Camelon publican confirms bar will not reopen

A Camelon publican has called time on his career and confirmed he won’t be reopening his bar due to “safe social distancing” concerns.
By Jonathon Reilly
Published 11th Aug 2020, 16:45 BST
Updated 11th Aug 2020, 16:48 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Robert Heeps took to social media to share the news The Canal Inn won't be back open for business despite coronavirus lockdown restrictions easing.

After 32 years in the pub game, his choice to keep the Canal Street venue closed was not one Robert found easy to make.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His Facebook post read: “To all my customers, it is with regret that I have taken the decision not to open the pub back up before I finish my time in the trade.

Robert Heeps, of The Canal Inn, watched on by regulars as he presents a cheque for £500 to Kris Elliot of Team Noble in 2018. Fundraisers rowed across the Atlantic for The Fire Fighters Charity in memory of watch manager John Noble, who died in a road traffic collision in January 2008. Picture: Michael Gillen.Robert Heeps, of The Canal Inn, watched on by regulars as he presents a cheque for £500 to Kris Elliot of Team Noble in 2018. Fundraisers rowed across the Atlantic for The Fire Fighters Charity in memory of watch manager John Noble, who died in a road traffic collision in January 2008. Picture: Michael Gillen.
Robert Heeps, of The Canal Inn, watched on by regulars as he presents a cheque for £500 to Kris Elliot of Team Noble in 2018. Fundraisers rowed across the Atlantic for The Fire Fighters Charity in memory of watch manager John Noble, who died in a road traffic collision in January 2008. Picture: Michael Gillen.
Read More
Falkirk area businesses benefitting from Eat Out to Help Out scheme

“The main reason being, I do not think I could operate safe social distancing within the pub. What happened in Aberdeen, I know is happening elsewhere and I think that unless operators and customers start to follow the regulations, there will be another shutdown of pubs.

“Believe me, this was not the way I wanted to finish up after 32 years in the trade, but Covid-19 has changed the way we do things nowadays and unfortunately for many families it has ended in tragedy.

“We should never forget that, and I would never forgive myself if someone contracted Covid because they had been in The Canal Inn and procedures had not been observed.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The pub owner reserved a special mention for those who have supported the bar over the years.

He wrote: “On a personal note it has been a delight to serve you all over the last 16 years.

“Camelon and its people have been very good to me and my family and I have made many good friends, but also lost many, some well before their time.

“My apologies for letting many of you know through the Facebook page, but these are the times we live in. It has been a brilliant 16 years and I thank you all. Stay positive and stay safe.”

Message from the editor

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Related topics:Covid-19FacebookAberdeen