Punters at mainland Britain’s most remote pub have secured the future of their beloved boozer after raising enough money to buy it through a community share offer. This buyout is a success not only for the locals but also for the model of ownership that is saving many pubs in the UK.
Only accessible by boat or two-day hike through rugged Scottish landscapes The Old ForgeThe only pub in Inverie village (population 110). It was a hub for the community for years. But its future was uncertain after the previous owner closed it during winter.
Locals became inspired by community buyouts. They formed the Old Forge Community Benefit Society and raised £320,000 through a community share offer, with additional funding coming from the Scottish Land Fund and Community Ownership Fund. The pub will reopen at the Easter holidays.
“When you live in a place like this, you need these kind of spaces – they are so much more than a place to go and drink,” Stephanie Harris, the society’s secretary, told Positive News. “We can now tailor what we provide to make sure we are benefiting as many people as possible.”
Image: The Old Forge
