Scotia Properties snaps up two of Aberdeen's best-known pubs

Things are on the move in Aberdeen after two of the city's best-known pubs were bought by newly set up pub company Scotia Properties.

Bex Bar and O'Donoghue's, both of which are in the popular Justice Mill Lane part of the city, were sold by Christie & Co to Scotia - which sees the purchases as the start of many more to come.

Scotia Properties managing director Ian Grier said: "As a Glasgow-based company we had intended to make our first purchases within central Scotland. However, an opportunity to purchase two units which are almost tailor-made for us in terms of operations, profitability and potential growth, was a chance we could not miss.

"Bex Bar and O'Donoghue's are ideal to be run under management and I have every belief we will use them as a base to expand further into North East Scotland."

The two outlets were owned by the Verase Group, which has numerous leisure interests in Aberdeen. The company had not intended to sell the pubs until it was approached by Christie & Co.

David Reid of Christie & Co said: "I was aware of Verase Group's pub estate in Aberdeen and although I knew the pubs were not on the market, I felt they would ideally suit Scotia Properties' plans. I feel they will form the perfect base for Scotia to go from strength to strength and already I am in negotiations for further pubs, in the central belt, on its behalf."