The owner of some of Aberdeen's most popular boozers has denied reports that all of its bars could be about to close as it seeks to refinance over £2billion of debt.
The GMB Union has warned that that all of Stonegate’s 44 venues across Scotland face closure after the company issued a profit warning - and has accused the company of playing fast and loose with people's jobs.
The company runs some of Aberdeen’s most well-known bars including the Bobbin, the Foundry, Murdos, Slains Castle and Triple Kirks.
It also owns the Black Dog, which is located in Bridge of Don.
However, Stonegate spokeswoman told The P&J that closures are “not true” and described GMB’s claims as a “sweeping generalisation”.
She added: “The turn of phrase that they’ve used has said that every Stonegate pub in the world is under threat and none of them are to our knowledge. There’s the occasional one or two that goes on the disposals list, but nothing. I think they’ve sensationalised the whole thing.”
GMB issued an update saying it was concerned about the future of Stonegate pubs – owned by the Cayman Islands-registered private equity firm TDR – and its workers due to the company having to refinance £2.2 billion worth of debt.
The trade union’s national officer Nadine Houghton said: “TDR bosses are private equity gamblers, playing fast and loose with people’s jobs and lives.
"When their risky ventures go wrong, they swan off to their next project, leaving workers and communities to pick up the pieces. Now, dozens of much loved pubs across Scotland are in serious danger of pulling their last pint. It’s a disgrace.”
Were the bars to close, it would have a huge impact on Belmont Street, where there are also two Revolution Bars also facing an uncertain future .