A LONG established Largs nightspot is going back up for sale - and its days as a club could be over.

The Fiddlers and Oceans will soon be on the market again with owner Quilly Clark revealing to the News that its future as a club venue cannot be guaranteed, as he is open to all offers for it.

The club was given a second wind when it was taken over by a nightclub firm who attracted big names such as boy band 5ive and well known DJs like Radio Clyde's George Bowie, as well as top British house and techno acts.

But its last tenants walked away and with the nightclub market facing similar difficulties to bars and pubs, Mr Clark concedes that last orders may have to be called.

Mr Clark, who has owned Fiddlers for 28 years, said: "It has come back to my name and we plan to put it back on the market.

"It was last open in October, which means we missed Halloween and of course Christmas.

"I know a lot of people really missed it.

"Anyone who is taking on the business as a nightclub venue has to be there at all times when it is open - otherwise it is out of sight. "You have to be there to run the operation - I was there all the time, and it doesn't work otherwise.

"It could still be a nightclub or it could be anything, given the right money."

Mr Clark believes the premises have become a victim of an unfair playing field in the local licensed premises trade.

He said: "At present, bars in Largs at the weekend open until 1am, and as far as I am concerned that is too late.

"It needs to be a midnight cut-off point for pubs to give nightclubs like the Fiddlers a fair chance.

"Nowadays it is getting progressively more difficult with students and young people attracted to nightclubs in the city.

"We have bills to pay and wages to meet and there needs to be change in order to help the industry."

The Townhead Close venue had a licence for 380 people at capacity.

Extensive refurbishments have taken place to the entire property over the years, including the opening of Oceans on the groundfloor, with Fiddlers upstairs.

In recent times, Fiddlers was open two nights a week although it holds a licence for additional nights.

The ground floor Oceans area is currently used for private functions and has a capacity for 210 while the Fiddlers floor can serve 170 customers.

Owner Mr Clark says he hopes that someone will come forward to keep the club open.

He said: "I have been running it now for nearly three decades through good and bad times and we have hosted some great events at the Fiddlers over the years.

"It would be a great shame to lose it as a nightclub."