The Prestoungrange Gothenburg in Prestonpans is gearing up for a grand reopening on February 4, as a new tenant takes up the mantle.

The historic pub’s owner, Dr Gordon Prestoungrange, confirmed in October that Patrick Cairney would assume the role.

Mr Cairney, from Prestonpans, is proprietor at the Linton Hotel and Steakhouse in East Linton, where he has won several awards and much acclaim, including the Hotel Restaurant of the Year Scotland at the Scottish Food Awards in 2021.

He replaces licensees Michelle and Calum Wilson, who took over the running of the pub four years ago but left at the end of last year as the “spiralling cost of living” meant continuing to trade was “no longer viable” for them.

The pair reinvigorated the pub, attracting live music and bringing it back to the centre of the community – something Mr Cairney (pictured) says he will continue.

He previously stressed he wanted to bring a “fresh impetus” to the running of the pub, while continuing to build on its historic traditions.

He said: “I know what [The Goth] means, and what comes with it.

“It’s almost like you’re a custodian and not a licensee.

“I hope that The Goth becomes something in which I can leave a legacy.”

With the date for reopening finalised, Mr Cairney was “really looking forward” to getting started.

He added that lots of the kitchen staff would be coming from East Linton and he was eager to take on this “bigger project”.

He also hoped the changes would help continue to support local artists while creating a more relaxed atmosphere that could be friendlier to women and couples, similar to what he implemented at The Tower Inn in Tranent.

The opening weekend will debut with live music and some of the chef’s award winning pies as a welcome back to the pub.

On the Sunday, the pub will be “all guns blazing” with a full food menu on offer.

The Goth was established more than 110 years ago to encourage sensible drinking among local miners and the general working classes.

Its principles were based on the Gothenburg pub system used successfully in Sweden and adopted in parts of Scotland in the late 19th century.

The Goth has always played a major role in the community, with profits for many years being used to support the arts and community in the area.

The pub reopens on Saturday, February 4, at 6pm, with an event featuring entertainment from Andy Chung and John McKenna.

Food service starts at noon on Sunday, February 5.