Flats plan for Portobello's popular Dalriada Bar as owners set to sell up

The Dalriada has been run by Terry and Alison Magill for the past 16 years. Picture: TSPL

One of Portobello's most popular watering holes could be set to disappear for good as plans emerged for the property to be transformed into flats.

The historic Dalriada Bar occupies a large beachfront plot on Portobello Promenade and is seldom free of patrons, but owners Terry and Alison Magill have decided to sell up after 16 years running the establishment.

The pair, who have not yet released an official statement, are understood to be retiring and say the property is still to go on the market.

The bar is one of the most popular establishments on Portobello Promenade. Picture: TSPL

However it has emerged that plans are under way that would see the pub, which also hosts live music and other performances five nights a week, disappear for good.

A planning application has been lodged with the City of Edinburgh Council that could see the two-storey, turreted family-run bar transformed for residential use.

If the proposal is granted, the current public house, which is among the few points of interest for visitors at the east end of Portobello Promenade, would be split up to form three separate dwellings with the demolition of a non-original extension.

The Dalriada Bar is expected to close within the next six months.

The Evening News has contacted Terry and Alison Magill, the owners of the Dalriada Bar, for comment.