Glenuig Inn sits at the head of a bay in one of the remotest parts of Scotland, less than 20 miles as the crow flies from Ardnamurchan Point, the most westerly point of mainland Britain. Less than 200 people live within the community boundaries, but we are an active community who have raised funds for (and built) a beautiful village Hall and have our own Community shop and local History Group Hut, all run by volunteers. We are proud of our achievements to build and maintain these, to help keep our community vibrant, and believe that we have the experience, skills and determination to run and own the Inn successfully.

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The Inn

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The core structure of the Glenuig Inn dates from before 1746, when troops in pursuit of Bonnie Prince Charlie burned the roof. It has been in almost continuous use since that time. In recent years it has been sympathetically restored and upgraded, with a multitude of environmentally sound improvements, such as solar power, wood pellet heating and waste biodigester. Indeed, the Inn has won green awards for its dedication to minimising its impact. Not that you would necessarily know this as you walk in our doors, as the heart of the buildings is an ancient stone Inn with a warming fire and relaxing beer garden.

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Connected by road to ‘the mainland’ only since 1966, the Inn has for centuries welcomed weary travellers on foot, boat and horseback, struggling through the wild lands and seascape of Knoydart. What a welcome sight the Inn has always been at the end of a long day! Today, the Inn welcomes not only locals but also walkers, kayakers, campers, cyclists, sailors and wild swimmers who arrive by road or sea. The Inn can accommodate visitors in six modern en-suite chalets within the grounds, with extensive parking available on site.

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If you have been here yourself, you will know that the Inn is the beating heart of the village and the view from the beer garden across the Sound of Arisaig is unrivalled. If you have not visited before, you’ll soon pull up a chair and settle down to enjoy the ‘craic’ and the great beer & food on offer. Stay longer and you may find yourself swaying along to the traditional music which is a regular feature at weekends. Stay long enough and part of you may never leave… Glenuig Inn is that kind of place.

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The Inn under community ownership

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Regular visitors know all this – and more. We are lucky to be offered the chance to inherit such an attractive, successful Inn from the outgoing landlord, Rona Yard, but we believe that there is still scope to carefully develop the Inn for wider benefit. We believe that there are new ways to extend and enhance our offering, especially by integrating with our fellow Glenuig entities – Hall, Shop and History House – to add value to residents and visitors all year round. With a new coastal rowing skiff in build (another local volunteer effort) and the current enthusiasm for outdoor adventure and watersports, we aim to build on our magnificent position at the head of Glenuig Bay as a hub for such activities. Owning our own assets to develop our ideas will enable us to become as resilient and self-sustaining as possible.

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Winter

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Winters are long and the small local population have limited opportunities to socialise and ward off the winter blues. The Inn has successfully run entertainments such as bingo sessions and quiz evenings as well as a range of popular music sessions, which always draw good crowds out of season. To build on this, we aim to open more regularly in the off season and offer morning openings a couple of days a week, to help to keep those winter blues at bay. A friendly welcome in a characterful, familiar meeting place for people to blether and enjoy human contact, this will do wonders for the health and wellbeing of our residents in the darker months. Sustaining our community is our aim, and we believe we are best placed to do so.

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Another area we propose to explore will be the Inn offering speciality weekends off season, in conjunction with the Hall. Yoga, wild foraging, sea kayaking are some of the possible subjects that have been suggested, and we will be open to further ideas. This should help us to boost income during the leaner winter period.

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All year round, a new menu, balancing old favourites and a new range offering the best of local produce will tempt visitors and locals alike, keeping the Inn buzzing.

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Why are we working to achieve this?

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Running an Inn at such a remote location is undoubtedly a challenge. We believe that with the Inn in the hands of an experienced and energetic management team and with the guidance of the local Community, employees and volunteers, that there is plenty of scope to continue and build on the successes achieved so far.

 

Hospitality businesses all over the country have been struggling in recent years, through a combination of higher costs, staff recruitment issues and a changing clientele. Yet Glenuig Inn has bucked that trend by sticking to a well-tried format that has clearly been successful. We are not suggesting any earth-shattering changes that would derail that success, simply evolution of them to stay in tune with and anticipate what may be next in the changing world of hospitality.

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To that end, we have received support and guidance from other Community owned pubs such as the excellent The Old Forge Community pub on Knoydart, who have navigated the same path to success in a remote setting. Like them, we believe that people make places, and places support people. Putting people first in this way maintains the unique Highland flavour of the Inn for our visitors, that will bring them back again and again, creating a successful, sustainable, profitable Inn. A successful Inn will offer employment and training opportunities in our area where these are usually scarce, and the income generated will help us to develop a community benefit fund.

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Above all, the Community wishes to keep the Inn as the sort of place that you will never forget, a glowing example of how a traditional Highland Inn can thrive in the modern world. Free from corporate management or upmarket prices, just a friendly place to unwind and enjoy some great food, superb views, favourite drinks and good company, all in the magnificent landscape we are lucky enough to call home.

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By supporting the Community buyout of the Inn, you will be helping to preserve something precious. Not just for us residents, but for every weary traveller who finds their way to the Glenuig Inn and rejoices that such places still exist. A home from home, just as it has been since 1746.

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With your support we’ll keep the home fire lit, ready for your arrival.