A family that has run a popular West Lothian pub for the past three generations are celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The MacGregors took on The Oatridge Hotel in Uphall in 1972 and they have now been honoured with an award for their service to the community since that time.
The award from the building’s owners – Edinburgh-based Star Pubs and Bars – recognises the MacGregor family’s hard work over the last five decades.
Seventy-one-year-old Gordon MacGregor started working behind the bar at The Oatridge Hotel aged 21 when his dad – Alexander – became landlord.
The pub passed to Gordon in 1998 before his daughter and son – Angela and Gordon junior – took the reins seven years ago having worked in the pub for 26 years.
Gordon senior is still an important member of the MacGregor team, setting up the pub in the morning, acting as cellar man and enjoying a “blether” in the bar with some of his original regulars.
Back in 1972, The Oatridge Hotel was a little-used man’s pub with a handful of customers and four letting rooms without bathrooms, recalls Gordon senior.
He continued: “We’d always had busy pubs in Glasgow before. When we looked round The Oatridge Hotel, it was a mess with a 60s décor, only a handful of customers and Ushers beer on tap, which was poorly regarded locally.
“I told my dad it was a waste of time and we shouldn’t go ahead, but he had a good feeling about the pub’s potential, and he was proved right.”
There has been an inn on the site of The Oatridge Hotel since the late 1700s.
The Uphall Inn was built as a coaching inn on the Bathgate-Airdrie Turnpike Road, which opened in the 1790s.
It was destroyed by fire in 1805, and The Oatridge Hotel was built to replace it. It opened in 1810 with stabling for horses to meet the needs of the stagecoaches travelling between Glasgow and Edinburgh. The distinctive Georgian building is Category B Listed.
Thanks to excellent management, friendly service and a rolling programme of renovations that is like “painting the Forth Road Bridge,” according to Gordon senior, the MacGregors have turned The Oatridge Hotel into a hub of the community.
The family-friendly venue boasts a traditional bar, a games room, a popular restaurant known for its steaks, seven en-suite letting rooms and a 120-seater garden. It is used as a meeting place by residents of all ages for occasions ranging from drinks with friends and watching sports to celebratory meals, functions and even weddings.
Gordon senior continued: “I quickly fell in love with The Oatridge Hotel and Uphall. It’s a great wee village and the people are lovely and easy to talk to.
“We can’t thank people enough for backing The Oatridge Hotel over the past 50 years and seeing us through the pandemic. We’re very fortunate to
have been supported by a fantastic team of staff, too.
“A lot has changed since 1972, but a good local is as important as ever, especially when times are tough, as they are now. It’s a place where people can get together, share any troubles and leave feeling happier.
“The Oatridge Hotel has been part of Uphall life for more than 200 years, and we’re determined to carry on the legacy and keep it thriving for future generations to enjoy.”
Star Pubs and Bars’ operations director for Scotland, Matt Dyson said: “The MacGregors are superb licensees; it’s a privilege to present this award.
“It’s an amazing accomplishment to have kept a pub at the top of its game for so long.
“The MacGregors’ dedication, warm hospitality and high standards are second to none.”
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