Ghostly goings-on at famous Highland bar after it was put on the market
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It may be known as a national institution and a venue for early career performances by musicians such as The Proclaimers, Paulo Nutini and Amy Macdonald,
But it seems the Market Bar in Inverness also has an intriguing mystery lurking within its historic walls – a ghostly presence.
Since the owners Ian and Pep Shepherd prepared to put the popular pub and music venue up for sale, there have been strange goings-on.
Footsteps have been heard on the stairs and fingermarks have appeared on the hatch door to the attic.
"There have been some strange happenings," Mrs Shepherd said.
"It is unexplainable.
"It has happened to different people, not so much to me. No one has seen anything but they felt a presence. It is not unfriendly.
"We are trying to work it out."
Located in an alleyway leading to the Victorian Market, the pint-sized pub is believed to originate from the 1740s and is one of the oldest in the city.
It has been owned by Mr Shepherd (77) and his wife (73) for nearly 40 years and the couple have decided it is now time to retire.
They take with them a host of memories .
"There have been so many highlights," Mrs Shepherd said.
"There are so many memories. We have been so fortunate and had so many good customers.
"We have been very lucky with the staff as well. It is an institution."
While the upstairs bar has become a well-regarded music venue winning awards over the years, the downstairs bar is popular with locals and visitors wanting a traditional atmosphere.
It was one of the first in Inverness to get a 9am licence.
“It meant night workers could get a pint when they were going home from work and going to bed,” Mrs Shepherd said.
She and her husband had enjoyed the banter with the customers.
“That is what the downstairs bar is really known for – it is so friendly,” she said.
She said holidaymakers returning home to America even commented on it, telling others to visit the pub if they ever went to Scotland.
The couple have three adult daughters who in the past have helped out in the pub such as clearing up bottles although none of them has followed their parents into the licensed trade.
They also have five grandchildren.
"I will be sorry to see it go but hopefully someone will keep it the same as it is," Mrs Shepherd said.
"If anyone changes it too much it will not be the same. I hope they would keep its character."
Before acquiring the pub in 1982, Mr Shepherd worked as a lorry driver.
It also transpired there was a wartime family connection in that an auntie met a Canadian serviceman in the Market Bar in 1944 and the pair were married after three weeks. She subsequently went to Canada.
Mr Shepherd – who earned the nickname Speedy for his laid-back and easy-going nature – had some advice for future owners of the pub.
"You have to be nice to the customers," he said. "But we have never had any trouble.
"It involves a lot of work but it is very enjoyable."
He also revealed that he is not really a beer drinker – he enjoys an occasional bottle of beer when the couple are on holiday in Canada.
Related story: Historic Highland pub which hosted early career performances of Billy Connolly, Paulo Nutini and Amy Macdonald up for sale
