A HIGHLAND pub is set to be bought over by the local community following a successful funding grant.
The Glenuig Inn in Lochaber has become a popular spot for trad musicians and contains stonework dating back to a building burned down in 1746 by soldiers pursuing Bonne Prince Charlie.
After months of fundraising, the Glenuig Community Inn Buyout has hit its optimum share offer target of £300,000 and secured the money needed to buy the iconic inn, thanks to a grant from the Scottish Land Fund.
Almost 60% of shareholders are residents of Glenuig.
The purchase of the pub reportedly means Glenuig will become Scotland’s first fully community-run mainland village, with several other businesses such as the village shop already run by villagers.
Alongside share offer response, the campaign has brought in £14,420 through Crowdfunder rewards and a further £4164 in direct donations.
A confirmed grant from the Scottish Land Fund means that Glenuig now has the green light and the funds to complete the purchase.
“We’re absolutely over the moon,” said Helen MacRae, chair of Glenuig Community Inn Benefit Society.
“To reach our share offer target, exceed our fundraising goals, and secure SLF support is just phenomenal. We can’t thank everyone enough for their support.”
Rona Yard, current owner of Glenuig Inn, added: “The idea of a community buyout began in December 2023. No-one in the community wanted a repeat of what happened in the past, where the locals lost their local.
"I was fully supportive of this, and after running the pub single-handedly last season, I had no wish or energy to run it this year.
"I was therefore truly grateful that in November 2024 we started negotiations for the community to run the pub this season with an option to buy. I am so pleased that they have risen to the challenge of running the Inn and now are in the position to buy it.
"I wish them luck and hope they continue with all the community events and focus on sustainability which myself and my family put in place.”
The high point of the campaign came on June 28 when band Shooglenifty raised the roof at a sold-out fundraising gig at Glenuig Hall.
The event, which also featured performances from Jim Hunter, Jim Michie, Arbor Green and Dolphin Boy, raised £7481.52, excluding bar takings – which are expected to add even more to the total.
While the community now has sufficient funds to complete the purchase of the Inn, a further £25,000 is needed to reach the overall fundraising target of £700,000.
These additional funds will ensure the community can comfortably cover initial operating costs for the first six months of ownership and meet the various fees associated with the buyout process.
Anyone who would like to support the community further can contact shares@glenuigcommunityinn.org for more details.
