Our Communications Officer, Michael Wolverson reports from his tour of community pubs from South West Scotland, made possible by our partnership with the Scottish Government’s Rural Network
“This pub has brought the village back to life.”– Nigel, The Kenmuir Arms.
It’s a phrase I often hear when writing about community businesses, and a powerful reminder of how vital they are to communities throughout the UK.
I love sharing these stories, but as anyone in communications will tell you, nothing compares to seeing the impact first-hand. So when the opportunity arose to travel to Scotland to gather content from rural community pubs, thanks to the generous support of the Scottish Government’s Scottish Rural Network, I jumped at the chance.
For me, this trip was about more than just storytelling. It was about showcasing the “UK” in our geographical reach. As a charity, we can’t always be on the road, which is why partnerships like this one are so valuable. The goal was to gather tangible impact stories from Scottish community-owned pubs to showcase the reach and difference made from our support. Over the coming months, you’ll see new case studies, blogs, and videos that bring these stories to life. For now, I’m sharing a snapshot of what I saw and who I met.
After a five-and-a-half-hour drive up the M6, my three-part pub journey began in Dumfries and Galloway at The Kenmuir Arms in New Luce.
The Kenmuir Arms sits at the centre of New Luce, which was named the Best Wee Village in 2019. The community-owned hotel and pub is run by tenant chef Chris, who has earned an AA Rosette and the title of Chef of the Year at the Hotels of the Year Scotland awards.
But the Kenmuir Arms is more than a destination for food lovers, it is also a community hub for the village. It provides meaningful employment opportunities, including for young people like Jake, who was finalist in the Young Person Award at the 2024 Rural Community Business Awards.
I also met Michelle, the brilliant front-of-house hostess who moved from South Africa to gain experience in hospitality. She shared how different it felt working in a rural, community-owned business compared to her previous roles in urban England. “It’s a real community here,” she told me. “Working here makes me feel included and comfortable.”
Later, I spoke with Nigel, who chaired the committee that led the community’s purchase and renovation of the pub. He reflected on the transformation: “The pub has turned what was really a dying village into a vibrant community where young and old regard it as their local.”
The next leg of my journey took me to Wigtown, also in Dumfries and Galloway. In joint support with Plunkett and Democratic Finance Scotland (DTAS), and funding from South of Scotland Enterprise the Ploughman was brought back to life by local residents who stepped in to save it being turned into flats. I had the pleasure of meeting Craig, Committee Chair, who gave me a tour and shared the story behind the pub’s revival.
Craig spoke about the community’s vision: to create a space that fills a gap in Wigtown; a place where people feel at home, included, and connected. “Even though Wigtown has many wonderful businesses, something was missing. The pub brings people together and keeps Wigtown on the map.”
Craig spoke about the passionate volunteer effort behind the pub:
“Everything you can see in here has been touched by a volunteer—and that’s what makes this pub so special.”
While I was there, three committee members were interviewing candidates for a new bar staff role. Between interviews, they shared their ambition to create opportunities for local people, through employment, apprenticeships, and training in partnership with local colleges.
Despite only being open a few months, the impact is already clear. The pub has become a space for connection, especially for those who feel isolated. Volunteers run a morning lounge where people can drop in for coffee and conversation. One local even offers PAT testing to help others with their appliances.
The last stop on my Scotland road trip took me to the Kings Arms in Ballantrae which is entirely volunteer-run. Though currently only open on Friday nights, the pub remains a vital hub for the community—especially in a rural, isolated area where transport options are limited.
But the pub is so much more than a pub, it’s a community space. It hosts fitness classes, local history groups, and in winter, it operates as a warm space to help combat loneliness and isolation.
I spoke with Alistair, who told me that volunteering has helped him meet a wide range of people. He moved to Ballantrae because he wanted to live in a village with a pub, shop, and post office, and to be part of the team keeping these vital amenities going.
Since my visit, their hard work has paid off because they have now hired a kitchen staff member, allowing them to open more frequently.
Thanks to our partnership with Scottish Government’s Scottish Rural Network, we can provide tailored business advice to communities across Scotland; whether they’re just starting their journey toward community pub ownership or already running.
It was a pleasure to meet these groups in person and see the impact of our support first-hand. Each group emphasised how valuable this support has been:
“Working with Plunkett is not just about material and resources, it is about having someone at the end of the phone or email that can sanity check your ideas. We have been encouraged every step of the way. It has been an absolute joy to work with Plunkett.” Craig, Committee Chair of The Ploughman, Wigtown.
“At the early stages, the support we received from Plunkett was absolutely vital. Our adviser, Dave Hollins, has been with us from the very beginning, and both Lucia and Diane, from the Plunkett staff team, have always made sure nothing slipped through the cracks—they’ve answered every question I’ve had. Plunkett, along with the Scottish Government’s network group, have truly been with us every step of the way.” Andy, The King’s Arms Ballantrae.
“Plunkett have been incredibly helpful, providing us with a wealth of information and resources. From funding advice to guidance on building a relationship with our tenant, they’ve supported us every step of the way. But most of all, just knowing we can pick up the phone and get support, or be pointed in the right direction, is really useful.” Sharon, Development Officer, The Kenmuir Arms.
We are here to help!
In 2025-26, the Scottish Rural Network is continuing to fund Plunkett’s ongoing delivery of community business adviser support to Scottish groups involved in community-owned businesses in Scotland. Contact us by emailing info@plunkett.co.uk or calling 01993 630022.
