The Advertiser has learned that a deal is currently under-way to hand over the keys to the James Street property, which shut its doors six months ago.

The iconic eatery closed on October 31 in a well-publicised turn of events after customers were asked to finish-up their lunch and leave following the announcement that company owners - Bramwell Pub Company - went into administration.

This week, Helensburgh restaurateur David Davidson has revealed that he is in the process of finalising a deal for the establishment.

He said: “News travels fast. We don’t have the keys yet but the deal settles shortly.” The businessman hinted that the new establishment will boast a bar and restaurant, with a barbecue grill style menu. Mr Davidson said the premises will also feature live sport, live music, niche craft and draft beers, cocktails and wine. He added that the venue will be kid friendly and be styled with ‘quirky’ decor.

He said: “There’s a lot of good stuff happening in Helensburgh at the moment.” About 15 jobs were lost when the Logie Baird closed its doors - with some staff being taken on by the owners of the newly reopened Garth in late November.

Although the Logie Baird opened in 2007, the building originally opened as a cinema in December 1913. The La Scala Cinema seated an audience of 600 mainly in stalls, however there were also private boxes.

The cinema closed in 1984, but the building was used for amusement until 1990s. The building’s iconic features were recognised in 1993 when the La Scala was named as a C-Listed premises by Historic Scotland.

Speaking about the possible re-opening, a spokesman from the Helensburgh and Lomond Chamber of Commerce said: “We will always welcome new businesses to the Burgh and wish them well in their endeavours, and of course it will be good to see an iconic town building, the old La Scala Cinema, brought back into use.”