Have a look
round the pub
of today.
(approx
30sec@28K)

Built in 1891, by Andrew Colville of Edinburgh, for many years the Anchor Tavern became a popular haunt for sailors of many different nationalities.
In 1891 Bo’ness Parish was still separate from Carriden Parish the populations of which were 6,399 and 2,453 respectively: a total census of 8,852, or about half of what it is today. However, because of the number of sailors visiting the town the adult male population in the town centre was boosted and therefore did not reflect these figures. This naturally contributed in making the public houses very busy.

In contrast, even although the population has almost doubled, there are very few bars in the town, which can truly claim to be a hive of activity. Although Bo’ness Harbour was officially closed to commercial shipping on Tuesday, 30th June 1959 the Anchor Tavern continued to flourish and became known as the bar where local businessmen gathered in the early evening to discuss the ups and downs of the day.

Taking the place of the visiting sailors to the town many of the visiting steam railway enthusiasts, or “Railway Children” as they are locally known, congregate in the Anchor after dusk to indulge in the local hospitality.

In the Family through Two Generations
The Anchor Tavern has been in the Forrest family for the last 40 years with present licensee's grandfather, James, working in it from 1953 obtaining the licence in 1959. James had three sons, Jim, Dave and Willie and one daughter, Nan. Dave worked in the local foundry as well as working in the bar with his father. Sadly Dave died suddenly in 1976 and the pub was then run jointly by Grandfather James, Jim, Willie & Nan.

After a time Jim became the licencee and this continued until 1997 when his son Christopher became the licencee. Christopher and his partner Sally took over the reigns in late 1999 and now run the pub between them.

The Anchor Tavern remains a popular local “watering hole”, offering a good selection of well-kept real ales, lagers and whisky. The Anchor Tavern is one Traditional Bo’ness Bar that can still justly claim to bustle with regular activity; every time there is a quiz night, major football or rugby event and more frequently because of customers parties and organised social events.