A HOTEL has closed with "immediate effect" with the loss of 36 jobs.

The Boathhouse Hotel and restaurant in Kilsyth, which opened ten years ago, has been forced to call in liquidators.

The latest statistics show that 76 restaurants closed in Scotland during the first six months of this year, three more than for the whole of 2017.

French Duncan have been appointed liquidators for the business, which was launched at the Aunistarry Marina.

In a statement the owners said on Facebook: "It is with great sadness that we have to inform you The Boathouse ceased trading today. Myself and the team are devastated. Thank you for your custom over the last 10 years."

French Duncan said the restaurant sector was experiencing a "very difficult" time due to overprovision.

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A post on its Facebook said: "It is with great sadness  we have to inform you The Boathouse ceased trading. Myself and the team are devastated. 
Thank you for your custom over the last 10 years. Josie x."

A number of high-profile Glasgow restaurants have been forced to close this year including Carluccios, burger group Byron and Prezzo.

Eileen Blackburn, head of Restructuring and Debt Advisory at French Duncan LLP, said: “The closure of the Boathouse is indicative of wider financial difficulties facing the casual dining sector which is currently encountering unprecedented issues which are resulting in failure for a growing number of operators.

"Operating a restaurant profitably has always been difficult but there are growing complications from rising rents and rates, increased staff costs, and higher supply costs.”

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"The restaurant sector has been experiencing a very difficult time with many high-profile restaurant chains announcing partial or substantial closures this year including Gaucho, burger group Byron, Jamie’s Italian restaurants, the Strada Italian restaurant chain, Carluccio’s, and Prezzo.

 “The sector has an issue with over-capacity, with rising costs and issues over some operators using outmoded business models.

"Many restaurants compensate for lower customer numbers by using discount vouchers which can work in the short term but may, ultimately, lead to a vicious circle of voucher dependence, lower income, and reduced profitability and, ultimately, closure.”

“Nobody operates a business with the expectation that it will fail but the restaurant sector has become an increasingly difficult environment in which to thrive."

Thousands of people replied to the restaurant's Facebook post expressing sadness at the closure.

Nan McCarron said: "We always had a lovely experience in the Boathouse. Delicious food and expert service . . . and what a view.

"I'm very sorry indeed to hear about the closure. Best wishes."