AN HISTORIC East Lothian hotel has closed, three months after the owners announced their intention to move on.

The Goblin Ha', situated on Gifford's Main Street, closed last Monday.

It has been owned since 2022 by Dee Kerr and her partner Chris but they had announced in the summer their intent to move on to pastures new.

The hotel is named after the Goblin Ha’ (or Goblin Hall) hidden beneath the nearly-800-year-old Yester Castle located nearby. Some say the castle ruins are haunted.

It had been marketed by the Scottish Business Agency (SBA) with its leasehold for sale at an asking price of £50,000 in July. It remains listed on the SBA's website.

The Courier visited the empty hotel on Monday. A tradesman confirmed that the owners had left a week previously.

The following day, Dee Kerr confirmed to the Courier that the hotel had closed last Monday and that staff members and the brewery had received notice of the planned closure a month prior.

Customers enjoyed a closing party on the final night to finish off the remaining alcohol.

She also confirmed that there was “an ongoing conflict with the landlord” which her and her partner were looking to resolve.

The hotel has seven en-suite rooms, a restaurant and bar, but it had been running on a reduced capacity before closing.

The owners had been living on site, dedicating much time to the kitchen and servicing the restaurant and bar that they did not have time "to focus on and grow the accommodation," a spokesperson for the SBA had told the Courier in July.

The SBA spokesperson said then: "Outstanding and brimming with character, this hotel has an 88-cover restaurant and bar and substantial outdoor space.

"At the side of the hotel is a closed public house currently undergoing the first stage of renovation, including a new ceiling and electrics.

"Many locals and tourists query why it’s not open and are keen to see it brought back to life after many years.

"The character and history of the hotel attracts a number of visitors, both planned and passing, although it trades well at present, the potential is staggering and viewing is recommended to appreciate the scale of offering."

Those interested in learning more should contact Mark Jackson at mark@scottishbusinessagency.co.uk