Iconic Ross-shire pub searching for "brave" manager to prevent closure

A well known Ross-shire pub's searching for a new manager to prevent it from being closed.

Sean Kennedy, who currently runs The Mallard in Dingwall, is looking to retire with his five year lease ending on June 1st.

Due to the pressures currently facing the hospitality sector, he agreed to stay on for a further four months.

However as of Tuesday, no new tenant has been found.

Current manager doesn't want pub to close

In a Facebook post, Sean admitted at this stage he may run the pub on a "week to week basis" depending on whether a contract extension can be agreed.

He wrote: "I have always in the 50 plus years I have been involved in the licensed trade in the Dingwall and Strathpeffer area, seen it as my responsibility to be a community based business.

"To this end, I do not wish to see the pub closed for the good of the local Dingwall community and wider communities.

"This along with everything else that is going on at the moment has been a very stressful time for me and my team at the Mallard.

"I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and offer my heartfelt thanks to my hard working staff and to say how proud and respectful I am of their efforts and sticking by me.

"So at the very least it will be business as normal at The Mallard next week."

Speaking to MFR News, reiterated his desire not to see the Mallard close, but admitted it is a "gamble" for anyone currently wanting to pursue a career in hospitality.

He said: "It’s very important when the football’s on, Ross County are a very important part of the local community.

"If it wasn’t here people would miss it.

"I just wouldn’t like to see it closed.

"I think it would be a very brave man or woman who would want to get involved in the hospitality trade at the moment.

"Especially as we’re coming into the darker harder trading months of the year, it would be a huge gamble for anyone to get involved with it.

"It’s a way of life that you’ll either get used to or won’t get used to, but it’s a good little thriving business in Dingwall.

"I’ve now guaranteed that I’m going to be here for another week.

"Until I’ve spoken to the owners of the pub, I can’t really commit and say how much longer it might be."

Mallard looking for someone who can engage with the locals

The Mallard's owned by Greene King, who own the Belhaven pub chain.

They outlined what they're looking for.

A spokesperson said: "We are currently seeking a new partner for the Mallard pub in Dingwall.

"We are looking for a community focused operator who can maximise upon live sport and local seasonal activity as well engaging with the locals.

"The Mallard sits on Dingwall railway station platform which has excellent links to Inverness and the Highlands.

"The lease has become available following the retirement of the previous licensee, who has run the pub for many years.

"Those interested in the role should visit the website to apply at www.greenekingpubs.co.uk/pub-to-let/mallard-dingwall."