Message Board: £2m Pub Gets The Green Light

Apr 27 2008

SCOTLAND'S most expensive pub has created 50 jobs in time for its grand opening.

The Boathouse at Auchinstarry Marina, near Kilsyth on the Forth and Clyde Canal, is the country's first sustainable bar.

It opened for business last week after a £2million joint venture between Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises and British Waterways.

The 150-cover, 10-bedroom pub and hotel uses a geothermal method to generate hot water using residual heat from the canal.

Timber used in the construction of the building is from sustainable sources. The pub also features energyefficient lighting, low-consumption refrigerators and a nature trail has been installed for visitors.

A spokesman said: "The Waterside Pub Partnership is a prime example of successful creative investment in the nation's canal network, providing access to jobs and leisure activities for local communities."