Jock's Lodge bar searches for new licensee as doors close after gun attack

A PUB where a drinker was shot and stabbed five days ago has been closed down by its owners.

Scottish & Newcastle said it had removed the current licensee and closed the Jock's Lodge bar while it begins a search for a new landlord.

The windows were boarded up after police officers who were guarding the building finally left yesterday.

The company would not disclose the reason for the move, but said the licence would be re-advertised as soon as possible.

It comes after the attack on 24-year-old ex-boxer James Carlin, who was shot and stabbed by two men last Sunday evening.

Mr Carlin was shot in the leg with a firearm before being stabbed in the upper leg area and punched in the head.

Neighbours had described the pub as "very rowdy", with one nearby resident claiming it often resembled the "Wild West".

One said: "Even before the shooting, Jock's Lodge had a bad reputation. It was like the Wild West in there on some nights.

"It wasn't one of the worst pubs in Edinburgh, but it definitely wasn't somewhere to go for a quiet drink."

Another nearby resident said: "It's not been that bad since Limelite opened next door and went a bit more upmarket.

"Before, you would get folk coming out from each pub and fighting with each other, but it's been more quiet recently.

"But Jock's Lodge is a horrible bar – I hope they close it down after this."

The city's licensing board received a letter from Scottish & Newcastle telling them about the move to shut it down.

A spokeswoman said: "The premises is still in the hands of police, but it has been closed down temporarily. We will be advertising for a new lessee as soon as the pub is returned to our hands by the police."

The pub had been closed since the shooting, with police cordoning off the building while forensic and ballistic tests were carried out.

A city council spokesman said: "We have been informed by Scottish & Newcastle that they have decided to close the premises temporarily."

Two men have been arrested and charged over the incident, and both have appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

On Wednesday, Dean Scott, 27, appeared in court to face charges of assault with intent to murder and attempted murder. He was also accused of an offence under the Firearms Act 1968.

The following day, David Coutts, 20, appeared in court charged with assault with intent to murder. Both men made no plea and were remanded in custody.