How did Brydekirk residents raise funds for the Brig Inn?

Residents organized a crowdfunding appeal that raised over £21,000, alongside other community fundraising events.

What are the future plans for the Brig Inn?

The Brig Inn will be restored and will operate as a small pub and village shop, with plans for affordable accommodation upstairs.

Why was the Brig Inn closed and what condition is it in?

The pub has been empty since 2020 and suffered storm damage, loss of utilities, and has an unstable wall.

Home / Business and Economy / Scottish Village Saves Pub with £21k Fundraiser

Scottish Village Saves Pub with £21k Fundraiser

14 Jan

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Summary

Residents raised over £21,000 in four weeks through crowdfunding.
The Brig Inn, closed since 2020, will be restored and reopened.
Council rejected plans to convert the pub into housing.

Scottish Village Saves Pub with £21k Fundraiser

The Brydekirk community has successfully secured ownership of the Brig Inn pub, which had been closed since 2020. In a remarkable four-week effort, residents raised more than £21,000 via an online crowdfunding appeal, meeting the seller's asking price. This effort built upon initial funding from the Scottish Land Fund and support from South of Scotland Enterprise.

The group plans to meticulously restore the Brig Inn, transforming it into a vibrant village shop and pub. This initiative faced opposition from housing developers who had sought to convert the property for residential use, but local objections led to the council's rejection of the plans. The building requires significant repair due to storm damage and utility loss.

This community-led revival comes at a critical time for the hospitality sector. The Brig Inn and Hub aims to fill a local market gap, foster economic support for area businesses, and potentially convert the upstairs flat into much-needed affordable accommodation. The purchase must be finalized by March to secure crucial Scottish Land Fund financing.