A once popular pub in the heart of West Lothian, that locals described as the ‘Clansman’ of the town, is a ghost of its former self.
The Volunteer Arms was a much-loved pub back in the day, with locals always happy to enter its doors for post-work pints.
A local community Facebook page posted a photo of the pub in its heyday alongside what it looks like now, much to the approval of readers.
In the original photo, men can be seen standing outside alongside a retro car.
The black-and-white image is a perfect picture of how the town used to be, with a traditional lamppost also spotted in the right-hand side of the photo.
Now, the old sign is all that’s left of the pub, with a takeaway now standing in place of where the establishment used to be.
Another image was posted back in 2018 on the Facebook page, showing an artist’s depiction of how the pub used to look inside.
Many Facebook users flocked to the comments to describe what the pub used to be like back in its prime, as one said: “Great wee pub ,full of characters the likes you’ll never see again....loved a Saturday night there.”
Another wrote: “Big fire to keep you warm in the winter . All of my uncles drank in this pub.”
A third added: “The Volly , A good pint next to the barbers , the masonic hall entrance and Davidsons news agent’s.
“What stories Jarvey Street has to tell.”
More commented on the artist’s depiction of the customers of the Volunteer Arms, which reminded many of the pub regulars from the legendary BBC Scotland comedy Still Game.
One said: “Reminds me of Still Game lol.”
A second wrote: “Looks a bit like the Clansman. ..where’s Winston?”
And a third said: “Fantastic! Recognise those faces!”
Another added: “Many a beer there after work. Characters galore!”
And finally, one concluded: “Great picture of a great pub.”
You can still see the original sign of the pub in Bathgate, which is located on Jarvey Street.
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