From Storms to Celebration: Glenuig Inn Becomes Community-Owned
- sarahlwi
- Nov 19
- 3 min read
It’s been a busy and heart-warming few weeks here at Glenuig Community Inn, with plenty happening both in the bar and behind the scenes.
As autumn settles in, we wanted to share a few updates from the Inn, and most importantly, some very big news about our buy-out journey:
A Historic Day: Glenuig Inn officially Becomes Community-Owned
On Tuesday 28th October, a moment of local history was made as the Glenuig Inn officially passed into community ownership.
This milestone marks the culmination of 20 months of hard work, determination, and collaboration, from the buyout committee volunteers, staff and supporters across the country and beyond, who all believed in the vision of securing the Inn’s future for the community.
Thanks to your incredible support, through share purchases, donations, advice, and encouragement, the Glenuig Community Inn Benefit Society has achieved what once seemed a distant dream. Thanks also to Rona, the previous owner, for making the purchase possible. Together, we’ve ensured that this much-loved gathering place will remain in the hands of the people who value it most.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who helped make it happen, near and far.
When the lights went out
When Storm Amy swept through the Highlands, cutting power across the area for days, our team and community showed what true Highland spirit looks like. With candles, headtorches and plenty of determination, we kept serving food, sharing laughter and even kept the music going. A huge thank you to everyone who helped, visited, shared resources or checked in on us...you reminded us that community light shines brightest in the dark.
Glenuig Inn in the news - The Guardian
We’re celebrating another proud moment - Glenuig Inn was featured in The Weekend Guardian on October 25th, listed among the best pubs in Scotland for an autumn getaway!
The piece describes: “the Glenuig Inn, a traditional ceilidh house. Now leased and run by the community, with a full buyout in the final stages, there’s no better way to support the local economy. Stay in simple spacious rooms, and eat venison burgers and bowls of mussels in the bar, and catch a music session…”
National recognition for Glenuig
Glenuig Community Inn was honoured at a grand reception in the Scottish Parliament early this month as a Finalist for “Scotland’s Most Enterprising Community", at the Scotland Loves local awards.
Malcolm Fraser and Helen Lucas collected the certificate on our behalf. Malcolm summed it up perfectly:
“As a wee village we’re delighted at this national recognition. We know how much enterprise and initiative there is here and feel we’re part of a growing movement across Scotland. We hope to justify your celebration of our work.”
It was a proud moment to see Glenuig recognised nationally for the community effort behind the Inn’s buyout and revival.
November Highlights - What's On At The Inn
We moved to our winter opening hours week beginning 3rd November. Please take note of the new times, and remember that both Bingo and Quiz Nights now take place on Fridays.
From open jazz and trad sessions to karaoke, opera, and a special performance from Rachel Sermanni, there’s plenty happening to keep you cosy and connected this November, whether at the Inn or Glenuig Hall.
Come along, enjoy great company, local music, and hearty food, and help us make the first month of community ownership one to remember.
A visit from Brendan O’Hara MP
We were also delighted to welcome Brendan O’Hara MP to the Inn last month, and are grateful for his kind words of support:
“The food, service and accommodation were exceptional, and what has happened at Glenuig is a fantastic example of what communities can do with their most important assets.”
It’s wonderful to see this recognition of the hard work and dedication of our remarkable team, whose passion and hospitality make everything possible.
Wear your support
Our new Glenuig Inn merchandise is here (modelled above by our lovely team!), including organic cotton t-shirts, hoodies, beanies, baseball caps and printed neck warmers. Every piece was made by local business Magpie Makes, and helps raise funds for the community buyout. Pop into the Inn to pick yours up and wear it with pride. Merch will be available online in the next few months.
Finally
Your belief in this project has safeguarded a vital community asset and created new opportunities for generations to come.
The next chapter begins now, and we can’t wait to share more about what’s ahead. As we move from purchase to planning, there are still plenty of ways to get involved.
Stay tuned for updates as together we shape the future of Glenuig Community Inn.
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