Wendy Chamberlain MP and Willie Rennie MSP have visited two inspiring communities in Fife to support these local initiatives and the role of Plunkett UK in supporting thriving rural communities.
Visits to The Haven Community Inn in Cellardyke and Elie Kirk Community Enterprise Limited (EKCEL) formed part of the parliamentarians’ tour of north east Fife, which aims to connect with constituents and spotlight local initiatives that are making a difference. Both The Haven Community Inn and EKCEL are proud members of Plunkett UK, joining a vibrant network of more than 700 partners, supporters, and community businesses across the country. Together, they form the cornerstone of our work to champion community ownership across the UK with the media, funders, policy makers, and other stakeholders.
Wendy Chamberlain MP and Willie Rennie MSP with the committee members outside The Haven
The Haven Community Inn has been formed by local residents in an effort to secure the local pub, The Haven in Cellardyke for the community. With support from Plunkett, the community have formed this group in order to establish funding to purchase the venue. Their aim is to develop it further as a welcoming space that continues to offer food, drink, events and builds on this to create a community hub – a flexible space where all ages can meet, take part in activities and access local services.
This initiative is part of a growing movement of over 200 community-owned pubs throughout the UK, and 18 across Scotland, which are helping to tackle rural isolation and boost local economies.
Keith Otto a member of the Haven Community Inn management group commented: “We enjoyed a chat and coffee with Wendy and Willie and those involved with the ‘Community Buy-inn’. They were keen to hear how our ‘Buy-out’ journey was progressing, and our next steps towards the ultimate goal of community ownership of a much-treasured community pub, converting it into a ‘Hub’ for the whole community.
“Having achieved Community Benefit Society (CBS) status, registered with the Financial Conduct Authority and now with our own bank account, the next step is a stage 1 application to the Scottish Land Fund.
Keith added, “Our MP and MSP were interested in understanding the problems and challenges that we had faced on the journey and how they might be able to provide support. One of the biggest difficulties is funding – there was also an honest discussion about the problems that many in the hospitality industry are currently facing, including VAT, business rates and the recent increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions.”
At the bar!
Elie Kirk Community Enterprise Limited (EKCEL) is a newly-formed Community Benefit Society working to secure the future of Elie Parish Church as a community hub. Following its disposal by the Church of Scotland, EKCEL aims to repurpose the building into a vibrant space featuring a café, heritage displays, and arts exhibitions.
The initiative has received overwhelming support from local residents, with 92% backing the community ownership model. Feasibility studies and fundraising efforts are currently underway to make the vision a reality.
Speaking during the visit, Wendy Chamberlain MP said:
“It was great to visit The Haven Inn and Elie Kirk. Both are members of Plunkett UK and fantastic examples of community spirit in action. Plunkett does brilliant work supporting people in rural areas across the country to set up and run community-owned businesses which helps keep vital local services alive and thriving.”
Willie Rennie MSP added:
“It’s inspiring to see the energy and commitment behind these initiatives. Community-owned enterprises like these are not just about saving buildings – they’re about building stronger, more connected communities.”
