of Helensburgh pubs to close in recent years including The Imperial Hotel, known locally as the Imps, last year.

Cara Nikolic, owner of La Barca and The Riverbank on West Clyde Street said she was saddened to hear of another closure.

She said: “It’s very sad to hear another pub has closed in the town.

“Gibby is very well known and experienced in the trade and it would have been a difficult decision but obviously one he had to make.

“I think the new drink driving laws have had an effect on pubs like the Argyll Bar. We wish him all the best for the future.” Helensburgh councillors have also come forward to express their regret at the loss of the Argyll Bar.

Helensburgh Central Councillor Vivien Dance, former policy lead for Sustainable Environment, Renewables, and Strategic Tourism said she would miss seeing the bar in the town.

She added: “It is always sad to see one of our landmark businesses close and the Argyll bar has always just been there, it will be missed by many in the town and I will particularly miss their colourful hanging baskets in the summer and the Christmas tree and lights in winter, giving a warm welcome to people coming that way in to town. “I am really sorry that we have lost another business from our town centre, but the licensed trade is facing many difficulties in the current climate as we all realise and the local economy is far from buoyant which is impacting on each business and the town as a whole, but this is disappointing and sad news.” Helensburgh Central Councillor Gary Mulvaney said: “It is always disappointing to see a local business close and for staff to lose their jobs.

“I am not aware of the particular reasons for this closure or what future plans the owners may have, but hope that the building will re-open in some shape or form again.” The Advertiser approached Mr Beattie to find out why the Argyll Bar closed but he was unable for comment.