Glenuig Secures Historic Buyout of Iconic Village Inn

We’ve done it.

After months of tireless effort, fundraising, community spirit, and more than a few late nights, we’re overjoyed to share that the Glenuig Community Inn Buyout has officially hit its optimum share offer target – and secured the funding needed to purchase the iconic Glenuig Inn.

Thanks to an incredible response to our community share offer, we raised a total of £300,182, alongside £14,420 through Crowdfunder rewards and £4,164 in direct donations. In an amazing show of local support, nearly 60% of shareholder members are Glenuig residents.

And the final piece of the puzzle? A confirmed £352,800 grant from the Scottish Land Fund, which gives us the green light to complete the sale and take this important next step as a community.

“This is just phenomenal,” said Helen MacRae, Chair of Glenuig Community Inn Benefit Society. “To reach our share offer target, exceed our fundraising goals, and secure SLF support – we can’t thank everyone enough for their belief in this project.”

From an Idea to a Movement

The idea of a community buyout began in December 2023, with locals determined to prevent a repeat of the past, where the Inn was lost to private ownership. With full support from current owner Rona Yard, the committee began negotiations in November 2024 to run the Inn for the season – with an option to buy.

Rona said:

“I am so pleased that the community has risen to the challenge of running the Inn and is now in a 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.”

A Campaign High Point

One of the most unforgettable moments of the campaign came on 28 June, when legendary band Shooglenifty raised the roof at a sold-out fundraising gig in Glenuig Hall. The event – also featuring performances from Jim Hunter, Jim Michie, Arbor Green and Dolphin Boy – raised a staggering £7,481.52, not including bar takings!

What’s Next?

While we now have the funds to complete the purchase, we’re continuing to raise an additional £25,000 to help cover start-up costs and legal fees. Every penny makes a difference as we look ahead to our first season of fully community ownership.

With this success, Glenuig proudly becomes: Scotland’s First Fully Community-Run Mainland Village

From our village hall, shop and community broadband, to the History House and coastal rowing skiff project – and now, the Glenuig Inn – this is a place where everything truly is run by the people who live here.

Committee member Malcolm Fraser reflects on the support of current Inn owner, Rona Yard:

"None of this would have been possible without the support of Rona. She has completely reinvigorated the Inn with music and social events, and its transfer into community ownership is founded on this hard work and open welcome to us, plus the generosity of her sale offer. Thank you Rona for all of your support!".

Want to Support the Next Chapter? If you missed out on the share offer and would still like to support us, you can donate online or email shares@glenuigcommunityinn.org for a chat.

Follow us on social media via Instagram, Facebook or Bluesky for updates as we finalise the sale, plan celebrations, and build a vibrant future for the Inn at the heart of our community.