An iconic Dunfermline pub which was known for being popular with Pars supporters closed its doors for the last time on Friday.

It was appropriate that the final night in Tappie Toories coincided with a long awaited two-nil victory for the Pars over local rivals Raith Rovers.

It was an emotional night, with landlady Sarah Millar revealing that like many bars the Tappie has seen many crucial costs rise to the point that it made the business too difficult to run.

Today, she paid tribute to the regulars who have kept the pub going through the good times and the bad.

Sarah said: “Tappies was like a big, huge family. We had a really good bunch of guys coming in every week that would do anything for us. We went through a few bumps in the road but most of the time it was a brilliant atmosphere.

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“We had a different vision for it when we first started. It was going to be some pre-Lorenzo’s place, but quite quickly we started getting Pars boys coming in and we changed our mindset to decide that it would be a place for Pars supporters. The best part for me was becoming part of that family.

“Everybody turned up and made the effort for the last night, and we just went for it. It went as good as it possibly could have, but it was emotional.”

Speaking about the pressures of running a pub, Miss Millar said: “Financially, it was just becoming impossible. The pub trade itself is hard enough, but it has become extremely difficult to survive now.

(Image: Tappies)

“You’ve got electricity and drink bills going up to the point that the cost is just phenomenal. It got to the point where I couldn’t really afford to have other people working for me. I was doing the cleaning, working every shift, being the bouncer, even the plumber if need be. That’s what took its toll on me the most.

“There’s also the inconsistency. Sometimes on a derby day we’d make thousands of pounds, and then the next Saturday it could be £200 in a day, which just isn’t feasible at all.

“We were quite well supported by the fact that rent was kept the same, but we hit a roadblock that we just couldn’t get over. There wasn’t much support for a small business like us. We looked into any grants we could get, and business enterprise had been in touch, but you pretty much have to pay for everything yourself and claim it back which we just couldn’t do.”

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A recent survey conducted by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association highlighted the pressures facing pubs across the country.

SLTA managing director Colin Wilkinson said: “We have seen the impact of Brexit, Covid, and right now our biggest challenge is not only spiralling business operating costs but also the cost-of-living increases that are having an impact on the ‘leisure pound.’

“Despite the uplift from Euro 2024, in 62% of outlets trading is down versus last year. Visitors are more selective on when they visit, with 19% leaving earlier and 16% only visiting our pubs and bars for events. Our report identifies that 64% of respondents highlighted less spend, fewer visits and less time spent in the venue.”

In a message to customers, Miss Millar said: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to everybody in Dunfermline who helped us make great memories, but the biggest thanks has to go to the boys from Section North West.

"They made the place a home and a family. We went through a hell of a lot together, but also a lot of laughs and fun. As much as it’s a bit short lived I wouldn’t change a thing and I’m forever grateful.”

Sarah also extended a thanks to the Adamsons for all their support. She said: "They gave us the opportunity in the first place knowing we had little to no experience running a pub. They leased it to us and heavily supported us with advice and help.

"And still now even with us having to give up, they're supporting our decision."