As rising costs and the loss of local services continue to challenge rural and island Scotland, communities are finding practical ways to protect the places that matter most.
Plunkett UK has secured a further year of funding from the Scottish Government’s Scottish Rural Network, enabling us to continue supporting rural and island communities across Scotland to bring vital local pubs into community ownership.
As rising costs and the loss of essential services continue to impact rural areas, more communities are taking action to protect the places that matter most. Through our targeted support, communities are not only saving pubs, but creating jobs, maintaining social spaces and strengthening local resilience.
This renewed investment will also allow us to expand our work beyond pubs, providing support for community-owned shops alongside our existing programme.
The funding reflects growing confidence in community ownership as a practical and proven model for improving wellbeing, sustaining services and supporting rural economies.
The Brig Inn, Brydekirk
Members of the community inside The Kings Arms, Ballantrae
A growing sector
Our figures show that three community-owned pubs began trading over the past year, with a further pub purchased by its community and preparing to open. This brings the total number of rural community-owned pubs in Scotland to 19 – more than triple the number recorded five years ago.
Alongside this growth, we are currently supporting 30 rural and island communities who are exploring or progressing plans to bring their local pub into community ownership.
Through our programme, we provide tailored business advice, peer learning and hands-on support to help communities navigate what can often be a complex process. Of the communities we are currently working with, 10 are classed as Very Remote Rural and a further 15 as Remote – areas where access to services and social spaces is increasingly limited.
Over the past year, 59 individuals have taken part in peer learning and support, alongside more than 35 free training sessions and information events delivered as part of our programme.
Revitalising community life
During the funding period, three pubs successfully reopened under community ownership:
- The Crosswater in Barrhill, Ayrshire
- The Oakbank Community Inn in Sandbank, Argyll & Bute
- The Templehall Hotel in Morebattle, Scottish Borders
In Dumfries & Galloway, The Brig Inn in Brydekirk has also been purchased by the community and is currently being redeveloped. Plans include reopening as a pub alongside a café, essentials shop and social rented accommodation – demonstrating how community ownership can deliver wider local benefits.
At the Templehall Hotel in Morebattle, reopening under community ownership has re-established the village’s only social space. Now open year-round for the first time, it provides local employment, hosts community activities and brings together residents of all ages.
For communities with limited transport and services, these pubs play a vital role in reducing isolation, rebuilding social connections and keeping money circulating locally.
Members of the community holding the keys at The Brig Inn
The Black Bull, Gartmore
More than pubs: jobs, wellbeing and resilience
Community-owned pubs are playing an increasingly important role in sustaining rural economies and wellbeing. On average, a community pub employs 11 full-time equivalent staff, often providing some of the only employment opportunities in remote areas.
Across the wider community business sector, 32% of employees are under the age of 24, and 78% of businesses pay the Real Living Wage or higher, reflecting a strong commitment to fair work and local employment.
Beyond jobs, community pubs act as essential social hubs, supporting mental wellbeing by offering welcoming, inclusive spaces. Many also provide affordable meals, host events, and create opportunities for local suppliers and environmental initiatives.
Diane Cameron, Business Support Team Leader at Plunkett UK, said:
“Plunkett’s targeted community business support removes knowledge and confidence barriers and helps communities move forward with taking pubs into their own control.
“We consistently hear from groups that without the specialist advice their project simply wouldn’t have progressed.”
The King’s Arms, Ballantrae in South Ayrshire said:
“We regularly recommend Plunkett and speak highly of the support you have given us for years on our journey to establishing a sustainable community enterprise.”
Are you a community group that could qualify for the support from this partnership?
Communities in Scotland who want to more details about the programme, or the free, specialist business adviser support we provide to community groups, can contact Plunkett UK by emailing info@plunkett.co.uk or calling 01993 630022.
