Why Type A Membership Has a Defined Boundary

Glenuig Inn Community Buyout: Ensuring Local Control While Welcoming Wider Support

At Glenuig Community Inn Ltd, we’re incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm and support shown for the community buyout of Glenuig Inn. This is an exciting opportunity to bring the Inn into community ownership and secure its future for generations to come.

However, we understand that some have questions about the membership structure, particularly why Type A – Community Membership is limited to those living within a specific boundary, why Type B – Supporter Membership requires a larger buy-in, and how these decisions were made.

Why is there a boundary for Type A membership?

The decision to define a specific local area for Type A – Community Membership is not about excluding anyone, it’s about ensuring local ownership.

Our eligibility to apply for Scottish Land Fund (SLF) grant funding, which is crucial to securing the Inn’s future, requires that the majority of voting members be local residents. The SLF will only support the purchase of land or buildings where local ownership is in the majority, ensuring that key decisions about the Inn remain in the hands of those who live in and rely on it daily.

To meet this requirement, we had to set a boundary that defines the immediate Glenuig community, covering the area between Alisary Burn and Dalnabreck Burn along the A861.

Additionally, if we had widened the Type A boundary further, it would have included areas that already have similar establishments, such as Mingarry Park Hotel. The SLF discourages projects that could be viewed as displacing existing businesses, and this could have made us ineligible for funding, significantly impacting our ability to purchase the Inn buildings.

What about those who live just outside the boundary?

We know that many people from nearby villages and surrounding areas feel just as connected to Glenuig Inn as those within the boundary. You are part of our community, and we absolutely consider you locals!

That’s why we strongly encourage and welcome supporters to join as Type B – Supporter Members.

While Type B members don’t hold a majority vote, their contributions and involvement are just as important to the success of the buyout. The difference in buy-in levels helps ensure that local ownership remains at the core, while still enabling those outside the immediate area to actively participate in the Inn’s future.

To increase accessibility, we’ve also included the option for Type B applicants to form a group. If multiple individuals would like to invest but cannot meet the £2,000 minimum individually, or would like to invest a higher total amount, increasing the likelihood of their application being accepted, they can combine their investment as a group, and appoint a representative who will exercise their membership vote.

Why is the Type B minimum investment higher?

To maintain the majority local membership requirement, we had to find a way to balance the number of Type A and Type B members. Since Glenuig is a small community, the number of eligible Type A – Community Members is naturally limited.

By setting a higher buy-in for Type B – Supporter Members, we can ensure that the local community retains control, while still allowing strong engagement from those who support the Inn but live elsewhere.

We understand that this structure may feel restrictive, but we’ve worked hard to lower the barrier where possible. For example, The Old Forge community buy-out required a £10,000 minimum investment for non-local supporters, whereas we have significantly reduced the Type B minimum investment to £2,000 to encourage broader participation.

Not Ready to Buy Shares? You Can Still Help!

We know that not everyone is in a position to buy shares right now, but there are still ways to support the buyout. You can make a one-off donation or contribute to our Crowdfunder, where there are fantastic rewards for those who want to get involved without committing to shares. Every contribution, big or small, helps us bring the Inn into community ownership and secure its future.

Your Role in the Future of Glenuig Inn

Whether you qualify as a Type A – Community Member or a Type B – Supporter Member, your investment plays a crucial role in securing the Inn’s future. Every shareholder, regardless of the amount invested, gets one vote, ensuring fairness and shared decision-making.

We deeply appreciate the support from everyone who loves Glenuig Inn, whether you live in the immediate area, nearby, or further afield. This buyout is about coming together as a community to ensure that Glenuig Inn remains a vibrant, welcoming hub for all.

Thank you for being part of this journey - we couldn’t do it without you!