Inside The King’s Arms: A Story of Local Resilience

However, it’s more than just a place to grab a drink; they host quiz nights, live music, and seasonal events like the Ballantrae Festival, as well as offering a warm, welcoming space during the winter months. Even in times of crisis, such as last year’s storms that sent the village into darkness, the pub stepped up as a refuge, providing support to those in need. A local councillor even visited to listen to residents and offer help directly.

Alistair, another volunteer, spoke about how much he valued being part of the team. “Volunteering lets you meet so many people,” he told me. “I wanted to live in a village with a pub, a shop, and a post office – so I put the effort in to help keep the pub going.”

Martin echoed that sentiment. For him it was about being part of something meaningful; a group of people with no formal experience, but a shared commitment to keeping the lights on. In a village with limited public transport and few entertainment options, The King’s Arms is more than a place to gather, because without it, Ballantrae would have lost not just a pub, but also its spirit!

I had the opportunity to visit this pub thanks to our partnership with the Scottish Government’s Scottish rural network. Through this programme, we can provide tailored business advice to communities across Scotland who are looking to save or set up a community pub.

Martin spoke highly about our support: “We may not have experience,” he said, “but we’ve got heart – and Plunkett’s support has made a real difference.” Through their Plunkett membership, he said ‘we know that we’re not alone’.

A few months after my visit, I caught up with Martin to hear how things were progressing at The King’s Arms. They’ve welcomed a new chef, Sam, who is building his own business in partnership with the pub – and this means it is now open more often and able to cater for special family occasions. From christenings and birthdays to funerals, special moments are being celebrated right at the heart of the community.

Much of this success is thanks to their growing team of volunteers, which has more than doubled (since my visit) – from 10 to around 20. These dedicated individuals are serving behind the bar, waiting tables, and helping in the kitchen. The pub is also investing in its volunteers by offering training and qualifications in hospitality.

Our 2025 Impact Report highlights that community businesses have a five-year survival rate of 99%, compared to just 39% for private enterprises. The King’s Arms in Ballantrae is a shining example of what that 99% looks like in action; a passionate group working together to keep a vital community asset open and thriving.