Lochranza Country Inn

They sought out advice from, among others, the Plunkett Foundation, Scottish groups who had bought pubs as a community, and Community Shares Scotland. This led to the formation of a Community Benefit Society – with the idea that any profits generated from the eventual ownership of the pub would be put back into local projects.

Through community consultation and rigorous business planning, an idea began to take shape about what the Inn would one day look like. The opportunity to have a bar alongside accommodation and a restaurant was key, particularly in trying to reinvigorate tourism, but there were challenges along the way.

Group Chair, Charlie Newton “We come up against so many obstacles in the way, mainly changes in legislation. All of a sudden, what was acceptable when it was trading in 2019 and into 2020, was no longer acceptable”.

Time was another huge factor in the project with many stages taking far longer than anticipated. The group were told that opening a business bank account would take one month, it took six. However, piece by piece, the plan came together.

The Community Benefit Society helped the group to raise funds through a Community Share Offer, which combined with a Scottish Land Fund grant, put them in a place to make an offer on the pub. After much negotiation, in December 2022, the group was able to take ownership of the Lochranza Country Inn.

The Inn finally reopened to the public in May 2023.

Charlie Newton: ”In the first two weeks of opening, I saw local people in the bar who I have never seen there before. The project was always about creating a meeting place”.

When discussing the journey, Charlie was keen to share some of the biggest lessons learned.

One of the core ideas was to remain in contact with the community and make sure that even those with no email felt included in any updates.

Charlie also felt that it was important to accept any offers of help via volunteering but also to be specific about the help required.