One year ago

The new owner of a former Angus hotel with its roots in the 18th Century has vowed to restore it to its former glory. The Royal Hotel in Forfar closed in 2010 and was left to decay as a procession of interested parties passed on the chance to buy. Water damage and lack of care and attention had made the Castle Street premises unattractive to prospective buyers. Publican Donald Stewart has said the dilapidated interior would “not have made it through another winter” if it remained empty.