Argyll Village Buys Back Its Pub After 3 Years

The village of Sandbank in Argyll is celebrating the opening of the Oakbank Inn, its newly restored community pub. After a three-year endeavor, locals successfully purchased and revitalized the historic landmark, which had ceased operations at the end of 2022. This ambitious project was significantly aided by a Scottish Land grant of nearly £150,000 and over £23,000 raised from local share sales, alongside thousands of volunteer hours.

The Oakbank Inn is envisioned as more than just a place for drinks; it aims to be a vital community hub. Plans are in motion to host a variety of activities, from knitting groups and book clubs to exhibitions and 'sober nights,' addressing social isolation. The pub's future also includes refurbishing upstairs accommodation, creating a studio/gallery space, and renovating a commercial kitchen, with hyper-local produce from a neighboring community garden slated for use.

Despite facing challenges common to the hospitality industry, the community-owned Oakbank Inn is poised for resilience, mirroring the success of similar ventures. Plunkett UK reports a 98% five-year survival rate for community-owned businesses. Future renovations include a deck and bridge connecting to the Holy Loch marina, potentially attracting visiting boat owners. This initiative marks a significant achievement for Sandbank, offering a social lifeline and a place of pride.