Bar goes back to its roots

Published on 08/08/2012 12:00

A PUB which featured in Trainspotting has reopened after being gutted by fire.

Around 50 firefighters were called to the blaze at the Volunteer Arms in April. No-one was hurt, but the building suffered significant smoke and water damage. Firefighters also had to use axes to cut away parts of the exterior.

The bar has now reopened following a £100,000 refit.

Manager Calvin Laidlaw said: “We found an old picture down in the cellar of a previous licensee called Mr Watson standing out in front of the bar. We haven’t had it dated, but we believe it was taken in the 1930s or 40s.

“We thought we would try to recreate the bar as it was then, so we’ve stripped back to highlight the original features. We’ve also got the staff dressed as bar workers would have been then.”