What is the Oakbank Inn Sandbank's future?

The Oakbank Inn plans to refurbish accommodation, create a studio/gallery, and renovate its kitchen, while also building a bridge to the marina.

How did Sandbank villagers buy the Oakbank Inn?

Villagers formed a committee, secured a Scottish Land grant, and raised funds through local share sales and volunteer hours over three years.

What is Plunkett UK's role in community pubs like the Oakbank Inn?

Plunkett UK supports community ownership, highlighting that these businesses are highly resilient with a 98% survival rate over five years.

Home / Business and Economy / Argyll Village Buys Back Its Pub After 3 Years

Argyll Village Buys Back Its Pub After 3 Years

24 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Locals transformed Sandbank's historic Oakbank Inn into a vibrant community hub.
A Scottish Land grant and local shares funded the three-year restoration project.
The pub aims to be more than a venue, fostering knitting groups and book clubs.

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.